‘GMA slip like Miriam Quiambao’s at pageant’

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye commended President Arroyo’s poise for gamely standing up to deliver her extemporaneous speech after landing on her rear end at the back of a pick-up truck and makeshift stage in Quezon province the other day.

Speaking over government-run Radyo ng Bayan yesterday, Bunye sought to downplay the embarrassing incident, comparing the President’s composure instead to that of Binibining Pilipinas title holder Miriam Quiambao, who emerged as first runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant even after an embarrassing fall on the ramp.

"If you were able to watch the Miss Universe contest, we have seen Philippine candidate Miriam Quiambao slip and fall on stage," Bunye recalled.

"But she (Quiambao) stood up and as if she did not slip at the stage, she went on to win as first runner-up in the pageant," Bunye said.

"And so this is the poise that President Arroyo has shown there," Bunye quipped.

The Presidential slip took place at the inauguration of the "Kalsada Ko, Aalagaan Ko" road project in Unisan town in Quezon.

The rain-soaked Mrs. Arroyo clambered up the Ford pick-up truck but slipped on the unsteady platform. Her women close-in security escorts failed to anticipate that she might fall.

But like a real trooper, almost in the same motion she stood up to deliver her extemporaneous remarks to Quezon folk who roundly applauded her.