"If you can't make the audience laugh in one minute, make them cry and then magpaalam ka na (say goodbye)."

This is one of the rules of thumb being followed by Team Unity as they go about campaigning throughout the country, Zambales Governor Vic Magsaysay said.

Magsaysay, who was with Senator Edgardo Angara and presidential chief-of-staff Mike Defensor in Dumaguete City over the weekend, revealed the guideline in a press conference after a question was raised about their reaction to opposition charges that, their line-up is composed of political turncoats, opportunists and traitors.

This has been a long-standing charge and counter-charge in several elections now. Now, we have decided to stop answering questions of that nature, Magsaysay said.

We have instructions from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo against engaging in any debate involving character assassination, he said. "When you hit the campaign trail, present yourself for one minute and proceed with the presentation," he quoted the President as having told them, "so that you don't have to answer these kinds of questions."*AP

back to top