The ‘missing guy’ syndrome

ILIGAN City ― Nobody was surprised anymore why BBM was “missing” during the forum of the Commission on Elections a few days ago.

It would have been more surprising if he appeared, After all, he was “missing” in other fora that he didn't like! Like that of Jessica Soho or CNN.

But he did appear when Boy Abunda was host or Korina Sanchez. And BBM was perceived as especially enjoying the latter because of his cooking skills that were brought to the fore.

So some comments of radio listeners and on FB “guessed” whether it was “humba” or “pinakbet” that BBM was cooking! Meaning, such a “safe” topic for a guy applying for the highest position of the country to be in.

So I heard some would-be voters getting discouraged, The rabid loyalists however couldn't care less. Missing or not during important debates or forums they will still vote for him, through thick and thin. To be fair though, there were political aspects thrown in which BBM masterfully answered during that Korina encounter.

And anyway, the elections are the true gauge, not those darn interviews, debates, or whatever.

Here in the city, we also have someone infected with the “missing guy” syndrome, pardon my term. That’s city mayor Celso G Regencia. “Unity Walk” and “Covenant Signing?” He was missing. Although the rest of his team was there.

The coming over here last October of PRRD? He was missing. Although the rest of his team was there too.

The joke was that he was not able to say the correct “password” to the Presidential Security Group. And there are various “missing” circumstances too. His being “missing” most of the time led some people to ask: “Do we still have a mayor?” And one “joker” of a resident posted on FB: “Mayor, where na u? Magparamdam ka naman, kahit lang sa kandila!” Hahaha, but this is no laughing matter really.

Anyway, these are just two samples, two versions. There might be plenty like them out there. And well, their smiling faces are not missing in tarps, and they are or might be visible now in the campaign sorties!

(Email: norasorino2@gmail.com)