A blind item that is blind

In my younger years, I had the fondness of always looking out for an event to remember by each occasion I would go to a place I would not normally tread on. But, time took away that fondness. I seemed to forget that idea as I grew more grey hair. Few days ago though, as I set my foot in a bank (something I had not done for a very long time), an amiable gentleman came to me towards the conclusion of my insignificant banking transaction. He was all in smiles suggesting, somehow, that we, probably, were old acquaintances. Try very hard as I did, my failing memory still faltered. I could not put a name to his face.

Not wanting to appear haughty, I returned the friendly smile. It opened up a warm conversation. To my great relief, we were making connections for the first time. My new pal asked me if I read a blind item printed in another local daily. Careful not to insult him, I took a circuitous route to explain that I would no longer have to spend for another newspaper. He took my cue and showed to me a copy of the newspaper which carried the blind item alluded to above. Reading it quickly, I realized that it spoke about a supposedly unpleasant column written by Mr. Max Soliven on Cebu's current pride, the Cebu International Convention Center. I have not read the column myself but I also heard that the flak against Mr. Soliven suggested that his write-up offended the sensibilities of many a Cebuano. The gist of his article, I gathered, would also infuriate me.

Back to the blind item. It insinuated that with subsequent denials issued both by Mr. Choy Torralba (whose name was apparently mentioned in the article. Was it?) and Mr. Bobbit Avila, (he who never misses to speak of his closeness with Mr. Soliven) the source of Mr. Soliven's article could not be anyone else but the people at The FREEMAN. I could not help but seem to note the insinuation by that paper anchored on the relationship between Philippine Star and this daily.

I am sure that my editors are capable of explaining the situation. There is no question about it and certainly, I, with my humble station in life, do not want to pretend to have the standing nor the personality to write a brief for them. As I can see it, all that those in the hierarchy of The FREEMAN need to do is come up with the facts. Perhaps, a simple news feature, written in an obscure part of the paper, will clear the air. Or, if they shall choose to, they can call a very elaborate press conference, with Mr. Soliven, at the center stage and clarify everything that needs to be crystallized.

But, on the second thought, I honestly believe there is no reason to do so. It is not necessary for The FREEMAN people, from the publisher and editors down to the last newsboy to admit or deny its part, if at any, in the article of Mr. Soliven. This paper, I think, owes nobody any obligation to react to an irresponsible hint in the like written by the other paper. Doing so is just like playing into a web of deadly intrigue intricately sown by a master, though quite devious, tactician.

To me, the blind item was, at best, not done in good taste. It contained some half-truths and unverified, yet certainly verifiable data. Whoever authored it, failed to realize that it was a most irresponsible way to incite the feelings of our leaders and community. For days on end, we have been on the throes of an emotional discussion whether or not the CICC would be completed in time for the summit. Throw to this raging controversy, the angle that even if completed, its structural deficiency is a nightmare that stalks nearby, and we have the perfect formula for a mob.

I do not want to believe that the blind item was written in that concept. I still hang on to the inherent goodness of men. But, res ipsa loquitor and no one will probably take it against me if I feel hurt by the misplaced insinuation.