Ate Glo’s rating didn’t plunge due to Iraq

I think Malacañang found Iraq a convenient excuse to explain Ate Glo’s dramatic fall in the public opinion polls. In fact, the Iraq emergency should have boosted Ate Glo‘s ratings. It was clear that she and her officials worked hard and well preparing for the contingencies arising from the conflict. In sharp contrast to our government’s lack of concern during the Flor Contemplacion case, Ate Glo went all out to make sure we were prepared.

Ignacio Bunye, the Palace spokesman, is wrong to say that Ate Glo’s support of the American political and military position in the Iraq war caused her decline in the polls. Outside of the traditional leftists in this country, I don’t think the majority of Filipinos would have sided with Saddam Hussein in this war. While it may be true that many Filipinos would rather that no war took place, that does not mean that they are supportive of the Iraqi dictatorship.

If anything at all, Ate Glo’s rating should have gone up significantly because of her position and the action she took with regard to the Iraq situation. What killed her rating is the continuing perception that she has so far been unable to establish the Strong Republic she talks so much about. Like the residents of Baghdad after the fall of Saddam, Filipinos are weary of the fact that there is still so much anarchy around and government seems helpless to put things under control.

Worse, people now get the feeling that Ate Glo is all set to renege on her announcement not to run in 2004. Close advisers, including Sonny Alvarez, have been urging her to reconsider. Coffee shops are abuzz with rumors that the camp of her husband Mike Arroyo is also trying to convince her to break her promise to call it quits. It does not help that her own body language seems to indicate that she is giving 2004 a lot of thought, again.

The Davao bombings have also damaged her image severely here and abroad. It paints a picture of a country that is out of control. The fact that she has not called intelligence officials to account for a series of failures that led to those deadly bombings reinforces the image of a national leader unable to move decisively to address the deteriorating peace and order situation.

Ate Glo’s penchant for micro management, including that made-for-TV-camera loss of temper at the NAIA, no longer works to project a hard-working president. The photo-op approach to running this country has lost its appeal. Ika nga, kumita na yan sa takilya. The President is expected to take care of the big picture. If NAIA authorities are not doing their jobs, the DOTC secretary should take action, not the President herself.

There are also too many big items that remain unresolved, like the PIATCO issue. While it may be true that the ball is in the hands of the Supreme Court, an empty shell of a multi-million dollar airport terminal does not paint a good picture of the country’s administration. Granted that there were serious anomalies with the project, there must be visible efforts toward eventual resolution. If there are people who should be punished or sued, let that happen as soon as possible.

Ate Glo must show that she is in full control. She must also show that she means what she says, including the pledge not to run in 2004. She must crack the whip on her own staff or her husband’s staff who are now trying to manipulate her into going back on her words.

Ate Glo must also try very hard to gain credibility in her supposed fight against corruption in government. It would also help if she orders a lifestyle (as well as a BIR) check on all high officials as well as behind the scene staff working with her and her husband.

I was scandalized to learn that one such underling is now driving a Jaguar, has given his wife a Volvo and bought a number of condo units at Eastwood, even as his only visible source of income has to do with his relationship with the First Couple. I know this is how we play our rotten games in this country and shouldn’t be surprised. But how can I then, take Ate Glo seriously?

These are the things that cause this national malaise that eventually reflects on Ate Glo. This is why her credibility and, therefore, her rating plummeted. Don’t blame Iraq for this one. The cause is right at home.

Domestic tourism

The SARS epidemic may have frightened foreign tourists from visiting Southeast Asia but it certainly boosted domestic tourism in the Philippines. With Hong Kong and Singapore off limits to locals, Boracay and Bohol are now on top of local vacationers’s list of where to spend their free time this month.

Proof that these two tourist havens in the Visayas are hot for locals this season is the decision of Philippine Airlines to field more flights to Kalibo (for Boracay) and Tagbilaran (for the beaches of Bohol). According to Rolly Estabillo, VP of Philippine Airlines, PAL will expand seat offerings by up to 75 percent starting this Holy Week through May, on its services to Kalibo and Tagbilaran.

Kalibo, gateway to the resort island of Boracay, will see frequencies rise from the current three to four times daily. On top of these, special flights will be added on the peak weekends of April 17 (Holy Thursday) and 20. On the other hand, the Tagbilaran service, normally operated four times a week, was expanded to daily frequency last April 12 until May 31, boosting capacity on the only jet air link to the Bohol capital by 444 seats weekly for the duration of summer. Overall, PAL will be offering in excess of 4,100 seats per week to Kalibo and Tagbilaran this summer. The flag carrier deploys 148-seater Boeing 737-300 aircraft on the two routes.

In the meantime, columnist Jonathan dela Cruz assured me that it is safe to visit the Ilocos region this summer. No need to worry about tourists from Guandong and other places in China infecting domestic tourists and residents with SARS. They have suspended direct flights to and from China in Laoag at a great sacrifice to the tourism business being generated from China and Taiwan. Jonat explained that local officials in Ilocos simply could not compromise the health of its residents.

As for me, I intend to follow the lead of columnist Neal Cruz who thinks Metro Manila will be the best place to stay for the Holy Week. With everyone else in the resort areas outside the metropolis, traffic would be heavenly. So, a Happy Easter to all of our readers out there. May this commemoration of our Lord’s triumphant victory over the forces of darkness inspire all of us to turn our lives around as well, for the good of our country.

Life regrets

This one came from Dr. Ernie E, in the spirit of repentance and reflection of the season.

There is a story about two fellows who died at ripe old ages and went on to Heaven. It was, of course, the most beautiful, wonderful place imaginable.

One of them, eyes misting with tears, remarked, "Isn’t this marvelous?"

The other said, "Yes! And to think we could have gotten here so much sooner if we hadn’t eaten all that oat bran!"

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is [email protected]