Reporter’s Notes

Shy of the spotlight

There were many empty seats in the  round “presidential table” in Sunday’s oath-taking at the Capitol.

Only Governor-elect Junjun Davide, his wife Jobella and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale sat up front.

Where were their family members?

Who else belonged to the VIP table?

Their children and siblings kept their distance, choosing to stay at the sides of the hall.

It was only when the newly elected officials were called to the stage along with their families for the oath-taking, that the attention of the audience fell on them.

“So typical of them,” said a colleague.   “They are low key and don’t want to be treated like VIPs.”

Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras blended in the background until he, too, was called on stage.

Ceboom guest

Lito Osmeña, former Cebu governor, was supposed to be a guest. He was invited and sent word he was going, but wasn’t able to show up.

Davide had to quickly edit his speech, which  would have mentioned that 25 years ago Cebu experienced a spectacular 20 percent growth, and that  “we are honored here today with the presence of the architect of Ceboom.”

Lunch tab

Lechon was cut and served, but the party dishes at the lunch reception were  far from fancy.

“No expenses were charged to the Capitol,” said the governor’s spokesperson Ethel Natera, who confirmed that Davide picked up the tab.

Lunch was booked for 500 people but a bigger crowd showed up. The caterer had to rush to accommodate extra guests.

Plates ran out 30 minutes after the buffet opened.   Some guests had to wait for newly washed plates to be distributed.

Oath giver

A judge would  have administered the oath of office.

Judge Bienvinido Saniel was earlier chosen by  Davide to administer his oath of office, but there was a last-minute change of plan.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas who flew in Friday for a series of oath-taking rites was able to stay till Sunday.

Instead of rushing home to Manila, his wife Corina Sanchez flew to Cebu.

Priest’s Humor

The  priest with a folksy sense of humor in Sunday mass seemed overwhelmed by the event.

He said the retired chief justice was a hero figure in the San Carlos seminary, during the Estrada impeachment trial.

His admiration showed itself in a comic way. At the end of the Mass, Fr. Bernardo Oyao asked if any announcements would be made.

“Since there are none,” he murmured, immitating the voice of Chief Justice Davide, “let us proceed.”

The audience laughed again when he continued with Davide’s now-famous phrase – and voice inflection –  “The no votes have it.” Ador Mayol, Michelle Padayhag, Eileen Mangubat