Government Must Protect Its Credibility

Understandably, government spokesmen are trying to downplay events of the past few days. That may just be the thing that will erode confidence. While these recent man-made disasters shouldn't be made bigger than life, government must not make people think these are anything but serious.

How can the police authorities, for instance, say that the Glorietta and Megamall incidents are not related to the hostilities in Mindanao? They don't know that for sure. At least, not at the time they were asked, which was a few minutes after the incidents happened. General Aglipay was wrong to say early on that the Megamall incident had nothing to do with the one in Glorietta. True enough, General Lacson the following day conceded there could be a relationship. Or the work of "rightists".

The truth is, they don't know and that's what they should say. To his credit, that was how Defense Secretary Orly Mercado handled it when he was interviewed by the ABS-CBN News Channel in the wake of the Megamall bombing. Orly explained they have a number of theories. The problem is, media is forcing them to choose one before they are ready. Orly went on to explain our predicament: the situation is a cause for concern but we also cannot give the terrorists the pleasure of seeing us cower in fear.

It also makes no sense blaming the police authorities for their inability to prevent the bombings. It is obvious the PNP top brass are doing what they should. They inspected the Megamall the day before the bombing. That a bomb exploded anyway, only shows there is no security precaution good enough to stop a determined terrorist. We are ultimately, our own protectors. The best precautions are those that we take on our own, using discretion and common sense, to protect ourselves and our families.

It will also help if the Cabinet members do not try to undercut each other. That fiasco over the statement of Jun Siazon and seconded by Ronnie Zamora about the $2 million demand of the Abu Sayyaf for the sick German woman's release should not happen again. Poor Robert Aventajado who was following what he thought was the administration line. The Philippine government sounded confused and pathetic.

No wonder the Malaysian ambassador decided to take things in his own hands, with Jun Siazon's permission, he says. I don't blame the Malaysians for being worried, given that the hostages were taken from their territory and there have been three long weeks of nothing. Besides, since it was the Malaysians who covertly supported the Muslim rebellion in Mindanao and Sulu, they may have a better leverage to get positive results.

The same thing is true with the former Libyan ambassador. Those terrorists were trained in Libya and financed by Libya at one point, and should therefore be more in debt with the Libyans. I don't see this as interference, given our government's seeming confusion and helplessness and inability to deliver.

The big danger with Malaysia's and Libya's so-called interference has more to do with our crushed egos if they manage to deliver results. Imagine if the Malaysian ambassador manages to free the hostages... that would make our officials look like a bunch of bumbling jokers. World public opinion will forget the problem was the result of Malaysian recklessness, to begin with.

In any case, the government must work hard to keep its credibility by telling the public what the real score is instead of what they wish the score should be. Making "bola" does not work and makes things worse by leaving us to our fertile imagination. Every Filipino knows we as a nation are up to our necks in s--t, all they want to know is, for how long.

It isn't quite blood on the street. It is more of blood on a mall corridor. And the market's in a down spin. Is it time to start buying stocks?

A market analyst interviewed on the stock market coverage of the ABS-CBN News Channel was categorical: stay away for a few days. That's good advice simply because no one really knows how bad things could be.

But it is tempting to start buying. Ayala Corporation at P7.10! Benpres at P3.75! Ayala Land at P4.10! SM Prime Holdings, the only significant blue chip that made more money during the first quarter compared to last year, is also cheap at P4.25. You can't get this kind of prices in normal times.

I guess there is another rule to follow. Don't buy if the blood is too fresh on the street and it has just started to spill. In other words, if things have a bigger chance of getting worse, those stock prices will plunge some more. There is no doubt Ayala is now dirt cheap. But it could get cheaper.

However, don't forget another rule. Don't get greedy. It is also possible things will get better quickly... the hostages can be released overnight unexpectedly and they can sign a peace pact in Mindanao while we are amusing ourselves watching Ally MacBeal. In such a case, buying Ayala tomorrow will be too late.

Why is this so complicated? Maybe because life is and making honest money is never that easy.

Here are some short takes from reader Orly Morabe, the ones I could use without getting excommunicated.

Why is it so hard for women to find men who are sensitive, caring and good-looking? Because those men already have boyfriends.

What is it when a man talks dirty to a woman? Sexual Harassment.

What is it when a woman talks dirty to a man? $3.99 a minute

What's the difference between a new husband and a new dog? After a year, the dog is still excited to see you.

What makes men chase women they have no intention of marrying? The same urge that makes dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving.

Who is the most popular guy at the nudist colony? The guy who can have a cup of coffee in each hand and still carry a dozen dounuts.

Do you know why they call it a Wonder Bra? When she takes it off, you wonder were the breast went.

Do you know the punishment for bigamy? Two mothers-in-law.

(Boo Chanco's e-mail address is [email protected])