A Compelling Tribute To Atty. Vic Rodriguez

By: Atty. Marlo T. Cristobal 

Following is my previous message to Banateros worth retelling and reviving

Dear Banateros: 

I received today the video you sent me of your exclusive interview with the former Executive Secretary of President Bongbong Marcos — Atty. Vic Rodriguez. It is not my cup to discourse publicly my thoughts about political issues of our country, except to make at times sporadic, curt political statement or tirade when some political developments scream at my conscience in violent protest. The reason being that we are a people who takes politics seriously — and, at times, foolishly— as part of our soul that makes us feel it is worth hating or killing for. I am too old to let myself be hostaged by these strong emotions, and l just want to maintain my youth reputation as charming  and gentle ( ask the girls, not the men ) even at my super senior age now. That’s why l exhorted you early on to indulge in political commentaries while l tackle spiritual matters where my spirit finds equilibrium and serenity. 

But after viewing your video interview, l am constrained to make some political commentaries that will naturally prejudice my image as gentle and charming to those who are on the other side of the political fence. Nevertheless, let me pursue my honest conviction, hoping that the balm of truth will comfort them. 

This one time Executive Secretary, based on his demeanor in the interview, is a forthright and decent man. He is young, yet oozing with smartness and wisdom that can challenge an old man’s typical sagacity. He is polite and a gentleman as he successfully and gracefully deflected your straight but sinister questions intended to corner him to come out with guns ablazing against his former boss BBM and other personalities inside Malacanang. Yet in a manner so subtle, he was able to impart nevertheless the idea that the current occupants of Malacanang are not that well, but are rather dismally short of serving the interests of the people and our country. When he advised BBM to “step in and step up” he was using a euphemistic language to the President to be bold and shed himself off of the “bangag” and weak condition that FPRD attributes to him, and presidentially order to stop the fraudulent and illegal P.I.. 

Furthermore, Atty. Rodriguez is consummately articulate in expressing his intelligent and bold ideas. His passion and love for our country simply provokes my towering feeling that there is still high hope that our country can be snatched away from the stranglehold of our present crop of old and corrupt politicians that draw the people’s lifeblood to perpetuate their political power.  Based on his narratives,  Atty. Rodriguez ‘s fate was sealed to doom from the very start before he could be even sworn in as Executive Secretary when he ran roughshod over some rogue personalities that had dealings in Malacanang. He found himself a total anachronism in an environment of crookedness and skullduggeries that he had to resign his job — a hallmark of integrity. He abandoned a lucrative, prestigious, powerful position in government to be just plain citizen. Of course he was crucified to discredit him as he posed a threat should he decide to be a moral crusader for ethical government. Nothing is new as even Jesus Christ, a God-sent moralist, was nailed to His death to silence Him and His moral crusade. 

To me Atty. Rodriguez, with all his burning passion to stand up for our country’s welfare and interest, can well represent the new brand of Filipinos that can lead us to a nation of nobler political life where decency and ethics reign. 

Finally, l ask that this personal message of mine be conveyed to atty. Rodriguez:  Pañero, honestly, l believe that you are a good material for senator. May God give you this destiny. l ardently pray that God continue to bestow upon you the courage to fight against unbridled corruption in the government.