RG Cruz, the reporter, lost his sense of decency and respect to Korina. Korina should not have involved management in her row with RG. It was simply between her and RG, her colleague over at ABS-CBN Channel 2.

But, if you look at it closely, RG started it by disrespecting Korina. In what way?

RG was commenting over at cyberspace, using a popular platform which he knows full well would reach thousands in just a few seconds. I recognize that it was his right to express himself and Korina was wrong in commenting about that right.

What happened was lack of respect, which is BEYOND the rights issue. RG disrespected a colleague. He should have moderated his comments, knowing that he works at the same company as Korina.

RG was commenting over at Facebook, a public platform. In a way, RG was irresponsible, putting forth those comments without regard to Korina’s feelings. As I said in part 1, maybe RG Cruz enjoyed using Facebook so much that he just threw caution to the wind and let all his feelings out in just one burst. He forgot that he is a public personality always with a responsibility of tempering himself for the sake of “team kapamilya”.

IN that regard, Korina is right in calling the attention of management. But, again, I maintain my earlier position that Korina should have sat down with RG Cruz first, before writing that letter.

Unlike Plurk, Facebook is fun to use. You don’t feel that the platform is intrusive. In fact, you enjoy it too much, most of the times you really feel free sharing personal info and views over there.

That’s what happened to fellow blogger RG Cruz. RG is my colleague over at FilipinoVoices. He’s very active in blogging, Facebook-ing and Plurk-ing. He’s always around. Same as Sandra Aguinaldo, Nelson Lubao and some other journalists. They’re very active.

Recently, however, they’re nowhere to be found. Even their blogs have become inactive. Why?

Maybe they heard what happened to RG Cruz? RG, if you still don’t know, was reportedly admonished by Korina Sanchez for his alleged disparaging remarks online.  In a letter with the heading ” A Letter to Management”, Korina Sanchez put RG to task for publishing those comments against her while Mar was announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race.

Or, if that letter over at Atty. Marichu Lambino’s blog is to be believed, it was Korina who is asking for RG’s head.

Korina reportedly wrote that letter which if you read, does not entirely or directly call for RG’s head. There is an insinuation that RG will leave this world as inconsequentially as he entered it. Here’s a snipnet of what Korina wrote:

“So to you,  RG Cruz, I say, I hope that — as your Facebook entry  narrated — as you were “eating chocolate” and  indulging your gastronomical cravings while events at Club  Filipino on  the 2^nd of  September 2009 were unfolding and all  you could think of and delight in, as written in your  Facebook, are your cruel attacks, pettiness, inanities and  insensitivities to the sacrifice of others and, horror of  horrors, make these public — you will, henceforth, attempt  to save yourself from the very real prospect of  disappearing, leaving this world without a trace, no better  and even worse than when you found it.”

What’s Korina’s point?

That RG has the responsibility not to express his thoughts online since its public domain? That, because they’re colleagues, RG should take the responsibility of  keeping his mouth shut when a colleague is involved?

As a responsible journalist, Korina should have instead, took RG to task for his views by not resorting to pressuring management to have his head served on a platter. I mean, we’re not living in feudal times anymore, right?

This issue is between Korina and RG—not management and RG.If there is a regulation that prohibits ABS-CBN employees from engaging in social networks, it should be expressly stated in their Code of Ethics or Corporate Manual. This is much as can be gleaned from Korina’s words, again, let me quote:

“ In the  interest of sound policy covering such misdemeanors to protect its employees and talents and maintain the civility  required of us all to achieve company goals — as  painlessly as humanly possibly — I have inquired with  management and have urged them to take a closer look at the  cyberworld as public domain and which is a potent instrument  for destruction and unwarranted personal aggravation of its  victims, especially in the hands of co-employees.”

So, for Korina, RG’s remarks are “misdemeanors” acted out in the “cyberworld”. In Korina’s world, journalists are not supposed to interact with other people particularly online because “that’s public domain”.

Journalists are human beings. They’re entitled to a life, right? What they do outside their off-office hours are theirs and theirs alone.

Now, this issue boils down to rights. Does RG Cruz have the right to express his views for or against a colleague of his online or offline? He does, as far as I know, because we’re still living in a democratic society, yes? Of course, views are to be tempered by decency and ethics, right?

In this case, what RG committed was not a misdemeanor; rather RG Cruz only lacked the acuity of judgment. He failed to be a team member. He failed in his obligation to be actually fair. And fairness dictates that after telling Korina that “she’s a queen without a crown”, RG should have qualified that to mean, otherwise?

