Escudero vs. Defensor

In a country full of turncoat politicians, it’s hard to find sincerity in government. However, like diamonds in the sand, there are some who belong to the rare few who actually seem to mean what they say and stand by what they have said. May paninindigan, kumbaga. I don’t like discussing politics but if there’s only one thing I have to say about it, it’s this: I only pay attention to political talk when it’s either Mike Defensor or Cheese Escudero talking. Defensor is pro-administration, Escudero is a figurehead in the opposition, and both are decidedly standing by the sides they have taken. Walang balimbingan between the two of them, and you have to respect them for that.

Top picture: Escudero (right) with another congressman, Bottom picture: Defensor

I’m talking about this all of a sudden because on 12am, Friday morning, these two will go head-to-head against each other on Debate on GMA Network. What most people don’t know is that these two are both maroon-blooded UP graduates, all the way from elementary and high school at UPIS to college in UP Diliman. Magkaiba lang ata sila ng course nang nag-college. They were batchmates and friends then and they have kept the friendship until now. Jessica Soho Reports had a special feature on them a couple of weeks back. Jessica Soho had them joking, having coffee and a casual, non-political conversation together. Pwede pa palang maging professional kahit controversial ka sa gobyerno sa Pilipinas. On Debate, I’d like to see how they battle with each other’s opposing views on national TV. I’d like to see this professionalism at work. Sana wag silang mag-bangayan like we usually see kapag may congress or senate hearing coverage on national TV. If my hopeful, idealistic perspective is right, they will debate like gentlemen.

Frankly I’m tired of all the personal attacks and insults a lot of our “honorable” senators and congressmen throw at each other on a daily basis. Parang mga bata. Why can’t they agree to disagree and contend with each other respectably, like the “honorable” public servants they should be? Really, I cringe at the thought of people calling some of the senators and congressmen “honorable” when their behaviors are anything but. That’s why I’m really looking forward to Debate even if it means staying up late for the nth time this month. A televised political debate purely based on views and ideologies, and speaks of “trabaho lang, walang personalan,” is a rare occurrence in this country--and definitely something worth staying out late for. Pictures from Asiaweek.com and Liberal-Philippines.com.