CAPTURED BY ARLYN DELA CRUZ: THE ONLY EXPECTATION ...

Thursday, June 4, 2009

THE ONLY EXPECTATION ...

Now that former police Sr. Superintendent Cezar Mancao is back in the Philippines, currently under tight security inside the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), there is only one expectation from him: To tell nothing but---the truth.

Coming home would be naught if he would just be a tool against any political persecution. What he will say and what he will be representing in the coming days would determine how history will view his role in the resolution of one of the most celebrated and controversial cases of unresolved murders--that of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.

Even before his arrival, a copy of his affidavit was already printed in the Philippine Daily Inquirer in full and in that affidavit, the names of former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada and senator Panfilo Lacson are among those mentioned as the key figures that allegedly played parts in the twin-murder case.

Another name is prominently mentioned, former police Sr. Superintendent Michael Ray "Ninoy" Aquino who is linked both to Lacson and Estrada.

But unless the affidavit is sworn by Mancao himself in court---the one that got printed in the largest and most read newspaper in the country---is not yer considered official. Reacting to that scoop of the PDI then, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales refused to say with certainty that it's indeed the exact copy of Mancao's affidavit. However, Gonzales said, "majority of the content printed in the paper was true."

Will Mancao pull a surprise and declare something else different from what was already printed in the media as early as the March of this year?

There are talks that he would but that remains nothing but a speculation unless we hear it straight from Mancao himself. That's why we all want to hear him say his piece now and declare nothing but the truth.

On his arrival statement, still visibly worried but somehow relieved indicative of that tentative smile on his face caught on camera, Mancao said, "It's about time that I speak up."

Yes Cezar, it's about time and in saying it's about time, the only consideration you must weigh the most is the truth that not only the families of Dacer and Corbito deserves but the whole nation as well.

Every story needs a closure. This one needs it with clarity and finality.(end)

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FILLED WITH THOUGHTS

When one has witnessed and experienced so much, oftentimes up-close and personal---there comes this inevitable time to exhale, share and think aloud.

Thinking aloud becomes a responsibility and a commitment.

Let me tell you my story. A glimpse.

All I wanted was to be a journalist. That was my dream. That was my plan.

Growing up in the city of Olongapo and witnessing all types of social-ills and deprivation, especially in the 70s and the 80s---all I wanted was to make a difference.

I shared that dream with many who experienced life then in a place like Olongapo City, a place that could make or break you, a place where dreams are woven and shattered with equal intensity and flare.

I did not simply dream about it. I chased it. Worked hard and persevered until I became one. Adding fuel to that dream was the subconscious messages of inspiration, silently cheering for a girl's dream from a small city next to the once mighty Subic Naval Base of the United States of America.

How can you not pursue your dream and claim it when all around you then were statements of support, edging you to go and pursue it: AIM HIGH, DUTY, DIGNITY AND DETERMINATION, SELF-HELP, SELF-RELIANCE, BAWAL ANG TAMAD SA OLONGAPO and some borrowed words from one of America's greatest presidents, John F. Kennedy: "What this country needs is not a change of men but a change in men."

In a way---then Mayor Richard Gordon and now senator was instrumental in my never say die attitude. Sometimes, my temper is as passionate as his, especially when things are not done properly because the attitude displayed was, “it’s not my job” “why should I care” and not exploring everything to the fullest before declaring I have done enough. Like him, I believe in the spirit of volunteerism.

I breathe volunteerism.

But before anyone assumes this space is for Dick Gordon, let me disabuse it head on.

This is about the same principle that he believed in: AIMING HIGH.

My generation in Gapo aimed high.

And the truth is, if my story is considered as a success story of sorts, it’s really nothing compared to the story of others. Mine pale in comparison. It just happens that I was the one in the limelight—that’s why it appears that way. You have yet to hear the stories of some of the people I know who did make a difference and made something of themselves—practically from nothing.

Bobby Fugnit, Joel Monsalud---these are only two stories I knew, the kind that will really inspire anyone. One day, this space will tell their stories, two of my closest friends whose example of courage and determination to make a difference was truly admirable.

As for my own journey into the world of media, the story began in 1990, when a 20-year old budding writer and aspiring reporter auditioned for a reportorial slot over GMA-7’s DZBB.

When the broadcast industry opened its' doors for me way back in 1990, there was no turning back. A niche claimed. A name became part of the consciousness of the Filipino people and to a larger extent--the world.

There are those who like me, maybe even love and support what I do and have accomplished but there are also those who do not. I am even aware that there are those who hate my guts. Most journalists I know have enemies, and one can say that this is part of the trade, the risks we have to take if we are to function what it is that's expected of us by the people.

Truth hurts, a cliche, but will always be a universal truth for as long as we all live.

But more than earning a name, establishing an exclusive spot in a very competitive world of broadcast media, there is always this bottom line that I will never forget.

That while this thing that I do, a profession, a craft, was about a childhood dream that came true--it's not about me. It was never about me.

It's never about the messenger. Certainly never about the act, the pursuits, the dangers, the risks, the awards, accolades, the rush for scoops and exclusives.

It's only about the one basic bottom line: The people's right to be informed, the truth and only the truth.

Twenty years in the industry and counting, a legendary career, other say, marked with controversies and the intrigues --this basic and most sacred definition of news, I hold dear and close in my heart. That NEWS is always equals to nothing but the TRUTH.

To Aim High is to aim for everything that is real and true.

Everyone talks of change. Let this be my contribution.

This is my take. Commentaries, reflections, insights, musings on issues that affect the one country that we all love.

This country remains on the road to greatness. It's our destiny. That much I believe. All we need to do is claim it--that greatness.

But getting there is a shared responsibility of every Filipino the he/she needs to embrace as his/her own personal journey.

We cannot claim greatness by simply remaining on the sidelines, mere bystanders, kibitzers so to speak with nothing to say, nothing to risk.

No gain, no pain---but very true.

There is no agenda here.

Only one flame burns here: the truth.

"Sa ngalan ng katotohanan at tunay na paglilingkod, Arlyn dela Cruz, nag-uulat."

At oo, ako rin si Arlyn na nanay ni Katrina Greta, a far better writer than I am, not even close to her magical storytelling genius and Dominique, the innovator, the one with the plan, gifted with the insights that make her wise beyond her years.

Ako rin si Mahon. Don't search for the word, I invented it.

This is me and this is my space.

CAPTURED BY ARLYN DELA CRUZ

Thursday, June 4, 2009

THE ONLY EXPECTATION ...

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FILLED WITH THOUGHTS

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