Far From Neutral Notions - Philippine politics, culture and stuff

As if it was ever in doubt, the latest media frenzy over Mike Arroyo’s health finally puts to rest the issue of whether or not he is a public personality. Gripped as I was over his ordeal — yes, that’s 3 parts sarcasm right there — I can only conclude that the First Gentleman is as much a public figure as Kris Aquino ever was. And even less entertaining.

Seems he’s well on his way to a full recovery, which brings up talk of “masamang damo” but that’s just in really poor taste, isn’t it? Then again, if ever there’s a bastion of poor taste, I’m it. Kicking a man when he’s down isn’t just despicable; it’s easy. I mean, I hate to do it, he’s right there, on the ground, right beside my foot. Sometimes resisting the temptation is all I can bear.

But my, they’ve spun this one quite well, haven’t they? Ermita must be grinning from ear to ear with all the sympathy and well-wishes headed GMA’s way. Even hard-core oppositionists are “praying” for Jose Pidal’s — err Mike Arroyo’s — speedy recovery. After all, there’s nothing enlightened or praiseworthy about being an asshole, and Alan Peter and Ping can afford to be gallant.

I can’t, though. I couldn’t care less what happens to the First Gentleman, and I’d be a hypocrite if I said I wish him well. You see, several things keep coming back to me that get in the way of me going all humanitarian. Araw ng Kagitingan just came and went, albeit a victim of the long holiday apathy for some. But for me, it is a yearly reminder — righly so — of our veteran’s heroism and sacrifice. And of the shoddy way the government has treated them. I had a grandfather who died of an aneurysm. He was a veteran. So no, I can’t really sympathize with Mike Arroyo. Color me illogical, but add a dash of I-don’t-give-a-flying-shag too.

So there.

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