Congrats, Manny

Last Sunday, millions of people all over the world watched closely the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley fight and came out very disappointed because many thought that Mosley will come out fighting but unfortunately was more concerned about his survival.

There is no question: Pacquiao is still is the best pound-for-pound boxer.

The way I saw it, when Mosley was hit by Pacquiao, I think he immediately felt his opponent’s power. More so in the fourth round where he got knocked down.

The next problem of Manny is finding an opponent who can at least equal his power and skill. But so far, nobody seems to match the talent, power and skill of Pacquiao.

* * *

Last Sunday, we also celebrated Mother’s Day. It so happened that I was also in Manila with my sister and her family. I’m so proud with the way my youngest sister, Chingbee, guided her three children to be good especially to their parents.

Chingbee’s son Lambert will be taking a summer job in the office of Sen. Migz Zubiri. The three kids waited for Sunday to set in and greeted their mother as soon as the clock struck 12 midnight in our room at the Microtel Hotel along Roxas Boulevard.

I was very touched by the deeds of my sister’s children and amazed by the way my sister Chingbee brought up her children. My sister’s husband Jerome is a pleasant husband to her. Business oriented, he has done well in procuring their tourist buses and coasters while Chingbee takes care of the bookings. Subic Freeport where we went last Friday hosted an auction of buses and coasters. I think Chingbee and Jerome complement each other and it is amazing to see how they’re a successful couple.

* * *

The death of Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez has left many questions that must now be answered by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

Will Vice Governor Magpale allow the governor to hold the budget of the Provincial Board members and its staff? I think so, with the good relationship between Governor Gwen and Vice Governor Magpale.

The next question is who shall succeed Magpale in the Board? I think former tourism secretary Ace Durano will not accept it because it is a demotion.

The assumption of Magpale augurs well for the Provincial Board since she has an independent mind while being a friend of Governor Gwen.

I had the golden opportunity to work with Magpale at the Provincial Women’s Commission and witnessed her positive leadership traits. I bet you, she is a perfect successor to Greg Sanchez. She is respectful but definitely not subservient. She will not allow the vice governor’s office to be used for personal gain but always for the welfare of the people.

Magpale gets things done and is serious with her job. She is sincere in her intention to serve the people of the Province of Cebu. Will she be dictated by the governor? If it is good for the people, I think she would not mind it, but if it is for the welfare of one person or family, I think she will not allow it.

One must remember that Magpale comes from a family of politicians, the Duranos, who, like persons in a political empire, always discuss what to do next. The way I look at it, the Duranos are smarting from Danao Mayor Boy Durano and Vice Mayor Nito Durano’s political feud but with Nito Durano still holding up as the political leader of the clan.

Even who will succeed Magpale as Board Member for the 5th district will be subject to consultation in the group of Nito Durano. It will probably be Boying Rodrigues, the nephew of Nito Durano. We really wish that the political feud among members of the family will be immediately solved as the Durano as a family is expected to play a major role in the 2013 elections especially for the race for governor.

* * *

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma gave a very good message to Cebuanos when he reminded them to follow St. Joseph who worked so hard to accomplish the mission that God has given him. It is very timely especially this Labor Month of May.

Today a labor union is looked upon by capitalists as a troublemaker that gives them a hard time. But capitalists are also not without any fault especially when they take advantage of the poor, adopting contractualization to the detriment of our laborers who are deprived their security of tenure and basic benefits.