Crying Lady speaks up

What follows was written about three weeks ago and was meant to be a column, but I somehow forgot about it. I just realized I wrote something about Oreta that I didn't get to include in my column when I watched her justify on television survey results that rank her as the politician most people mistrust.

And what are we supposed to make of the public apology of senatorial candidate Tessie Aquino-Oreta? I don’t mean to sound callous and heartless in the face of such seeming humility. Unfortunately, it is the campaign season and her apology is packaged as a campaign material – so I think many among us can be forgiven for being unable to see sincerity in the act.

Nevertheless, that apology begs a number of questions.

First, if she has remained in the opposition and continued to be in the good graces of her erstwhile benefactor, the former President Joseph Estrada, would she still make that apology?
Second, why did she wait this long to issue that apology? If she is truly sorry for doing that jig at that crucial moment in the Estrada impeachment trial, why do so only after six years and why do so in a manner that has all the telltale signs of a well-crafted and well-directed dramatic performance? A friend of mine pretty much summed up a common reaction: being the sister of a famous and multi-awarded movie and television director (Lupita Kashiwahara) brings certain benefits.

Nice try, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, but we are not biting. But hey, I really mean this: You have a promising career as an actress.

Comments

Anonymous said…
hi bong, tama ka. sa kanya pala nagmana si kris ng acting genes nito.
12:52 PM
Unknown said…
bong, with due respect, tessie oreta didn't make the public apology only now. last year, the inquirer featured her on the front page: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=16348

she had been doing this "public" apology albeit only in our church since 2001. In Dec. 2005, I heard her testimony and I shared it with my former boss at the Inquirer, Gerry Lirio. Gerry tried to interview Tessie but Tessie refused at first saying she wasn't comfortable talking about her spiritual walk lest she be accused of using it for politics. But we encouraged her and told her it's good to share how God has changed her. To make the long story short, she agreed and the interview saw print in time for Ninoy's death anniversary.

As she went around campaigning, Tessie shared to us (her friends from church) that people haven't seem to forget her jig despite the Inquirer article. After praying about it, she decided to use her airtime to reach to a bigger number of people, just to get the burden (borne out of her action) off her heart.

I hope people give "sinners" the benefit of the doubt. Really, at the end of the day, it is always between the sinner and his/her God. I hope you'll take time to browse the blog of our senior pastor Joey Bonifacio, who mentored Tessie. Here's a link to his blog: http://joeybonifacio.multiply.com/journal/item/105
11:59 PM
Anonymous said…
Hullo Bong, I posted a blog entry on Senator Oreta as well, in light of what I heard about her at church.

Prior to hearing about her at church, I, too, had nothing but animosity for Senator Oreta for her little dancing jig, because that's all I knew about her. I knew nothing about her service as a congresswoman, a senator, zilch, really.

It was when I researched about her that I learned of how she'd forged a career of public service, and especially what she'd pushed for in legislation for educators (I was a teacher before biting the proverbial bullet of corporate life), children and the environment. I was taken aback by how little I knew of her, andI felt bad for judging her on the basis on one mistake for which she has repeatedly sought forgiveness from the public for.

I promised myself shortly afterward to review the websites and legislative history of the other senatorial candidates, because I do not want to necessarily close the door on voting for a political candidate simply because of something they did in the past. Nobody is perfect, least of all I, and I felt I owed it to myself and my kids to make sure I was voting for someone whose actions - well, the majority of them anyway - spoke of their genuine concern for the people. One misstep should not have to ruin what otherwise was a pretty good dance.

My two cents. Thanks for listening.
9:24 AM
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