EDITORIAL - Of high position and a different expertise

A former mayor, who also happens to be a lawyer, was once asked by reporters (who apparently didn't know any better), what he thought of an earthquake that at the time struck Baguio, a city that was far far away.

To the surprise of everyone, except of course to the reporters (who didn't know any better, remember?), the former mayor began to lecture about earthquakes in particular, and about geology in general.

Okay, the former mayor, being no doubt a brilliant man, apparently was well-versed on the subject. Maybe he had a particular interest in it and did extensive readings for his own personal knowledge.

But journalists who know better know there is such a thing called improper sourcing. Just because he was the mayor didn't make him a proper source for the subject, which was the earthquake in far away Baguio. And his being a lawyer doesn't make him an authority either.

This anecdote happened many years ago. But the occasion to repeat it just keeps popping up from time to time. There seems to be no end to the need to remind people that high office does not make experts of everyone.

There is a need to repeat this story because of the recent move of President Arroyo to appoint her own self as the country's so-called "Climate-Change Czar." What in heaven's name got into the president's head that she would think she knows anything about the climate.

Oh, of course, everyone of us who has ever passed Grade Three knows a thing or two about the climate. But one would have thought that anyone vested with the title of "Climate Change Czar" would have knowledge about the climate at no less than the expert level.

Arroyo may be the president, but she is no climate expert. If she starts talking about the climate, people may be compelled to listen out of respect for her being the president, but not because she has anything remotely plausible or relevant to say on the subject.

In fairness to our former mayor, at least he did not impose himself but was asked and just felt compelled to answer (also not knowing any better). But for God's sake, Madame President, what got into your head?