In 1986, Cardinal Sin used the power of Radio to call for People Power.
In 2001, Erap's presidency crumbled Live on TV, his nationally televised impeachment trial our first taste of reality tv.
Today, in 2005, news of Pres. Gloria Arroyo's alleged cheating during the elections spread fast and wide, not because of traditional media, but because of the ubiquitous Gloria/Garci ringtone.
Times have definitely changed.
TV news insiders were surprised to see ratings drop on just the second day of the much hyped congressional hearing into the wiretap scandal. But it's not surprising really. The public would have no patience for grandstanding congressmen arguing rules and procedures and whether or not they can play the alleged wiretaps, when practically everyone has a copy of the CD and has heard "Hello, Garci?"
This time, traditional media can barely keep up with the public. And with no time to create spin, even the old pros are simply dissembling, making things up as they go along. (I mean -- Iggy's chief of staff coming out to claim he's Gary? Doble tracing money to Laarni?")
In lieu of great tactics, just throw things at the wall and see what sticks!
Considering what the public already knows, and how much more damaging information is out there --- most likely already being mass produced and turned into a catchy song and ring tone, as we speak --- Gloria Arroyo's response to all this does make sense: Total and Absolute Silence.
Just some thoughts on the whole tape thing...
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
So she allegedly called a COMELEC official to check on her votes. I'd like to think that all of us are smart enough to know that other candidates probably did the same through various channels and connections. Was it a violation? Yes. Does it prove that she cheated? NO! If the tape is authentic then she was merely acting as a concerned candidate. Does it make it right? No. But does it prove that she cheated? No as well.
The whole thing surprises me...in our society, where corruption and being a trapo has been elevated to an artform, people are making such a huge ruckuss about this. Why didn't they do the same during the Dagdag-Bawas controversy? Or during the Marcos-Dovey Beams tape?
Look, I'm not a pro-Gloria nut. I have my share of complaints with her administration; but this isn't the way to fix things. Using a ringtone that has shockvalue just to be in isn't helping anybody. In fact this whole controversy does nothing to help anyone! Does it make you do your job better, make you a better person, or a better human being? No...no, it doesn't. In fact it does the opposite. if this was a pure quest for the truth, it would be. But it's not. It's all about vested interest, power grabs, and concessions. It shows the petty, the selfish, the dishonest, the ugly side of our being. C'mon guys. Let's go beyond this. There are far more important things to worry about.
Posted by: TOM MENSES | June 27, 2005 at 12:00 PM