What Now? [A Reaction]

WHAT NOW?

An Open Forum on

Resolving the Crisis in the Presidency

Opposition
Francis Escudero
Rolex Sulpico
Roilo Golez

Administration

Prospero Nograles

Rolando Andaya
Luis Villafuerte

Speakers

Friday, 15 July 2005

6.00 pm

Ateneo Professional Schools Auditorium

I knew i made the right decision when i attended the forum last night. WHen Koko told me about it last Friday, i couldnt help but be excited [the geekoid side of me i guess] 'coz i wouldnt miss the chance to see a forum with both sides well-represented. It was supposed to start at 6 but as expected, the forum began an hour late.

It startedwith the Opposition missing one "team member", Roilo Golez. The speakers were given the chance to give their opening messages within the one-minute time limit. The administration speakers' opening messages were more entertaining than informational, not that i mind. After all these debates, i must admit that i appreciate their effort to not make it a "dramatic" forum. When it was the time of the opposition, they (specifically, Cis Escudero) were more serious about it, i noticed that a lot of women are actually giggly so i asked Koko.. "Bakit kinikilig un mga tao?"

He nonchalantly replied, "Di mo ba alam na madaming may crush kay Cis?"

With a bewildered look i uttered, "Ah talaga.." The forum went on, with a lot of very witty remarks from both sides. If there's one thing that bothered me, it's the partial treatment of Dean Roy in handling the discussion. He may not be aware of it, but he was obviously favoring the side of the opposition. I didnt take it against the opposition for it's Dean Roy who should be accountable for his actions. I also noticed the "pikon side" of Roilo Golez whom i didnt really appreciate because of his "this is all about me and my achievements" attitude. I rolled my eyes when he actually read aloud a forwarded text message when it was not really related to the particular issue being discussed at that exact moment.

Now, let me talk about Francis Escudero. Besides the fact that a lot of women are apparently so into him, i think i must give credit to his always calm approach on things. Being a fellow UPian, i dont blame him for being so "aktibista" in his thinking, it's really nothing personal but i always find myself opposing the points that he raises. When he said that they will only accept Noli De Castro if his stand on the things that matter to them e.g EVAT will be in accordance to what they think is right, what crossed my mind was the understanding that this definitely will never end. Noli De Castro is (accdg to the constitution) our next president if GMA steps down. This is irregardless of his stand, his future decisions, or his credentials. What is alarming is the scenario that they will still make him step down if he doesnt succumb to their demands. He raised a point which i think it commendable. WHen Villafuerte said "... kung gusto nyo, ibigay na natin kay FPJ un lahat ng boto ng Mindanao, mananalo parin si FPJ, Assuming na nandaya siya sa Mindanao, edi sige ibigay na yan." Escudero pointed out that if someone cheated, may it be getting a few votes from it or a lot, IT IS STILL CHEATING. I agree with him. It is bad logic on the part of Villafuerte to assume that even if GMA cheated, if it didnt really affect the result of the elections then it doesnt matter anymore. I also agree with him when he said that it is our right to freely express our grievances, our opinions, he even quoted someone from "The American President" but what i think should also be pointed out is that every right is limited when it is exercised at the expense of other people's rights. I give it to them that they have the right to question the mandate of the president, but still, they have to be considerate of other people's lives. The implications of all these rallying and all these calls for resignation. It may look unfair that these people who are rallying are stopped by checkpoints. But come to think of it, it is but natural to be "on alert mode" if you know that something out of the ordinary is about to happen. Nonetheless, i salute Escudero for remaining in his "dignified" state, despite and inspite of. We may be different in our opinions but your opinions are always as good as mine. We all are speculating anyway.

My Personal Faves in the Points raised by the Administration:

1. The damage to the economy that these rallies are inflicting is too much for us to handle. - Villafuerte
2. I dont have anything against rallies if the people behind it only want to express themselves, their opinions, their beliefs. But what i oppose is the fact that some of those behind these rallies are doing these to make our economy collapse and in the end, blame the President for its destruction. - Andaya

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fun part... like starstruck fans we decided to take advantage of the Photo ops created by the event.


Feeling close conversation:
Jersee: we loved your arguments sir.
VIllafuerte: thank you. some people are pushing these things to the limit. they even are pretending that they represent everyone, even those in the provinces.
Jersee: i agree sir, the damage that it's causing us is too much.
VIllafuerte: this is the best time to buy stocks..
Jersee: if we hit rock bottom, there's no way but up.. right sir.


Andaya all the way:
Melody (to Andaya): Can we take your picture?
Andaya: SUre, sure.. this is rare coz usually they wanna take pictures of Cis (Escudero)
Jersee: We're a rare breed of women.


Text conversation with Koko Crunch:
Jersee: why dya leave? we're supposed to take pics of your dad with us. Go to starbucks now! hehe, just kiddin.
Koko: we're in oyster bar. daan daw kayo.
Jersee: Seriously?
Koko: yupyup, will wait for you here.
Jersee: were' coming.