Elvis lives, on fringes of Philippine politics

Elvis apparently is alive and well on the fringes of Philippine politics!

A network news anchor was left fumbling for words yesterday following a live interview with President Arroyo’s executive secretary about a Cabinet appointment that included cutaway shots showing the interview’s location at a government broadcast studio — with Elvis in the background.

"Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita there, making the announcement while, uh ... interestingly enough, talking with Elvis Presley," anchor Ricky Carandang of ABS-CBN’s ANC network said to laughter in his own studio. "Or at least someone who looks very much like him."

The King looked in pretty good shape, wearing a white embroidered jumpsuit. His pompadour and big sideburns were jet black, and he appeared to be in the late prime of his career, before the weight really started to pile on.

It turned out the Elvis impersonator is a new addition to the sparsely watched government TV network NBN, where he is a regular on a morning talk show.

"We know that the government network needs to give information and appeal to viewers," said NBN general manager Jose Isabelo, who seemed surprised that anyone would be asking about Elvis. "We feel the need to bridge the gap between the government network presentation and those of private networks." — AP