I remember long ago my late grandfather, Senator Blas F. Ople, told me that one of his favorite senators is Miriam Santiago. When I asked him why, he told me that Miriam “spiced” up the floor. This was echoed as well by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero in our blogger coffee session event. Well… it looks like they hit the mark on that one. In her speech this afternoon about the informercials of cabinet members and senators, she literally unleashed the fury of hell, even calling them “thick-skinned, dimwitted rhinoceros”.
Her first victim was TESDA Secretary Augusto Syjuco. Here’s his infomercial for your viewing pleasure:
And here is Senator Santiago’s fiery comment:
“Pasayaw-sayaw pa, ang puti na ng buhok niya! Hindi ba nakakahiya ‘yan, nakakawala ng respeto sa ganoong uri ng opisyal sa publiko?”
Next up we have one of her favorite nemesis ever – DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno. Here’s his infomercial:
To which Senator Santiago says:
“Sobra pang kapal ng make-up. Tapos pina-bira niya ako sa kolumnista niya na hinahabol ko lang daw siya. Sino ba siya para habulin ko nang mag-isa? My goodness. I married one of the most handsome men in the entire country, and sasabihin niya hinahabol ko siya?”
A lot of people might find her a bit crazy but I agree with her 100%. I fully support her crusade against early electioneering, especially when the funds being used are from government agencies. If politicians want to campaign as early as now, then they should use their own money. The only people who would actually believe them that these are really for the benefit of the people and that there’s no politics involved are probably the stupidest persons on this planet.
Here’s the full article posted on ABS-CBN Interactive:
MANILA – Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Monday again slammed government officials’ infomercials in a fiery speech at the Senate, calling them a herd of “thick-skinned, dimwitted rhinoceros.”
Even before delivering her privilege speech, Santiago was already hitting government officials for their infomercials, which she said was a form of electioneering.
One of the officials she vented her ire on was Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chairman Augusto Syjuco.
“Pasayaw-sayaw pa, ang puti na ng buhok niya! Hindi ba nakakahiya ‘yan, nakakawala ng respeto sa ganoong uri ng opisyal sa publiko?” Santiago said.
Santiago cited a report by the Commission on Audit (COA) that said Syjuco’s ad cost P28.3 million.
The senator also had words for Interior and Local Government secretary Ronaldo Puno.
“Sobra pang kapal ng make-up,” she said.
Puno’s infomercials from 2008 to 2009 reportedly cost nearly a million pesos.
“Tapos pina-bira niya ako sa kolumnista niya na hinahabol ko lang daw siya. Sino ba siya para habulin ko nang mag-isa? My goodness. I married one of the most handsome men in the entire country, and sasabihin niya hinahabol ko siya?,” Santiago said.
Santiago said that since last year, Cabinet officials have already spent P118 million for their ads.
“Walang hiya na talaga ito. We have been invaded by a herd of rhinoceros that are not only thick-skinned, but also dimwitted,” she said.
While delivering her speech, the senator was sidetracked by some people at the gallery.
“To those two girls there… will you please stop smiling and looking at your cellphones? If you’re not listening to my speech, please step out, now!” Santiago shouted towards two women at the gallery.
Upon resuming her speech, Santiago insisted government agencies should not be given advertising funds.
She also called on television networks and non-government organizations to file a complaint before the Commission on Elections.
Santiago found an ally in her colleague, Richard Gordon, who questioned other senators who have their own infomercials.
Leading that list are Senators Manny Villar and Mar Roxas, who have both declared their intention to run for president in 2010. Maricar Bautista, ABS-CBN News
Lastly, here’s the video of her delivering her speech. This is simply a MUST WATCH.
Panalo talanga ‘tong si Miriam! Haha!
To those who can’t view the video, here’s the direct link.
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I agree with you fully.
Sen. santiago only called a ‘spade a spade’. But in another way, she called it RIGHT. It is not right for government officials to engage in infomercials w/o any germane benefit and good for the public; for obviously promoting the political/public stock of the head of the agency; or if the infomercial can no longer be used when the official if out of the agency.
In short, Sen Miriam was promoting, as far as she referred to the use of government funds for government officialdom’s candidacy in view, as RIGHTEOUSNESS.
it’s a good thing that our lawmakers are now looking into this issue of infomercial (political) ads.
nakakabanas na kasing panoorin.
HAHAHA. why not her for president? hahaha wild idea.
. parang ang dating pinagsasabihan nia ang iba. HAHA. which is great for me. at least there’s someone who corrects the wrong doings of some.
Mike I don’t think she will ever run for president again because she tried so many times but she always seemed doomed to lose and always backs out… I like her as a senator.. it would be terrifying if she became the president
Hands and feet down for Senator Miriam. She must have run for president this time! So true that figures allege her of being somewhat beyond normality, but if such a criterion will suffice the desire of a good country leader, I will be more than proud to be similarly situated. I can hardly think of another potential candidate that can outrank her in any aspect whatsoever! MIRIAM FOR PRESIDENT!!!!! I’m on your side in eliminating those thick-skinned, dimwitted rhinoceros..:)