On Election Bans

AS the midterm election draws near, reports of violations of the Comelec mandated sizes of election posters and propaganda materials are rampant in Metro Manila. This led election authorities assisted by the police to dismantle these materials and issue warnings to candidates against violating Comelec rules or face possible criminal prosecution and ban from running for office they are aspiring for. This column wholly supports the actions of the Comelec and even would encourage the electorate not to vote for the candidates who are obviously violating Comelec’s regulations. Indeed, it is sad to note that if these candidates cannot observe the required rules even before they are elected into office, they would be prone to abuse their powers once elected in office. We are glad to observe, however, that here in Metro Naga and other neighboring municipalities violations of the Comelec rule is not as rampant.

The campaign sorties of political parties and their respective candidates are now in their vigorous pitch. As usual, it has been observed that instead of enlightening the voters on pressing issues of hunger and poverty, other economic issues and lack of job openings for most of our people especially young graduates, and what they plan to do about them if elected, candidates would rather dance and sing on stage and act as movie entertainers. This is indeed unfortunate and it is even more unfortunate that the audience seems to enjoy the show. We longed for those days when we have in the Senate the late Lorenzo Tanada, Jovito Salonga, Ninoy Aquino, and our own Bicolano senator Dominador Aytona to name a few. As the late Vice-President Emmanuel Pelaez had said to my late uncle Brig. General Tomas B. Karingal after surviving an assassination attempt, and I quote: “What’s happening to our country, General?”

TRIVIA: Congratulations to KGOR Salvador “Badong” Cajot and KGOR Simeon “Sim” Adan for successfully representing our local chapter of the Knights of Rizal in the last 22nd International Assembly held last February 22, 23 and 24 in Antipolo City. Much as I wanted to attend the Assembly as the Commander of the local chapter, I had to beg off as I was the Chairman of the Election Committee during the annual election of the IBP Camarines Sur and Naga City Chapter held last February 24. The Keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies of the Assembly was Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense who is himself a KGOR.

Belated Congratulations to our family friend Henry Pardo who celebrated his Nth birthday anniversary last February 16 with a dinner-fellowship at Villa Caceres together with this writer, my spouse Minda our friends spouses Totoy and Cora Reorizo. Henry and his lovely spouse Mellie were here in Naga for a sojourn. They are now permanent residents of Los Angeles, California.

Belated Congratulations also to my AdeNU high school ‘54 batch mates Tim Borromeo and Pomping Requinta who jointly celebrated their Nth birthday anniversary last February 24 with a luncheon-fellowship at the Bob Marlin Resto-Bar with their batch mates and their respective spouses. They literally rolled out the barrel by serving Hennesy and Dimple whiskies and red wines for the ladies.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “LIFE AND DEATH ARE ONE, EVEN AS THE RIVER AND THE SEA ARE ONE.” KHALIL GIBRAN

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “HEAR THEN WHAT THE LORD SAYS: ARISE, PRESENT YOUR PLEA BEFORE THE MOUNTAINS, AND LET THE HILLS HEAR YOUR VOICE.” MICAH 6:1