An apology for doing one’s job?
Judging from the number of people who attended former President Erap’s 75th birthday party Thursday night, it looks like the guy has not lost his touch.
Old friends and new faces were at the huge Le Pavillon ballroom in Pasay City to greet him.
President Noy and his sister, actress Kris Aquino, were among Erap’s guests.
Erap’s wife, former first lady Loi Ejercito, and their son Jinggoy joined the birthday celebrator and P-Noy at the presidential table where Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was also seated.
I saw my Uncle Alex (retired Gen. Alexander Aguirre) and his wife, Chit, among the many guests.
Aguirre was a member of Erap’s Cabinet. His former colleagues in the Estrada administration were also at the big bash.
I saw senators—among them Greg Honasan, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Loren Legarda, Ramon Revilla and Serge Osmeña—and a number of congressmen like Mindoro Rep. Rodolfo Valencia, and congresswomen, in the big crowd.
Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa came with Senator Legarda.
I kidded Jojo that somebody was eyeing him with envy, and he laughed.
Local officials, like controversial Davao City Vice Mayor Rody Duterte, were also there.
I was asked by former Ambassador to Laos Tony Cabangon-Chua to sit at his table where business tycoons William Gatchalian and Andrew Tan were also seated.
Douglas Lu Ym, once known as “coconut king,” came all the way from Cebu City to greet his long-time friend.
One of Erap’s former detractors, former Solicitor-General Frank Chavez, and his friend, restaurateur Rod Ongpauco, sat at another table.
I saw ABS-CBN’s Karen Davila and Vic Lima pass by our table.
Newspaper publisher Jake Macasaet hopped from one table to another greeting old friends.
Dr. Tyrone Reyes, a well-known bone surgeon and newspaper columnist, joined fellow doctors at one table.
I saw a number of retired generals in the crowd, among them Danny Lim, now with the Bureau of Customs.
And, of course, Erap’s old friends and colleagues in the movie industry were there.
In short, all sectors of society were represented in Erap’s celebration of a significant milestone.
(P.S. When I left the party—I left before the main course was served— Vice President Jojo Binay was still not around, apparently waiting for the “grand entrance.”)
* * *
Lanao del Sur Rep. Nasser Pangandaman got down from his car when security guard Albert Gemillan flagged it down at the gate of Miranila Homes in Quezon City for having an expired village car sticker at past 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
Without saying a word, the congressman allegedly punched Gemillan in the face.
Pangandaman’s bodyguards, who were in another car, reportedly got down from their car with guns drawn.
Shocked, the poor guard ran and sought refuge at the subdivision’s clubhouse.
Later, Gemillan’s supervisor at Northern Star Security Agency accompanied the guard to the congressman’s house at nearby Tierra Pura subdivision.
And what do you know: Gemillan was ordered to write a letter of apology to the congressman!
The poor guy apologized, but for what—for doing his job?
So the next time you run into the congressman and his bodyguards, you know what to do.
Failing to recognize him might lead to disastrous consequences.
