An election theme song?

Philippine politics should adopt a theme song. I recommend the old folk ditty, "Paro-parong Bukid". It is the season for butterflies, you see. Politicians, Philippine version, love to flit from party to party, and they have started doing it already. The term "political butterfly" is very aptly applied to candidates in this country.

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The Opposition has just seen several of its members flitting off to more promising flower gardens, for one reason or another. The most recent, and most prominent are two former senators, both losers in the last election, who are now obviously trying to ensure their victory on the wings of another party. The other day, Vic Sotto and Tessie Aquino Oreta took off and landed on the lap of the Administration. In case you have forgotten who Oreta is, she was the senadora who danced a jig when their group succeeded in keeping that controversial envelope unopened during the Erap impeachment hearing, about seven years ago.

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Two others have flown away from the Opposition group, but not for the same reasons, since they are not seeking inclusion in anybody's party. One is former senator, Francisco Tatad, who took two pages of newspaper advertisement to explain why he was leaving. Kit Tatad was protesting against the growth of dynasties that appears to be abetted by the Opposition. Well, we have also expressed our apprehension over all those family cliques, but voters don't seem to mind, they pick them anyway.

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The latest to jump off is Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who should be the biggest loss, being the president of the Puersa ng Masang Pilipino. But Enrile is also not joining the other camp, the just wanted out, and party speakers say it could because of his friendship with Oreta and Sotto. Well, more interesting times are ahead. As for Sotto and Oreta, they may find some resistance form the old guards of Lakas and Kampi. Already, Rep. Prospero Pichay has vowed to block their inclusion in their ticket. Rep. Luis Villafuerte has also snorted something unflattering about people looking for "free rides". Let's wait for what President GMA will say.

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We are also waiting for what she will say about the Iloilo Capitol fiasco because, so far, what has only been mentioned is that she told an official of the League of Cities that she will "look into it". But let's not be impatient, remember that it took her almost one month before she came out and talked about the Hello Garci thing. Since she is still in Switzerland now selling the country as an investment haven, let's give her time, maybe up to Valentine's Day. I hope she does it before the Philippine National Police Chief has pinned medals on the Iloilo attack men for their alleged "heroism".

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The wedding I attended in Iloilo Wednesday had originally been scheduled today, but the parties had to move it because they remembered on time that this will be Dinagyang weekend and it might be difficult to move around the city. And even on Wednesday and Thursday, we were already having traffic difficulties since some streets had been closed for the festival. Anyway, I'm sure many people from this city and province will still be going to Iloilo for the celebration, and I think they will be interested to know some of the ground rules for the festivities.

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Well, the police there have announced that security will be very tight, so those who join the fun on the streets must not paint or cover their faces, must not carry knives or guns, pointed objects, bottles or backpacks. They must also avoid wearing real jewelry and must not wave their cellphones around to avoid being robbed. As for the girls, the cops are asking them not to wear outfits that are revealing if they don't want to be molested. So leave those tubes, bare midriff tees and hotpants behind - unless you're asking to be groped or pinched. The cops may be a little strict, but you want to have fun, don't you? You won't have it if you have to spend most of the day reporting something at the police station, or mourning over the loss of your valuables. And if you get into trouble, don't say you weren't warned. Now go and enjoy your "dagyang"!*

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