SONA sidelights

By Florence F. Hibionada
Correspondent

Over 80 million Filipinos here and abroad watched and listened either in anticipation or bewilderment Monday's news coverage of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's State of the Nation Address (SONA). As the day unfolded, here are but some of the 'events'.

One text message passed around with "pls 4ward" request: "Please wear BLUE if u r 4 GMA, wear RED if u r 4 ERAP, wear YELLOW if u r 4 CORY, wear WHITE if u r 4 SUSAN or DO NOT WEAR ANYTHING if u r 4 DRILON."

Police were once again on full alert with the expected anti-SONA rallyists on the rounds and on the grounds. Laban ng Masa forces gathered inside the University of the Philippines (UPV) city campus with "Resign all!" placards. "Resign all" indeed that even had one prominently displayed by Mario Andon of Airport Concern Alliance (ACA) bearing this crisp message: "Resign Tupas!."

Official Iloilo contingent to Manila was led by Vice Governor Roberto Armada. Of last count, four board members went with Board Member Manny Gallar the designated "SONA news correspondent". A former broadcaster with some 18 years to his credit in Bombo Radyo Iloilo, it was Gallar's first time to be in the halls of Congress for the SONA. 26 Iloilo mayors also went with the Fourth District group said to have the most perks. "Nami ila condominium!," said one insider.

The News Today gathered how all male officials in the Iloilo contingent came in their best Barong attires. While First District Representative Janette Loreto-Garin graciously thanked those who took her aside to comment on her maroon with gold-accent colored terno. "Thanks to the great job done by a great Ilonggo, Jose Alberto "Bing Bing" Sanchez," she disclosed.

Reminders were also repeatedly made for them not to forget their car and seat passes. Good call since by 3:30 p.m., they were all in place inside their designated spots. And yes, specific instructions for them to turn off cellular phones which they all did under the watchful eyes of the in-house security.

Fifth District Representative Rolex Suplico who is in the opposition chose to boycott the President's SONA. Yet nothing new nor a bit surprising, Third District administration Representative Arthur Defensor said of the "boycott" (mis) event even before Suplico made known of his move for such. And as Defensor added, that is part of the "dramatics" of the opposition in pressing for their current demand for President Arroyo to resign.

Yet what did the rest have to say? Businesswoman Margie Lopez-Carillo made this advance analysis some three hours before the SONA, "I think she will talk more on her economic reforms and programs but I doubt if it will settle down the issue of legitimacy of her Presidency. Opposition is really bent on toppling her down. Problem is, they (referring to opposition) have no clear agenda and they don't want (Vice President) Noli. Let's pray that there won't be any violence and bloodshed. Damo infiltrators!"

Similar thoughts shared by former writer and now government employee John Paul Defiño.

"I hope GMA's SONA would give us hope to move forward despite the political crisis. Anyway, militant groups are just rhetoric in their call. Let us not mind them. It's time to renew our love for the country!," he said.

Not that much enthusiasm though from this woman ukay-ukay vendor in Molo plaza.

"SONA man? Ah, mahambal si Gloria? Ari man di siya sang san-o to. Kasabad galing kay ga-traffic basta ari di siya. Mayo man kay didto lang siya sa Manila. Ga-rally ang tawo kay tani si FPJ kuno nagdaug kag nagdaya si Presidente. Galing nami ya si Gloria kay babaye kag kasabad kung artista. Pang sine lang na sila iya. Pero ano na ang SONA man? Wala man ta na labot kay layo man ta," she commented rather unsurely.

Jason Esmilla, working Political Science student of the University of San Agustin for his part said, "I expect that GMA would blame the present crisis to the opposition. She would promise again to unite the country and insist that she was elected and she won't resign."

The President and the people have spoken. That is the state of this nation.