Nation salutes a
national treasure

The Filipino nation the past few days virtually toasted their national hero, Dolphy, the memorable comedian.

Almost everybody, including President Benigno Aquino III, paid their tribute to Dolphy. He is best remembered for having sent Pinoys rollicking in laughter at his antics which reflected the common tao.

But Dolphy is not just remembered for his comical antics, many swore by his humility and how he cared for others. Even those he hardly knew, such as the vendors of the Baclaran Church.

The ABS-CBN network not only named a hall in his honor, they also turned out en masse, led by CEO Gabby Lopez to pay tribute to him in hours-long rites that lasted to the evening.

Nothing I have seen could equal the accolade bestowed on Dolphy by a caring nation. Although he was not given the award as National Artist, still belatedly, the NCCA made overtures to give him the honor that was his due.

I was one of the few Dolphy fans since a young reporter of the defunct Manila Chronicle. Although biased against Tagalog movies, I hardly missed any of Dolphy’s cinemas which I viewed with delight with my late wife, Dr. Lourdes L. Espina.

So, I speak as Dolphy’s fan when I also pay my tribute to the Filipino “King of Comedies”.

                                          ***

Yesterday, local periodicals reported that the number of mayors supporting the reelection of Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. had risen to 21 with the addition of three more town executives.

Unfortunately, their names were not released. That means, therefore, that the majority of the local executives of the province has by a slight margin voted in favor of Maranon.

But the more relevant development was the cancellation of the session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan with the Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, the presiding officer himself, absent.

Despite his insistence that he is not aspiring for the position of Marañon, Alvarez hinted unmistakable terms that the quest is not imaginary, but has basis in fact.

Former Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco, UNA founder and acknowledged leader of the coalition, had reportedly informed Alvarez that he preferred him to run for governor in lieu of Marañon.

Until now, Cojuangco has not yet confirmed that signal, and both Alvarez and Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco disclaimed having discussed with Cojuangco about the local political situation.

So what’s the real score?

Are these skirmishes just part of a psy-war scenario or is it serious enough to warrant second thoughts by the Negrense voters?

Despite the head counting of mayors, Alvarez claimed that it is the congressmen who will decide with Cojuangco who will be the UNA provincial bet. Marañon, on the other hand, also said that the congressmen also listen to their mayors? In short, that the local executives wield more influence with the voters than the solons.

Well, that’s how the argument goes as of this hour. Who actually will choose the coalition’s provincial bet?

There’s only one thing wrong with Cojuangco as the final arbiter. He is not a Negrense. He is from Tarlac who had opted to stay in Negros for his interests. Yet, our local leaders would give him the final say on who should run for governor of the province?*

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