A blessing in disguise

News travels fast, bad news travels faster, rumors and gossip the fastest.

Even before the news could hit the front pages, many media practitioners already heard about Malacañang’s decision to replace Presidential Communications Office chief Dave Gomez.

I have never met the man, once declined a meet up due to schedules and, to sum it up, I really don’t know much about him because that’s how low key and unobtrusive he was as PCO chief.

It is, however, a tribute to him when senior journalists, editors and media professionals are shocked by his removal and privately expressing disbelief that Malacañang could commit such a stupid blunder.

I first heard about the “removal’ of Dave Gomez by way of a message from a senior editor of a major news outlet: “OMG, papalitan na nga si sec dave, ang bilis naman.” My reply: that may be a blessing in disguise.

Then a senior journalist joined in asking “I just heard about dave!!!! Why?????” The editor reacted: “O, ano kaya ang story?”

Soon after another senior editor chimed in saying: “From my media friends they think kasi daw he doesn’t engage in underhanded politics, tools of disinformation, black propaganda operations, online or otherwise.”

A friend added: “But that’s what a PCO head should be like,” to which the first sender responded: “Exactly, siya dapat yung good cop. And si Lino Cayetano hindi naman yun media.”

From there the stream turned towards Malacañang’s bad call. One editor thinks “Lino appointment looks like divide and conquer ploy of bbm” while the first sender quoted the claim of an older journalist: “Nakialam daw sa ibc privatization. Di ba under naman ng pco yon?”

From the looks of it, Dave Gomez did not make the grade because he was not claws and fangs out or mean enough like Claire Castro. But in an ironic twist of fate, the people that Malacañang wanted to be tamed and controlled are proving that Gomez did connect with the senior gatekeepers.

Malacañang simply expected a different style, culture and outcome. It is hard to win a game if your teammates persist on playing rough and committing technical fouls. The reaction of editors and senior journalists indicates their respect and optimism towards Dave Gomez.

In terms of getting the results they want, Malacañang may once again be disappointed with Lino Cayetano, because of the little I knew or know of him, he does not qualify as “Mr. Mean.”

I remember him as being soft spoken, polite and, from a distance, professional. The only way to make sense of the appointment is that being PCO chief gives Lino the machinery to be in the spotlight to become nationally recognizable to be the third Cayetano running for the Senate, which BBM probably supports.

I responded to the thread by saying that Dave Gomez’s removal was “a blessing in disguise,” given that BBM’s ratings are reportedly at its lowest and will likely dive further. Two years at the PCO would eventually be intolerable.

Like others before him, he has earned his stripes and share of snake bites, enough to write a book, seek a grant or scholarship abroad and above all, he can say with conviction; “I tried.”

It is also a blessing because Gomez gets to read, hear or learn of the admiration and good things his friends in the media have to say, while being healthy and alive and not at his funeral.

By coincidence, I am currently reading The Book of Covenant which covers Exodus 20:22 to Exodus 23 which covers a whole bunch of Do’s and Don’ts that God gave the Israelites in exchange for his “Covenant Blessings.” Befitting our topic today is Chapter 23:1-2 where God states:

“Do not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.”

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In the seeming hopelessness that engulfs our country because of politics, failing economy and blight in terms of inspiring leaders, please consider that there are still a handful of government agencies that are trying or doing their best to serve.

I have always had a soft spot for the SSS or Social Security System since my beloved mother Marita served there for several decades. When my wife Karen updated my contributions, records, etc. she excitedly told me that it was one of the easiest government agencies to engage with online.

As a result, I am now able to collect my modest pension. Modest when collected over the years can buy you a vacation!

The next group worthy of praise is the PhilHealth that has consistently been a lifesaver, especially for us seniors who now frequent doctors and hospitals more than we wish. Let us always speak up and defend PhilHealth from pilferers.

I can’t claim to know much as I am not a government employee, but the GSIS is likewise one of the working, productive and beneficial agencies for its members. While Pag-IBIG certainly earned our trust enough for my daughter Hannah to put her savings in it.

If you can vouch for other working and beneficial agencies please share. God bless you.

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