Yes, let's have the ROTC back

Some Valentine’s Day article titles: “The Science of Love”; “The Lessons of Love” The Business of Love; “The Dangers of Being in Love.” Etc. The Valentine article I enjoyed reading was entitled: “Love As A Merchandize.”

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“Defy TRO, Senators Urged” — Headline. “Senate Should Respect SC Order” — another headline. Both on page one, both on the same day. The two heads clash, don’t they? That’s what makes the impeachment trial more interesting than the run-of-the-mill “teleserye.”

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The impeachment trial now on its 17th day as of this writing has changed, somewhat, the TV habit of many “ginang sa panimalay.” The “teleserye” habit has given way to the impeachment series which household maids are calling “teleserye sa mga brayt.”

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I have been watching the Senate President — yes, the Hon. Juan Ponce Enrile — preside over the impeachment trial and I notice the words he speaks to the senator-judges and the lawyers of both sides as well as the witnesses on the hot seat are marked with sagacity, prudence and sharpness. JPE at 88 is not only still sharp but sharper.

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The old Gotiaoco building, which is said to be more than five decades old, is now being evacuated. It is feared that the building might collapse should another big earthquake rock Cebu. “Good thing it’s being vacated now,” says Noy Temiong, “while the occupants still have time to make the sign of the cross.”

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I have heard some oldtimers say they prefer to see the building “repaired” not demolished. “It’s historic being the first high-rise building in Cebu,” said Januario Sanchez III. “And architecturally speaking it’s not bad to look at.”

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I’ve been told that the Gotiaoco building is the first edifice in Cebu with an elevator. If so, it can be said that Cebuanos were already riding in an elevator more than five decades ago.

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Anad partylist Rep. Pastor “Jun” Alcover is batting for the return of ROTC in college. The first congressman I learned who is also for the comeback of ROTC is Rep. “Eddiegul” Gullas. Yes, let’s have the ROTC back and the sooner the better.

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The ROTC course is a must in these times when many young men are going astray. ROTC trains college young men to become real men in whom the so-called patriotic fiber is made strong. It is my good fortune that I have completed the two-year ROTC basic course.