JLo

Watching the Senate hearing was in turns enlightening and frustrating. Yesterday afternoon, shortly before the Senators declared a recess to go to lunch, I caught a few minutes of it. Initially, I was irked seeing JLo playing to the cameras. He was reacting too much for everyone to see -- a stark contrast to the poise and composure of Clarissa Ocampo years back. It occurred to me that he had turned cocky. But when the older senators ganged up on him, I decided he didn't deserve their hubris. What they made him go through provided a justification for why he was consistent in his saying that he wanted to avoid having to be in a Senate inquiry. There are a lot of bullies out there. And the prey of the bullying was not limited to him. The Senators bullied each other as well. I admire how MR vehemently countered the accusations of the older legislators. On the other hand, the action star turned senator was funny in pretending to be intelligent. He furrowed his eyebrows producing a crease between them but his questions did not match the look. They weren't questions that required deep thought.

The son of the former president knew how to ask questions. I didn't think he had it in him. Good for him that he does.

The former policeman was not intimidated by anyone; neither was the former general. Good for them because some of those invited to the hearing could have made those of lesser stuff cower or shut up in fear.

There was one invitee who had a chorus behind him. They'd shake their head or nod, as though on cue, always the right motion in support of their boss's answer. It looked a bit comical.

JM has balls. Nothing seems to faze her. But I was amused at how frequently she used the term she said shouldn't be use: dinuraan or its permutation. I thought before she was simply a rich girl but somehow she has impressed me over time.

In a previous hearing, I noticed how competently PC was asking questions that drew answers from JLo. The wannabee future president's questions, on the other hand, were so showbiz-like that JLo perpetually invoked the statement that he'd rather not say anything as it might ruin his friendships with MD and RN.

A number asked questions that were phrased so much more lengthily than the answers obtained.

Not a few people want to befriend Mike Defensor now. Imagine, he handed JLo P50k for pamalengke. He was ribbed for this gesture by Chiz Escudero (check out http://www.veoh.com/videos/v4112467mMj4Fdmq?s=forward&p2=A+friend&p1=v4112467mMj4Fdmq > who undoubtedly echoed what was in the minds of many viewers. But MD also better beware. He mentioned that he told JLo if you need more, I can get from the car. He carries so much cash with him. No wonder he had so many bodyguards when we saw him in a mall some time back. They occupied a table for six or more then, the bodyguards I mean.

It's a pity there will be no hearing today. Wonder if there'll be another anytime soon.