Korina Sanchez, erstwhile fiance of Senator Mar Roxas, is again on the warpath. After Mar lost the Liberal Party nomination, Korina went on a rampage. She first engaged Inquirer columnist Conrad de Quiros, accusing him of disparaging Mar thru his daily column. Then, she trained her guns against Senator Kiko Pangilinan, practically accusing the senator of kawalang utang na loob.

I thought that that was the last of Korina’s outburst. However, today, I chanced upon Atty. Marichu Lambino’s blog, with a glaring scoop on Korina Sanchez’ letter to the ABS-CBN management, asking for RG Cruz’s head.

RG Cruz, one of the most active traditional journalist in the web and a colleague here at FilipinoVoices, is being accused by Korina of writing negative remarks against her in his Facebook account. Read the letter over at Lambino’s blog and you’ll sense how bitter and acerbic Korina is.

She virtually described RG Cruz as a relative unknown, a guy with dubious fashion taste and with a cloak and dagger personality. To my mind, Korina is entitled to comment on RG Cruz’s fashion sense. That’s her right.

But, to ask for that poor guy’s head over some personal remarks over Facebook reflects the true nature of Korina as a domineering mayordoma in that household called Kapamilya channel.

RG Cruz is entitled to his own opinions and views. For Korina to stifle his right to free expression shows you how stupid Korina is. Let me rephrase this—it shows how fake Korina is.

She demands that government respects every right of each and every citizen, when deep down inside her lurks a dictator ready to pounce on hapless journalists like RG Cruz and Conrad de Quiros. It’s downright okey if Korina just wrote a letter to RG Cruz asking him why he thinks about her that way. But, for her to use her “enormous powers and influence” and breath down on this guy just because of what he believes in, that’s too much.

I thank God that He allowed Noynoy to snatch the Liberal Party nomination away from Mar. Kung hindi, baka naging accessory pa tayo in bringing to the palace, another Imelda Marcos.

Kris Aquino cries beside her brother Noynoy during Cory's necro rites

Kris Aquino vowed to work hard to generate funds for his brother Noynoy’s presidential campaign. Today, Noynoy announced his intention to run and his act has thrown a monkey wrench in the Philippine political scene. Noynoy is reportedly reluctant but after a retreat, decided to heed the so-called “people’s call” for him to run for the presidency.

Kris said that the Aquino family will support Noynoy’s bid. And they want to contribute to Noynoy’s campaign kitty to lessen Noynoy’s dependence on third party contributions.

By the way, there were rumours that Mar Roxas’ fiancee Korina Sanchez is angry with Kris for supporting her boyfriend’s political nemesis, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. Remember that it was Kiko who led Liberal Party members from supporting Mar’s bid and publicly, Korina is angry with the Pangilinans.

Korina, some say, is also reportedly angry with Kris for siding with the Pangilinans. Is Korina still harboring ill-feelings for what had happened to her soon-to-be husband? Is Korina still bitter with what happened?

DZMM has reverted back to its usual radio programming schedule. Ted is on board on the same time slot and rumours are rife that Korina Sanchez will be joining him after she comes back from her Japan trip.

My good kapatids, Gerry Baja and Anthony Taberna will again excite the afternoon DZMM slots with their Dos por Dos. Tama naman, since after they left, their replacements did a poor job. Nawala excitement ko nung pinalitan sa hapon sina Gerry at Anthony.

Expect DZMM to regain their number 1 slot since a week or two ago, their rates drastically dropped and slumped. What DZMM needs are additional talents who know radio. Obviously, Ricky Carandang, although he’s good, is really not for radio. Maybe if they put Julius Babao in a tandem with Pinky Webb, baka umubra pa.

Two lovebirds

I heard from a very reliable source that ABS-CBN star anchor Korina Sanchez will announce the date of her wedding with Senator Mar Roxas next week.

The announcement will come amidst talks that Roxas and Korina are eyeing either September or October as the date when they’ll marry. These are, unfortunately, still being verified since the lovely couple remained mum on the date when they’ll tie the knot.

Korina is reportedly granting GMA Channel 7 a “no holds barred” interview by Monday of next week. If this is true, then, whatever happened to ABS-CBN, the home network of the most beautiful anchor of Philippine television? Heard that Korina had a spat with ABS-CBN SVP for News, Maria Reza. Will Korina use that interview to announce the date of her wedding with Mar?

At the recent ANC Leadership forum, Mar was a picture of a contented man. He says that those who try to make intrigues out of his relationship with Korina are just envious of him. True. Many tried, yet failed to conquer the heart of television’s most respected journalist.

