THE PUNDITS gathered once more and talked about presidential aspirants while enjoying their coffee. One murmured his coffee was not too hot so the server replaced it.
The rest loved their cappuccino and Americano. I joined them with a cool drink as I do not drink coffee as much as they do. I do not crave for it in the early mornings.
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The golfer started the ball rolling: “Let’s talk about Ping Lac. Talks circle around that he never asked neither accepted pork barrel ever since he became a senator. Would that mean he is clean and straight? Would that mean he is incorruptible?”
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“Perhaps he simply wants to work as a legislator and not as an architect or become a pogi donor of infra projects because his office is a law-making one,” said the teacher.
“That is why I am surprised why Congress people are the once deciding which roads to build or repair and which bridges or schools to do. It seems they are acting as engineers and builders and not legislators,” said the golfer.
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“Let us look at Ping Lac who has paired himself with Tito Sen who belongs to the famed Eat Bulaga television program airing for decades now. Probably Ping Lac has seen the hatak votes of the television favorite. And the count of fans and viewers is in the millions,” the lawyer added.
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“Ping Lac is a productive senator and he combats what deserves to be fought. But at times he swings his shoulders and rides on with the tide. Also, the guy just lacks the charisma. Charm is a vote-winner in the Filipino culture,” said the golfer.
“His PR campaign does not touch the hearts of Filipinos though we think he is a good leader,” said the teacher.
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“He was dragged in the Kuratong Baleleng issue years ago…At least the guy is strong-willed and there is that character of a leader in him. We could not afford to have soft-hearted leaders; matigas ang ulo ng Pinoy,” the teacher stressed.
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“He just needs to improve his personal touch and charm; more smiles and whatever. Let us wait and see the battle royale,” concluded the engineer and finished his cappuccino.
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This column greets Marlon Navarro, Jerome Espejo, Nelson Polido, Harold Geronimo, Nathaniel Pugales, Noel Jimenez, Pike Santander, Artemio Colmedora Jr., Dialita Jardeleza, Ronnie Gabalda, and Ramon Cua Locsin./PN
