The lighter side of politics
It was -at the brink of closing statements in both chambers last Monday when a mayor remarked to the titular head, “Let’s hurry up. One of the councilmen slated to take the Oath of Office is singing ‘Lachachai, lachachachachai, muñga manañgga, lachachai,” referring to the sumptuous luncheon right in front of the legislature. (Laughter).
*****
I thought the ceremony went smooth until the members of the lower chamber started delivering State of the Commonwealth Addresses. I was quietly chuckling at how spectators took it all in stride sporting courtesy at its best. I suppose I was the only hungry one who silently protested for the immediate curtailment of regurgitation of old issues restated differently. Perhaps polite niceties is a given on such special occasion.
*****
Among the 26 members who took the Oath of Office I think Senator David Cing of Tinian had the best choker (tie). It was Stars and Stripes Forever (Red, White and Blue) all the way. That gives me reason to ask KMCV News to clip-out the frame where Senator Cing was praying for either Japan or East Asia. Don’t fret Senator Cing. Thought I’d put some consistency in your powerful choker.
*****
As Senate President Paul Manglona brought the ceremony to a close, he also jokingly made mention of how fortunate the NMI for clearing the Y2K concern. He equipped that the Senate has its own version of the much anticipated technological glitch that fizzled or never took a bite in any form or fashion. But make no mistake about it, Senator Ramon S. Guerrero is a good debater and should add some spark to slow days in the upper chamber.
*****
Perhaps the most moving moment that I failed to capture with my new digital camera was the spouse of the late Jess P. Mafnas (Susana) embracing Speaker Ben Fitial with tearful eyes as she congratulated the veteran political warrior on his ascendancy. It brought back memories of how the late Mafnas fought his own young colleagues for the same post Filial took through coalition-building comprised of republicans, democrats and independents.
It was quite a moving moment very few witnessed. I was literally stupefied recalling the late warrior who, along with Speaker Filial, former Speaker Oscar Rasa and others built the strength of the GOP with sheer determination and perseverance. Those were the good old days that culminated in the well-earned trophy of victory.
Speaker Fitial is perhaps the last of the veteran warriors who stood his ground with pride all through those formative years in bipartisan politics.
*****
My congratulations to the new set of policymakers. A special congratulations to the lone female legislator Representative Brigid DLG. Ichihara. She’s a retired teacher who now heads the House Standing Committee on Education. Rep. lchihara should ably offer fresh ideas on matters pertaining to our educational system from the standpoint of teaching our children and how information and technology should be harnessed and made a part of instructions to upgrade the quality of education here.
The other lone female legislator is veteran Representative Malua Peter who chairs the House Standing Committee on Health. She has her work cut out for her in the myriad of substantive health issues facing these isles. We’re talking about the ongoing debate of patient’s rights versus services being offered by HMOs here. It’s quite an involved issue and we should rally behind her effort to put these issues into perspective.
*****
All in all, the organizational sessions in both chambers went well. As I was preparing to leave the place, I saw my partner in crime Frank Evangelista standing in the chowline. I walked up to him and whispered that I have instant soba at the office which drew laughter from his friends. He wanted solid food, not instant stuff.!