BY the way, ano kaya ang itsura ng anak nina Mar and Korina? In my next entry, I’ll try to envision the face of their baby.

Previously, Mar gave Korina the “big rock”—a stunningly beautiful diamond engagement ring. It was not known where Mar formally asked the “big question”; but obviously, it was’nt publicly. That gives you an inkling into how Mar really thinks about his relationship with Korina. Despite what others think, that Mar is just using Korina as his “unofficial campaign manager” come 2010, I think that Mar is really dead serious about Korina.

I noticed that last year when we had a blogger’s night with the good senator in his “White house”. When somebody asked him about Korina, he was very protective of her. He said that ” you can all write what you want but just don’t write anything bad against Korina”. Pretty protective of his ladylove huh?

Mar is also introducing Korina to his family. Some video clips of Mar with Korina gracing a Roxas family reunion were purposely “leaked” to indicate how Roxas wants his family to accept his lovely bride to be. Of course, there are malicious insinuations of some family members objecting about Mar’s choice, but, as they say, you can’t teach love to a man. Mar just happens to love Korina in the purest way. And who will not love such a lady as Korina?

She’s beautiful. She’s sexy. She’s intelligent and most of all, she has a strong political will. I think she’ll be the perfect First Lady should Mar succeeds in his padyak plan enroute to Malacanang.

By the way, I hope you like this song I dedicate to Korina. It’s similar to the popular tune “Maria” included in the Sounds of Music soundtrack. Here it goes:

She grasps a mike and booms her might
Her dress is always a lovely wear
She waltzes on her way to the booth
And whistles on the stair
And underneath her wimple
She has curlers in her hair
I even heard her singing in the A-B-S

She’s always on time to air
But her patience is real
She’s always on time for everything
Except for Ted
I hate to have to say it
But I very firmly feel
Korina’s fit to be pasig’s First lady

I’d like to say a word in her behalf
Korina makes me laugh

How do you solve a problem like Korina?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Korina?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o’-the wisp! An anchor!

Many a thing you know you’d like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand

Oh, how do you handle a lady like Korina?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

When I’m with her I’m confused
Out of focus and bemused
And I never know exactly where I am
Unpredictable as weather
She’s as flighty as a feather
She’s a darling! She’s a demon! She’s a lamb!

She’d outpester any pest
Drive a hornet from its nest
She could throw a whirling dervish out of whirl
She is gentle! She is wild!
She’s a riddle! She’s a child!
She’s a headache! She’s an angel!
She’s a girl!

Why do you like a lady like Korina?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Korina?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o’-the wisp! A broadcaster!

Many a thing you know you’d like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand

Oh, how do you approach a lady like Korina?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

And speaking about Senators being married or tying the knot soon, heard that Mar Roxas is sure to marry Korina Sanchez very soon, quite possibly, this June? I wrote their plan a few months ago, and though many expect them to announce their engagement publicly, it was not to be. Korina was spotted with a diamond ring on her finger—an engagement ring? Yep, Korina said. When was the date where Mar gave her the ring? She would not say. Those things are private, says Korina.

But, if you’re expecting Korina to marry in June, you’ll be frustrated. I think they’ll prolong the engagement and quite possibly excite the public more. Credit that to political brand positioning. Maybe Mar’s handlers are re-positioning him as the Filipino version of JFK? Is Mar thinking of making the Araneta-Roxas clan the Pinoy version of the Kennedy’s?

I guess that this wedding would surely be the wedding of the year, quite possibly after or before November 30, the final date of filing the candidacy of Mar. If he does it before November, then, it would be a “wet wedding” since it would fall in the rainy season. If it’s December, which surely it would be, then, it would misinterpreted by many as a political gimmick, a stunt. When would it be, Mr. Senator?

A September wedding is perfect. If it’s December, a political gimmick. Should they decide not to tie the knot, then, it would be used by Mar’s political detractors as a sign of “teka-teka”, a trait frowned upon by many. If he can’t even decide when to tie the knot, how would we ever even consider him competent to be our president? 

Imagine, Mar Roxas riding a padyak with Korina…that would be a great way to end my day, hehehe!

Senator Mar Roxas with some of the most influential bloggers in the Philippines

Senator Mar Roxas prefers to use condoms than let the State dictate what kind of contraceptive tool the people must use. ” I use condoms, ” says the good senator during a January 9 blogger talk in his Balay ni Mar hive in Cubao Quezon City. ” …and who does’nt?”

