GMA composed despite gaffe

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo never lost her composure when Speaker Jose de Venecia gamely reminded her that she had jumped the gun on delivering her State of the Nation Address even before the singing of the National Anthem.

It was an embarrassing gaffe. But the President hardly broke her stride. She just stopped beside the rostrum and promptly went back to her place between Senate President Manuel Villar and Speaker De Venecia.

Laughter from the crowd failed to faze GMA. And when she faced the TV cameras to start the SONA, she showed composure and aplomb. And she managed to smile.

A sugarman told this writer, "I’ve heard SONAs since the time of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, and this is the best I’ve listened to."

Negros Press Club members, led by vice president Jun Julita, buzzed with reports that the SONA was given to presidential speechwriters only for final refinement. The President reportedly ensconced herself in a hotel fronting the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard where she worked on the SONA for three days before the delivery date.

That may explain the difference in tempo and rhythm and cadence.

The most enthusiastic rooter was Rep. Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon. He was thrilled by the President’s expression of hope that the Senate would act soon on the National Budget Bill. He especially cited the mention of ethanol, the fuel mix now in commercial use in Brazil.

And President Arroyo noted the vigorous clapping by Rep. Antonio Alvarez (first district, Palawan) when GMA mentioned that his native town, San Vicente, may soon have its own airport that could bring tourists and investors to the place.

Local government officials gave the President a standing ovation when she mentioned the need for decentralization and federalism to free the outlying areas of the country from Imperial Manila as one of the reasons for Charter change. Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, president of ULAP and the League of Governors, and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas beamed with delight at the mention of their names.

Southern Leyte Gov. Rosette Lerias and Rep. O. Mercado were exuberantly delighted when GMA cited their winning the war against poverty and calamities, undaunted by unimaginable catastrophes in rebuilding the lives of St. Bernard and San Francisco from tragic mudslides.

Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino was congratulated by the President for reconciling the conflicts in Pamano’s Camp Bitan-ag between rebels and the soldiers and civilians.

Sulu Gov. Ben Loong was cited by his "arms to farms" project with caravans of tractors invading farmer-rebel camps.

The gallery of local councilors erupted with shouts of "Pacquiao, Pacquiao" when GMA called attention to his feat.

The previous night, Sunday, the group of Negrense mediamen with Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, attended Pacquiao’s concert at the Retro Bar on Quezon City’s West Avenue.

The boxing champion displayed himself a showman as much as the stars of the movie world and the entertainment industry who overflowed the cavernous bar for the concert.

Incidentally, Pacquiao flew to Bacolod yesterday morning with Mayor Leonardia. He received from Himamaylan City Mayor Menchit Gatuslao a statue crafted by a local artist. This was paraded later in Bacolod by Pacquiao with Mayors Leonardia and Gatuslao.

Yesterday, the rains continued to pour over Metro Manila. The SONA was over. Then I recalled the comment by Senior Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, chief of the Northern Police District Command: "Glenda came. The tensions will be defused."

Providential. And Bataoil’s words were prophetic. Former President Marcos had sent the Philippine Air Force to seed clouds to bring rains over the metropolis. But GMA had "Glenda" solve the problem of dousing the demonstrations against her.

The promises of hope, however, have to wait for funds to bankroll them. At least, hope has been promised.

Addendum. Rep. Raul Gonzales Jr. of Iloilo City suggested that the city government continue the Iloilo Employers’ Housing Project and look for willing bidders or buyers interested in completing the stalled project to "cut the losses." COA noted that the city suffered damage to property and possible wastage of P82,098,092.73 due to the delayed completion of the government project. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said two private firms have signified interest in buying the four-hectare lot in Barangay Ungka, Pavia town.