Beyond the body language

More often than not, a person's intention, or ambition, is expressed or given away by his body language. The more expressive of this reality is: Action speaks louder than words.

In the case of boxer Pacquiao, for example, his garrulous behavior, his specious reverence for the flag, and his rote aping of "trapos" in invoking "sambayanang Pilipino" or "aking kababayan" every time he opens his mouth, have betrayed his political ambition. After his victory over Antonio Barrera, media inquired if he would later dabble in politics. His put up hedging gave away his interest in politics. Instead of an outright "no-no", Pacquiao made a "no comment", belied by a naughty wink and a shifty smile.

Lately though, the body language of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza in cuddling and parading Pacman after every boxing victory is obvious. All the time then, Atienza has been tempting Pacman to run in tandem with his son in the 2007 mayoralty election. Pacquiao's transfer to Manila as a voter is not just an obscure body language that bespeaks his future intention.

Whatever Pacquiao seeks in politics is a done deal because of his winnability. Whether as Manila mayor, or vice-mayor, or councilor, or even as Senator, sadly enough for whatever is sensical and sane, would be his for the taking. It doesn't matter that he doesn't have the literacy to "qualify", as in ably qualify, for the position. In fact, Pacman now appears so self-confident because of his heroic popularity, that he so believes that his atrocious "murdering" of the English language in TV interviews attests to his English facility.

It is hoped, however, for sanity's sake that Pacquaio's close-in handlers and his wife Jinky could dissuade Pacman from becoming the butt of cruel jokes because of his utter ignorance and lack of ability to "knock-out" the science of government. He is just unprepared. And hopefully he will realize this to maintain his self-respect.

Another political ambition that goes beyond the body language is that of Cebu City Councilor Gabriel Leyson. He is now so obsessed in becoming the next Mayor of Talisay City, and is so cocksure of beating anybody that Talisaynons could ever put up against him. Proof of his searing ambition is his transfer as a voter to Talisay City. Leyson's avarice for political power is evident in his insistence to continue as Cebu City councilor until 2007, despite his being now a Talisaynon for political convenience.

Leyson feels no awkwardness in changing residence for the sole purpose of becoming a city mayor. Moreover, as gleaned from his radio interview, other than a liberal dropping of political pedigreed names now and in Cebu's past, he sounded like God's gift to the Talisaynons.

In so many words sans any attempt at humility, his being the Talisay City Mayor come 2007 appears to him inevitable, without any ifs, ands, or buts. Such taking for granted the intelligence of Talisaynons to exercise their right of suffrage, is something to see. Leyson may meet his political waterloo that befits a Johnny-come-lately. Should one's reading of the Talisaynons' high qualities as voters be correct, they'd rather choose one who is a tested Talisaynon in incumbent Mayor Soc Fernandez, that is, if the latter's adopted son would henceforth discontinue his capers that would bring down his old man.

Meantime, in Mandaue City, there are also clear signs beyond just the body language, that Mayor Thadeo Ouano's younger son will also be running to replace his father this coming election. From grandpa Ouano, to the father, and now to the grandson, to perpetuate a local political dynasty in the making, appears to be Mandaue's calvary.

Like father who had apprenticed his way to the mayoralty seat, the son has also sat beside the chair for quite a time now. In fact, the father and son tandem often appear in TV footage and in still photos, all indicative of a political parvenu wanting political power beyond what body language conveys. The last word is for him to run for Mayor or Vice Mayor. Whichever, there's no stopping the ambition to hand over the political baton down the family line.

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