Saturday, December 13, 2014

A Comic Couple: Bike Rider and Media Mam

"Yippie-ay-yay! A Ghost Rider in P.I."
    A recently published link on Twitter revealed a photo of  DILG Secretary Mar Roxas righting himself after his motorcycle had accidentally gone down along with him. He was said to be making inspections at the area of Taft, Samar where Typhoon Hagupit had first caused its devastating effects on the Philippines.
     Critics who have taken note of his published image raises the issue that the said government official was disregarding a mandate which requires all motorcycles to don protective head wear; specifically those which are required to follow standards set by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS).
    Detractors presume he was not suited with a head gear so as not to hinder his facial appearance from being noticed by the masses in the area; a place where his presence was not really a necessity since there were already appropriate personnel to attend to the after-effects of the typhoon’s passing. It is a suggested hypothesis that the recognition of his presence in such ‘trouble-infested’ zones would earn him acclaim and hence assure him a chance of gaining the votes of individuals who took note of his “concern and effort” to help.What does this say of such government officials? That they are willing to disregard the very same laws they have worked to enforce, for their own potential benefit?
    Taking a long look at the picture of Secretary Roxas; his wardrobe appeared rather casual: a cap, a jacket, and a simple pair of pants. With the attention of the masses in the said area of Samar focused on their respective concerns; perhaps another possibility was a ‘scripted’ accident (?) If his clothes and the humble motorbike caused his presence to be disregarded; even if his facial features were not hidden by a helmet; perhaps the next best thing to do in order to call the people’s attention is to feint a slight accident. Maybe even a few residents of the area may have caught the unfortunate incident when it occurred and were possibly surprised to take note of a political figure in their midst.(And those who held him in disfavor would have wished the bike cartwheeled instead of just slanting downwards; but still noticing him.)

     In addition to DILG Secretary Roxas’ issue, the specified link was also criticizing his spouse, Korina Sanchez- renowned journalist for the ABS-CBN network; for suggesting that Filipinos pray for the alteration of the typhoon’s course and make it head for Japan instead. In addition, she was criticized for donating sandals to the victims of another past storm where her husband led relief operations; footwear which bore here name.
    What is it with this couple? They might just have a hidden agenda; some sort of inconspicuous scheme to enhance their image; a political and media figure supporting one another to climb the ranks of authority? In time, a comical reality might just take place when a husband and wife may rule the archipelago as king and queen. Goodbye to the republic and a new monarchic age begins.

Taking the entire link into consideration and reflecting on a literal comic-movie metaphor some years back; the two mentioned personalities may just be a fit personification of Johnny Blaze (aka The Ghost Rider) and his newscaster sweetheart, Roxanne Simpson; applauded, reputed, and famed.

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