BY TOOTS JIMENEZ JR.
OUR RECENT “coffee talk” sessions have proven to be both exciting and amusing as a mix of diverse minds delved into various hot topics over cups of joe.
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AN engineer expressed his dismay, questioning the fickleness of policies in our government, using the transport modernization program as a prime example of indecisiveness.
“The initial strict enforcement proposed by the technocrats quickly met resistance from street protesters and traditional jeepney drivers,” the engineer explained. “Suddenly, as elections approach, politicians are flipping their stances, pushing for a suspension to curry favor with voters. They turn into heroes overnight, pandering to the affected drivers.”
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A retired banker offered a creative solution, “Why not refurbish the old jeepneys instead of removing them? Transforming them could turn them into tourist attractions.”
A priest chimed in, sipping his smoothie, “It’s puzzling how those appointed to lead seem to turn into ‘yes men’ for higher powers, forgetting the common ‘tao’ (people).”
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The engineer continued, advocating for local craftsmanship, “We should renovate these jeepneys locally instead of relying solely on foreign manufacturers. These so-called modern air-conditioned jeepneys are more akin to buses than the cultural icons we cherish.”
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Switching topics, the priest highlighted the upcoming political climate with the midterm election on the horizon. “The usual suspects are positioning their relatives for succession to maintain power, a clear sign of entrenched political dynasties. A lady senator wants her daughter to take her place. What for? Of course to stay in power and with the gods.”
The banker added a cynical yet realistic take on elections, “Ultimately, it boils down to money. Few can win without substantial financial backing. It’s a marketplace where votes are sold and bought.”
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A businessman bit into his cookie as he discussed the prevalence of political dynasties, “In one Visayan province, a husband aims for mayor, the wife for Congress, and the son for governor. It’s a familiar story across the board.”
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As the talk concluded, speculation about national leadership was rife.
“Let us see who will run as the next president of this kenkoy country. Who will succeed the son of the dictator?” asked the priest. “The vice president?
“She has charisma and follows the style of her Tatay. She is brave and principled, they say,” said the engineer. “She is never a weak lady and that makes everyone fear her.”
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Locally, the uncertainty was just as pronounced.
Who is running as city mayor of Bacolod? Is it still Albee, or ex-mayor Bing, or Cong. Greg?
In Iloilo City, will it still be Jerry?
And how about Cebu City – Alvin’s son or still Rama?
The coffee talk session ended on a note of eager anticipation for the political battles ahead./PN
