Online power

The power of social media as commentator and arbiter of political issues and current events has been particularly striking in the past few days.

Rumors of Canadian pop star Justin Bieber’s plan to visit Tacloban City spread early Monday morning even though he did not confirm it until his actual arrival in the typhoon-battered city the next day.

Bieber advanced from pariah—lest Filipinos forget, he posted a photo in his Facebook and Twitter account simulating Manny Pacquiao position lying face down after being knocked down by Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez—to instant hero by staging a mini-concert in Tacloban city, playing basketball and posing with Filipino tween fans, who were thrilled to meet their idol in the flesh, tattooes and all.

A few critics may call Bieber’s appearance a shameless career move, but he was able to raise nearly a million US dollars in donations for typhoon victims in a day.

The start power of celebrities can really achieve positive results.

In that respect, Bieber has the advantage over US President Barack Obama and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas.

Obama gave a stirring tribute to the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, but he lapsed into selfie mode after he agreed to pose with other world leaders in a cell phone shoot that belied the solemnity of the occasion.

Obama may have committed a serious gaffe but it wasn’t as serious as the accusations by Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who had video footage of his meeting with Secretary Roxas in the devastation of typhoon Yolanda. In words, voice tone and body language, the clip clearly showed who was bullying who to turn over control of the city.

Romualdez’s tearful appearance before the Senate committee provoked Roxas to tell the press the mayor was lying. Who’s telling the truth? The video posted in YouTube leaves it to viewers to judge

In all three cases, the newsmakers had conscious control of how they would come across to an ever watchful public.

Bieber’s willingness to coordinate with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) allowed him to regain some ground to minimize his “brat boy” image and to have a smooth visit to a disaster zone, free of political static.

Netizens have only contempt for showbiz personalities and politicians who jump at the chance to pose with a celebrity like Jeane Napoles.

The power of social media reminds public figures that every word or gesture can be recorded, shared and commented on.

This alone gives new meaning to the value of being circumspect.