Sen. Ninoy's 26th death anniversary, dubbed as "Dilaw para sa Pagbabago", called for change in governance. There were occasional friendly political banters, but no heart-wrenching insults; although, the incumbent president probably deserves one straight to the gut.
Arguably the highlight of the four-hour program was the speech of Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. The younger Aquino, who was introduced by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, had a rock star entrance to the tune of "Tie a Yellow Ribbon." (chuckles)
When he hit the podium, all ears were his as people awaited plans for 2010, but Sen. Noynoy kept his future on the wraps. Instead, he adamantly refused Malacañang's offer to build a monument for his late mother, former president Corazon "Cory" Aquino.
"Building a monument without the virtue of a decent leadership makes the monument worthless," Sen. Noynoy said in Filipino.
Yesterday, Pres. Arroyo ordered the building of Mrs. Aquino's monument in Rizal Park, Manila on time for her January birthday next year.
To lighten the mood, there was a pseudo concert. My favorite has to be Noel Cabangon singing an original entitled, "Isang Mabuting Pilipino." The upbeat song and Cabangon's innate charisma got the crowd on their feet.
After the concert and speeches, a solemn candle-lighting ceremony was held while the statue of Sen. Ninoy was being blessed.
More jubilation followed after as people were singing and dancing like the Messiah descended upon them. The cite reminded me of Mardi Gras less the nudity and plus a sense of patriotism.
Some notable figures present were Former Vice-President Teofisto Guingona, Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño, National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbrera, former Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky" Soliman, Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes and ZTE-NBN whistle-blower Rodolfo “Jun" Lozada Jr.
Shoptalk for CPV
On the sidelines of the event, ZTE-NBN whistle-blower Jun Lozada hinted about his political ambitions. Asked about the possibility of him joining the fray of hopefuls in 2010, Mr. Lozada told me, "In God's time."
"Gusto ko munang tapusin ang labang sinimulan ko para sa katotohanan (First, I want to finish the fight for truth that I started.)," he said, adding that before he had to set his political ambitions aside because he was accused of politicking.
Asked if 2010 would mark his debut in the political arena, Mr. Lozada said, "Baka sa susunod pa (Probably in the next election)." He also gave a sly smiles when I asked what particular seat he is eyeing.
To recall, Mr. Lozada rose from relative anonymity when he exposed the involvement of key government officials including no less than President Arroyo and former Commission on Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos in the botched $329.2 million-worth broadband project.
©Grace Ramos
No comments:
Post a Comment