Mar said that in the context of a debate between him and a bevy of the finest and some of the most influential bloggers on the Reproductive Health bill. What Mar found contemptuous about state opposition on the  RH bill is the fact that some government officials want to dictate the manner by which people would exercise responsible health. Mar’s stand is simple—informed choice. Let the people use whatever contraceptives they like, provided that it does the same thing—help them have a healthy and reproductive life.

I also respect how Mar Roxas told us his stand on Mindanao. Definitely, the new government under Roxas will try to talk peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Peace talks will surely be one of the highlights of the Roxas administration. However, the talks should focus not on the BJE; rather it should focus on arriving at a principled consensus. More on this later.

I found him to be a principled man, this Mar Roxas. And a romantic too.

When asked if he loves Korina, he told us straight–yes. And I saw it in his eyes—he’s a romantic. Whatever people say about Korina, Mar Roxas does’nt care a bit. She’s a pussycat, says Mar. “And I love pussycats.” Mar added.

Are we seeing wedding bells anytime soon? We don’t know. For Mar, we better leave that decision to marry or not to him and his ladylove, Korina Sanchez. Respect the gentleman, please.

Learning from Professor and Senator Mar Roxas

I admit–I was a vocal critic of Senator Mar Roxas. Eversince he debased himself with that Mr. Palengke campaign, my high regard for the good senator fell. Among the bevy of senatoriables in his generation, Mar, for me, was the best of the best. Being an academic, for me, it’s utterly senseless for someone as brilliant as Mar to undertake a campaign that was too baduy and too cutesy for comfort. Yes, he landed Number One on the first try. Why? Because people wanted to give him a chance to show that beneath those Mr. Palengke suit lies a true, blue, brilliant leader wanting to spearhead the campaign for true change.

In his first years, Mar Roxas did’nt disappoint the people. He spearheaded the Young Turks in Congress. Exhibiting integrity, Mar was the epitome of a fine leader we never had before. In my mind, he was the prime example of a maginoo, a true patriot.

However, in the last few months, especially when he announced his desire for the presidency, Mar turned out to be a letdown. His stand on issues sometimes ran counter to what the people feel. There was this disconnect from Mar Roxas’ thoughts and political philosophy with that of the people’s. As one observer noted, Mar is showing his true colors as a brilliant technocrat instead of showing his populist robe. To win, you need to be a populist. And most of those who support him, wants him to be a populist.

That was my expectation last Friday, January 9. Along with fellow bloggers DJB, Ding, Jester, Flowell, Marck, CaffeineSparks, and a host of others, I was expecting to talk to a veteran politico. I was expecting that Mar Roxas will mouth platitudes, and a ton of generalities on questions about the economy, etc. the way politicos do.

I was proven wrong.

Mar Roxas showed exactly the opposite. He was frank. He showed brilliance in his answers, especially that animated debate with DJB on the Bangsamoro question, on the issue of lingua franca and the Reproductive Health bill. I was expecting a politico, but I met a professor.

I also expected someone without any ideological platform. Again, I was wrong. Analyzing him and observing his demeanor when he was talking with us, showed me that this person has strong principles and strong opinions. He knows what he’s talking about and he can defend it to high heavens.

I liked what he said when Ding asked him about his relationship with Korina. Mar told us straight and without battling an eyelash—that’s (marriage) a personal decision between Korina and him. Ergo, whatever people think about his thing with Korina, he does’nt care. He loves Korina, period. And he does’nt give a damn whatever people think about it. A true maginoo.

Very presidential, don’t you think? It shows that Mar cannot and will not be influenced by any outside view. Mar is his own man. He has his own take on things and simply, his views is as rock-solid as steel. Yet, beneath that veneer, I also sensed that Mar is also a man who can take the blows, and accepts countrary views. He can take a punch. Yet, he’s magnanimous enough to accept comments and synthesize good views with his views.

Mar Roxas exhibited the finest character of a statesman, an academic, an ideologue and a doer–traits which I expect for my future president to have come 2010.

More than this though, I find him to be a gentleman. When asked about his future intentions on marriage, he said that he must be excused this time since his personal relationship with Korina should be best left to him and Korina. Good answer.

In my entire life, I voted just once—in the presidential elections of 1992 when Liberal Party and former Senate President Jovito Salonga ran. I’m not a Liberal by the way. I just thought that Salonga is better than Fidel V. Ramos.

Now, I definitely see the prospect of a good president in the likes of Mr. Mar Roxas. Mar is a work in progress and truly, Bobby Capco and the rest of the nationalistic staff of the good senator will definitely have their hands full in the coming weeks and months.

Mr. Senator, you have my vote. And I’ll try to convince others to follow you. You have the potential of becoming the best president of this generation.