Spokesmen reflect their principals

One of the most interesting things on the Internet recently was the reported three-hour exchange of barbs on Twitter between Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, a known Gloria Arroyo loyalist, and Abigail Valte, the deputy presidential spokesperson of Noynoy Aquino. 

The exchange was apparently prompted by comments made by Arroyo herself in reaction to the visit of Aquino to flood-ravaged areas in Mindanao. Arroyo said Noynoy need not grope in the dark because she left him existing programs on how to cope with disasters.

In the Philippines, when politicians fight, their supporters get into the fray and fight even harder. So it did not take long for Valte to take up the fight for her principal, and for Magsaysay to join in.

Days later, both appeared at the same time on TV to deny the fight. They agreed before the cameras that what they had was simply a “healthy exchange of ideas,” not the “catfight” as how it was reported in media.

I can take Magsaysay spoiling for a fight. In Congress, they eat debates for breakfast. But Valte, like her boss Edwin Lacierda, is a disappointment. As Malacañang spokespersons, they are the alter egos of the president. Their every word and act reflects that of Noynoy himself. 

Noynoy fans swiftly reacted to the Twitter exchange, branding Magsaysay as a “kiss-ass” supporter of Arroyo. Maybe she is and maybe she is not. But the fact remains the congresswoman from Zambales is her own person. Officially, she speaks for no one, not even Arroyo.

Arroyo has an officially designated spokeswoman, Maria Elena Bautista Horn. As Arroyo’s official spokeswoman, Bautista Horn is way leagues beyond Valte. She is intelligent, witty and very professional — all the departments required of a good and efficient alter ego.

Presidential spokespersons are no different from public relations officers. In fact they are PROs of the highest level. And one thing PROs do not do is get into a fight with anyone. To get into a quarrel, especially in public, is the worst they can do on behalf of their principals. 

Ask any corporate communications expert or public relations officer. Whatever they may personally feel on any given concern is not important, and must never be shown in public. To show only the best of their principals is what they are paid for, and very handsomely I presume. 

Now, no other principal can be greater than the president of the republic. So, when You grow hot under the collar and feel your blood curdle, the more you keep your decorum. You do not lose poise. Everything you do has only one purpose — keep the dignity of the presidency intact.

Unfortunately, Valte just did the mortal sin of doing the opposite, which is what trading barbs with a critic is. It is unfortunate because it is not Valte who gets it in the face but her principal, Noynoy. 

Of course, I would not be surprised if Noynoy decides to decorate Valte instead for her “valor” in standing up bravely for him against a sworn enemy. After all, when you think going after an enemy, to the exclusion of anything else, is good governance, what is there to expect?

Indeed, the signs are everywhere. Remember Mai Mislang, the Palace aide who accompanied the president during an official visit to Vietnam and who later badmouthed (also on Twitter) the host country? The president never did anything about her mortal sin. 

The extraordinary loyalty Noynoy has exhibited for his friends is not the kind of loyalty Filipinos need. What they need is the kind of loyalty that puts the interests of the nation first and not those of his friend.