Bombo Radyo Iloilo has stirred a heated exchange between myself and Rep. Arthur Defensor, Sr. after I remarked that the 3rd district congressman is so weak that he literally drags his feet when he walks. “Naga dukoy-dukoy maglakat,” I said in describing his penguin-like manner of walking. It apparently struck a raw nerve in Defensor, who angrily stated over Bombo that he is in the best of health. There’s nothing wrong with his health, he said. He also took a swipe at Governor Tupas, implying that the 76-year old governor is ill. He added that I myself is not in good health, as I suffered from a mild stroke three-and-a-half years ago.
It amused me that Defensor would get so heated up about his health. At 68, he is much younger than Governor Tupas. But it is apparent to the public that the governor is more fit and healthy than his predecessor. And so when Bombo asked me to respond, I issued a challenge — a 100-meter race between Tupas and Defensor at the Iloilo Sports Complex. At least, Defensor can’t say that he is being pitted against a younger rival. As he also insinuated that the governor is sickly, this would be a good way to prove who’s telling the truth.
I knew that Defensor wouldn’t bite the challenge. Even though he’s younger than Tupas, Defensor is fully aware there’s no way he can beat the governor in a short foot race. The condition of his health would be unmasked.
Now that the issue of health is being discussed over Bombo Radyo, I must state that it is a legitimate issue in a political contest. The job of a governor is strenous and rigorous. It is demanding as it is taxing to the mind and body. It is a 24/7 position that requires the highest state of fitness for the occupant. Hence, Defensor shouldn’t take it personally and resort to name-calling. “Bu-ang” is not an appropriate word to describe somebody who raises a valid question.
I am not alone in making this observation that Defensor seems to be afflicted by a serious ailment. So many people have confided their puzzlement at seeing Defensor’s face often puffed up. When he walks, he does so in a waddle, just like a toddler just taking his or her first steps. Every 10 steps or so, Defensor stops to rest. He also can’t stay out under the heat of the sun for more than five minutes. I’m not a doctor, but there’s no doubt in my mind he’s suffering from an ailment that impairs his ability to move and walk normally.
In dismissing this issue as irrelevant, Defensor depicted me as being out of my mind. Pardon me, but that’s not the way to address the issue. It’s not just me alone who made that observation. Besides, it is a legitimate issue. And Defensor should be honest with himself about the state of his health. The Ilonggo electorate are entitled to know if he is fit for the position of Governor.
If Art Defensor finds “dukoy-dukoy” objectionable, then maybe I can change the term to “takang-takang”.
Another term is “ikang-ikang”.
Mr Mejorada, I enjoy reading your posts. It keeps me updated with what’s happening in my province. I was there last March and my three daughters and two sons were pissed off with bombo radio. They keep saying that bombo radio is not what it is used to be with its new anchorman. I tried to be fair and listened to bombo Roger and lo and behold, I changed channel after a few minutes. It is pretty obvious that the guy is being paid. I just don’t know by whom. He accuses politicians with “hambal ni” and “wala ka man ____!” I’m sorry for bombo and florete. I don’t know if this Roger has something between his head.
I’ve heard stories about Cong. Defensor from my nephews who are employees of the provincial government. I heard snitches from them of how “basa-baba” this guy is. People cannot just walk in his office. And he has this elitist facade that housed only his chosen few during his reign. They feel bad for the current governor who has been maligned by every station/anchor in town that accepts cash. For them, the benefits that they get from Tupas were never close to those that were offered during defensor’s time. You cannot truly say that Tupas is laden with graft and corruption when the only people who say this are his opponents. It is so sad that Vice Governor Suplico is using his position to mount his war with the governor. Accordingly, they are one in saying he is the worst vice gov in the history of Iloilo. By pushing with his personal vendetta, one can only surmise the desperation that he personifies. People did not vote for him to spite the governor but to work on the good of the province. I can go on and on with this but I need to supervise some people.
Mr. Mejorada, I commend you for sharing the truth with us fearlessly. I’ve been fortunate to meet then Mayor Raul Causing during one of my father’s visit in barotac. I take it his daughter is the wife of Governor Tupas. If I’m not mistaken then, FCong. Biron and Vice Governor Suplico should know that Governor Niel Tupas is not as poor as they try to picture. New Age politicians and newly-rich people can be good liars.
You are right about Bombo Roger. He’s a paid hack. He’s an enforcer of a PR lady named Florence who also pretends to be a legitimate journalist. It’s the likes of Roger and Florence who give media a bad name. They exploit their positions to collect hefty fees from clients like Janette Garin, Rolex Suplico, Ferj Biron and Arthur Defensor. Boboy Syjuco, too, is a big client. That’s why his anomalies are never carried on Roger’s Bombo program. He is merciless about alleged corruption at the capitol, but treats Syjuco like a kitten.
But I have always had faith in the intelligence of Ilonggos. Our people are not swayed by black propaganda. This has been proven time and again in the 2004 and 2007 elections. Ilonggos see the truth through the thick haze of falsehoods. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.