I love those two photos

The Cheap Medicine Bill is having a hard time passing. By the time it’s passed many sick Pinoys would’ve already passed away.

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Many doctors are trying to block the passage of the Cheap Medicine Bill because of a provision they don’t like. No, not because of the Chinese proverb that says: “Cheap things are not good, good things are not cheap.”

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There’s so much sound and fury about the Cheap Medicine Bill that even Aspirin is telling Paracetamol: “They’re giving me much headache.” And Paracetamol replies: “Me, too.”

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I love those photos (on page one of this newspaper yesterday) showing Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Governor Gwen Garcia shaking hands smiling, and Mayor Tom O putting an arm on the shoulder of Lahug Brgy. Captain Mary Ann de los Santos. For me, those photos were, still are, worthy of attention than the pictures of all the Sinulog contingents combined.

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Presidential Management Staff chief Cerge Remonde has been up to his ears lately issuing statements defending the Arroyo administration from attacks fired here and abroad. From his answers to the attacks, one can see that Cerge is really doing his homework — studying how to tactfully parry the blows with accuracy and success.

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Commenting on Cerge’s being the one answering the attacks, one local radioman said: “Ila ra man nga gibala ang atong amigo ngadtos mga tirador.” Well, if that indeed is the case, it only goes to show that the key people in the Palace have great faith and confidence in our amigo’s capability to stop the attacks with effective counter-action.

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Incidentally, PMS Sec. Cerge Remonde is the only top Palace official whom his friends at home can still address by his first name. He’s still plain Cerge to them and Cerge says he wants it that way. It’s not disrespect. It’s friendship and intimacy staying intact.

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During the Sinulog season I kept playing and listening to Manny Lapingcao singing his compositions in honor of Sr. Sto. Niño. I’ve known Manny for some years dating back to his brief stint with The Freeman. And I’ve always been wondering why Manny with his talent hasn’t yet been given a break that could propel him to national recognition.

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