“Anybody can become angry–that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way–that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.” –Aristotle

The accusation lobbed by Ronaldo Cardema, the disqualified nominee for Duterte Youth partylist representative, against Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, claiming she extorted and demanded the appointment of a certain lawyer to a regional trial court judge in Iloilo, is hogwash. In addition, such allegations are unfair to lawyers who are being considered for such judicial posts.
For argument’s sake, if Guanzon were truly pushing a certain individual for a judicial appointment, why would she kowtow to a former National Youth Commission chairman who is merely a fanatic of President Rodrigo Duterte? Where is the common sense?
If a lawyer is appointed to the regional trial court in Iloilo in the near future, it would coincide with Cardema’s claims, which would lead some to suspect there were links to the Comelec commissioner. Guanzon herself would not be able to identify the new appointment but will nevertheless be connected.
Of course, most are not stupid enough to believe Cardema could be responsible for such a process—he has not power to facilitate or even recommend judicial nominees.

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As the legal battle between More Electric and Power Corporation (More Power) and the Panay Electric Company (PECO) continues, many Iloilo City consumers are unsure which firm will fold. Plus, consumers don’t have time to follow the drama of the whole situation, much less take side. What they are aware of is, in a “game of generals,” whomever capitulates or is victorious is none of their business.
Consumers want a steady and sufficient power supply, monthly bills that are not astronomical, and quality service. As long as they are assured of such features, they couldn’t care less about the battle itself.

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If the Spaniards that colonized the nation taught how to become religious and hypocritical, while the Americans brought education and a desire for Hollywood movies, will the country’s future colonizers—the Chinese—teach the country how to succeed in business and encourage more infrastructure to promote global trade?

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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