Now it can be told. Tom, Dick and Harry also want to be President. This I learned from PhilStar the morning after the filing of certificates of candidacy opened last Nov. 20. I’m amused.
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A 61-year-old Manilan is running for President because he was prodded, he said, by God to do so. He said at the Comelec office that he was No. 1 in the survey conducted by God among presidentiables. Erap came in second he said.
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This God’s best bet said that after winning the presidency in May 2010, he would run for President of America against Barack Obama. And after that he would seek the post of “Emperor of the world.”
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Another presidential aspirant who filed his COC on the opening bell is a businessman who said he is running for the top office because he wants to abolish corruption. Asked what would happen if he wins, this rival of Noynoy, Manny, Gibo, etc. said: “The Philippines will be doomed.” Hehe. At least, he didn’t say “Secreet.”
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The other presidential dreamers included an OFW, a taxi driver, a masseuse (masahista), an insurance agent, a barangay captain, etc. All these presidential wannabes promise to clean the government of corruption.
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I had a conversation over a cup of coffee with a university professor in a prestigious school in Manila and we talked about who in his opinion is the presidential candidate with the best qualification. Without batting an eyelash, he pointed to Bro. Eddie Villanueva, the tele-evangelist.
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He cited the qualifications of Brother Eddie and dared me to put the qualifications of my candidate side by side with those of the evangelist. “He’s a well rounded person,” he said. “If he wins ... but he can’t win.” Why not? “Well, you know our voters. Don’t tell me you don’t know our voters,” he said.
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E-mail from Dr. Reynalda Odulio, a Cebuana in LA, California, USA: “Criticisms are again heard against the trio (three women singers) who sang the National Anthem at the Pacquiao-Cotto fight in Las Vegas. Why can’t they just sing the Anthem simply and without frills. Simply lang unta. Di na lang adornohan. I heard the criticisms during a meeting of Pinoys here and on radio.”
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I have always suggested that the singing of the National Anthem to usher in the fight of Manny Pacquiao be done not by an showbiz personality but by a non-pro singer that can sing the Anthem correctly. You know, like my Grade 1 teacher leading the singing of the Anthem during the flag ceremony (where the Star Spangled Banner was also sung).
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The correct way of singing the National Anthem is heard on radio and tv stations at the start and end of their broadcasting day. Try listening to any tv or radio station as it calls it a day tonight.
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To the reader who sent me a very long letter attacking a certain government official and then requesting that I should not print his name and address: You know, Bai, letters like yours always land in the trash can. Sorry.
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Email: nitzjab@yahoo.com