As a kapwa Uragon (Bicol term for “smart, wise, exceptional, etc), I should have felt pity for what happened to Senator Leila de Lima.
But, I was surprised that it did not happen. I was even asking myself, “How come I could not sympathize with her, neither could I believe her?”
Like any other citizens of this country who have followed her stories and controversies, scandals and the way she handled them, “pity” would be the last word I could give her.
Maybe, I saw her so gallant and very powerful especially during the height of those issues, when she always had this brave front and talked like she is Ms. Perfect—the most righteous one and has committed no mistake.
“Lahat na ng mga taong isinangkot siya sa mga isyung naging dahilan ng kanyang pagkakakulong ay pinalabas niyang mga sinungaling, maliban lang sa kanya.”
Perhaps, that is the very core of what I am feeling for her right now. Bicolanos are known for being so brave and yet so humble in times of seeking truth. More so, Uragons’ manner of displaying gallantry is based on a peaceful heart and a calmer soul.
In this very cynical world where no one is spared of being pre-judged or misjudged, Senator de Lima is no exception as she yet seems to continue to be living and believing her own laws.
What a pity!
★★★★★
That is why we fully understand what former Senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada had posted in their social media accounts on De Lima’s controversial surrender.
Sen. Jinggoy’s livid reaction wasn’t surprising when de Lima made a request from the authorities that would serve her warrant to let her stay in the Senate first. It was even accommodated by Senate President Koko Pimetel. Those actions also sparked citizens like us to wonder why.
“Why do you have to seek refuge in the Senate? We never sought for refuge when you had us arrested!! Who are you to demand where you want to be jailed? We never did that during your time! We surrendered even before the warrant of arrest was served. We went to Crame immediately. Can’t you do the same? SHAME ON YOU,” were Sen. Jinggoy’s words.
“Ngayon naramdaman mo na rin kung ano ang naramdaman namin at ng aming pamilya,” reacted Sen. Bong.
While Sen. Jinggoy’s questioned legalities, technicalities and morals of serving the warrant and surrender, Sen. Bong’s hit de Lima’s emotions and conscience.
And now that she is placed almost in the same vicinity where these two good leaders are detained for three years now, everybody is looking forward as to how de Lima will utilize her feistiness and intelligence.
For now we can only agree with Sen. Bong’s message to her that states, “Senator De Lima, you should welcome this development as an opportunity to face the serious allegations against you in the proper forum. Be strong and hold on to your faith. It is the only thing that keeps me going everyday while in detention. God has a way of meting out His Divine Justice.”
Yun na!
★★★★★
On the showbiz front, we watched and enjoyed “Tawag ng Tanghalan’s” last quarterfinal round on It’s Showtime.
We were so impressed by the showcase of very talented contenders who sang like professionals.
Various genres and styles were heard and seen, and we could not agree less on the judges’ decision to campaign for fellow Bicolano Froilan Canlas who truly sings songs that are not even for contest and yet appears like he is already a champion.
But, since text votes are part of the whole elimination process, Froilan never made the cut. His fellow semifinalists Carl Montecido of Visayas and Sam Mangubat of Luzon are now qualified to compete in the grand finals.
But in a manner of putting surprise, It’s Showtime management decided to give a break and last chance to those semifinalists from first, second, third and last quarters in a “wild card round”, where the last two grand finalists will be chosen.
Yes, this coming week, TNT will feature all the 14 contenders in a battle that can be called grand finals of the semifinalists!
Whewww! Kung sa iilan pa nga lang ay nahihilo na kami, sa ganun pa kayang kadaming sobrang huhusay kumanta?
Only in It’s Showtime’s “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”
