Exchanges clear up 'secret
deals and lives' of politicos

There have been warnings against mudslinging and muckraking among political rivals. But that is counter-productive. Perhaps never before have the population been given a chance to glimpse into the "secret lives and deals" of politicos. Mediamen are themselves among the principal rooters for the present trend. Not that it gives them a chance to write so much about the candidates and their shenanigans, but even to invent their own stories.

But, as pointed out by both Primo Esleyer and Mode Saonoy, both former presidents of the Negros Press Club, these exposés bring to the surface things which had hitherto been swept under the rug by the politicians themselves.

But the free debate provoked by the democratic atmosphere, seems to have brushed aside that syndrome. In the past, political rivals sort of agreed to limit their exposés to what was "acceptable" to either side. Never the really dirty lines. Thus, the voters found themselves given the choice of between two lesser evils.

Not now, at least in the Bacolod scene, the situation has given way to a new mindset - throw the book at the other, including the kitchen sink if needed.

Which is actually good. Including personal escapades seem to have been licensed as possible topics for hitters.

The only problems with hired "hitters" is that they, themselves, are seemingly exempt from the brickbats. Politicos normally focus their tirades against their rivals not their hirelings. Thus, the torch-bearers run riot with their tirades against their master's targets.

But sometimes that catches up with them. As in the case of former broadcaster Alex Paglomutan. I must admit that Alex at first became a heroic figure when he "resigned from the Games and Amusement Board" because he wanted to serve Bacolod and its population as a member of the city council.

But later, when he whaled against Rep. Monico Puentevella as the non-patron in his accession to the GAB post, all that Eric Tenerife did was just play his oath-taking before Puentevella later, the more devastating speech he delivered afterwards. There, he categorically declared that he was going to be grateful until his death for the appointment to the GAB secured for him by Newks.

That had a devastating impact on the credibility of Paglomutan, he may still be able to come up with a lot of facts and figures about Puentevella but all those things will have to hurdle the issue of his credibility. Worse, Paglomutan may have thought that former Rep. John Orola, Jr. had accepted his public apology as conforming to the display of repentance he had pledged in return for Orola's withdrawal of the latter's libel case against him.

Unfortunately, Orola, himself, came forward and thumbed it down. The case will be heard again this week. In short, he had not conformed to the agreement of the conditions by the former solon which I had been briefed about by Orola, himself, sometime back in Manila.

Anyway, that's just an aside from the main topic. The exposés do serve a helpful purpose. They enlighten the voters on how their candidates have conducted themselves while in office and the largesse they get from their allowances and development funds.

But there is also a danger to the independents. They may be enjoying themselves watching the exchanges from the sidelines, hoping that somehow they will be the principal beneficiaries.

Unfortunately, their silence only serves to erase them from the public mind. While watching safely from their sanctuaries, they may have forgotten that name recall is important in elections. And one who seldom gets mentioned often finds himself/herself consigned to the realm of the forgotten.

I agree with both Saonoy and Esleyer that not being hit in the cross fires means one is safe. Sorry, but to the timid nothing is gained by their timidity.

Now, the other development. First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is still in the danger list. He needs another 24 hours to be able to hurdle possible complications from his 10-hour surgery.

We join President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and his family in praying for Mike that God allow him to hurdle the present crisis of his life. That incident in Mike's life should also catechize us on the fact that God stealthily serves the summons to us and never at our own time. That death may often just snatch us away when we think we have everything we need in life.

But that is a word only for those who listen. The rest of us simply gloss over it and go our own merry way until we find ourselves served the summons.*

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