Nonoy, then and now

He came in like any ordinary mortal – cool, rugged, boyish.  Splashing toothy smile, he’s qualified to be an actor as he said in jest.  You would even almost mistook him as non-entity.  His looks defies that boy-next-door type as he wears very simple attire – ordinary polo and black maong pants; neither he qualifies as new kid in town.  He’s reserved and humility is seen all over his face and his appearance.  There’s glitter of hope in his eyes.  His voice is clear and resonant and good one as singer. There’s magic when he talks, giving you benefits of your doubt on many issues raised.  He has his hands crossed and walks casually as Fr. Feliciano Marquez, SSP blessed the newly inaugurated DBM RO-X Recreation and Conference Center not long ago in DBM RO-X Building, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City.

Except for an economist and a photographer he brought along, there was no cordon-sanitaire allowing him to move freely.  Not even a member of media was there, except for this writer Dir. Anabelle Atillo of DBM RO-10 invited not to cover the event, but  to perform doxology for the blessing of their new building and sports’ equipment.  I actually performed Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.”  It’s actually a song prayer and I just intoned prayer while instrumental was on mid-way in a song to make it effective and personal Privacy of Nonoy was already secured by Dir. Atillo as she earlier confided that the affair would be held simply and exclusively for the Department away from the peering eyes of the media.

Such was the aura of the man and it’s really uncomplicated and good gesture except that he holds very important and powerful cabinet position, one that is entrusted with the purse of the nation as head of Department of Budget and Management no less, an office any stakeholders and politicians can’t afford to mess up or there would be problem when their budget dries up.  He was unbeaten in his District as Congressman before he was taken as DBM Secretary of PGMA.  He would be back in his District when there would be change of leadership. He is Nonoy, actually a Bicolano term for Dodong or as Bai for Visayan, Dir. Atillo clarified. He would be running actually again as Congressman in his District to resume enacting relevant laws for the country.  He is definitely a future Senator and very strong political timber of the country’s presidency.  He is Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr.

What a heartwarming encounter this writer had with Sec. Andaya. Naturally the occasion was there for us to discuss familiar topics – politics what else - given its trend now.  Among others, possible face-off election of two leading presidential winners to clothe majority mandate and secure peace of the nation.  Most unlikely and no need as the two majority party are seemingly at it, he clarified.  And what about Gibo, it’s just unfortunate that he was trailing way behind Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar in surveys, he shared.  But the tide of the survey might turn the other way around given Gibo’s performance in as many forum and mock elections conducted among schools and the youth.  This writer and everybody else in the table just agree.  Besides, there’s the political machinery all the way down in different municipalities and barangays not enjoyed by Liberal and Nacionalista party.  Whatever it is, this is a democratic country and Gibo knows an adage  that his loyalty to his party ends when his loyalty to the county begins..

This encounter with Nonoy would definitely be one of its kind and indeed an amazing incident knowing a person like him up and personal. That despite holding such lofty position in the government could easily bend down and reach out for people regardless of persuasion.  That could be treasured in the lifetime but it is hoped that we could meet someday somewhere to continue the discussion. Cheers to Dir. Annabelle Atillo for the unsolicited occasion but turned out very fulfilling one.

Fast forward.  That was few year’s back  and Nonoy as predicted here did become a Congressman in his District.  Problem however that he was implicated to a graft and corruption case specifically on the Malampaya issue as was the Budget Officer back then at the time of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.  Let me see how he would handle the issue.

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, won too becoming  Malacañang occupant.  I did not vote for him instead rallied around for Manny Villar.  I even wrote several articles this despite prohibition from media people to maintain impartiality.  But what could I do, the general voting public needs clarification on issues and felt that people in the media should return back the compliment to them hopefully to influence their votes. Wrote too articles against Pnoy.  Unfortunately the latter made it.  Now his turn to fulfill his “Daang Matuwid" "Kayo ang Boss ko!” campaign pledge. Unfortunately though, the result is the other way around after few years occupant of Malacañang.
(19th Entry - January 19,2014)