“The Honorables” – The greatest entertainment show in the Philippines

Photo Credit: www.thewutzup.com

As the Fifteenth Congress of the Philippines officially opened on July 27, I couldn’t help but be awed at what may well be the most colorful and most interesting assembly of “honorables” to grace the country’s most august body, particularly in the lower house.

I took it upon myself to put together a Who’s Who List.  It is by no means exhaustive, but it should be sufficient to guarantee a “great show” on the floors of Congress.

Grab your tickets!  The show has started!

Here are some of the stars of the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress.

Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Immediate former President of the Republic.  She is said to hold the record for the most and the biggest controversies that tainted a single President’s administration, making the late Ferdinand Marcos look saintly.

Photo Credit: www.momento24.com

Contrary to popular belief, she is not the first head of state to run for a lower office.  She’s second.  In fact she visited South America before the election, presumably to take a crash course from the very person who gave her the inspiration.

A couple of weeks ago she got tipped off that her successor was planning to ‘shock’ the country with her alleged sins so, together with her equally controversial husband, she skipped the show’s premiere and flew to HK the day before.

*****

Rep. Manny Pacquiao

The People’s Champ.  Pambansang Kamao.  The World’s Best Pound-for-Pound Boxer.  Actor.  Singer.  Time Magazine and Reader’s Digest Cover Boy.  Among the world’s highest paid athletes.  Ladies’ Man.  Mama’s Boy.

Photo Credit: manny-pacquiao-vs-ricky-hatton-boxing.blogspot.com

Rep. Richard Gomez — make that Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez

A twist of fate that used to happen only in Philippine movies just happened in Philippine politics.  Which just proves that politics and show business are birds of the same feather.

Goma seems jinxed insofar as winning an elective post is concerned.  Too bad for the “x-men” and matronas in the halls of Congress.

Photo Credit: www.ofwguardian.com

His beautiful wife doesn’t seem to share his misfortune.  And mind you, she doesn’t just look honorable.  She looks gorgeous!

*****

Rep. Ronald Singson

He was a pale shadow of his father, the feisty Chavit.  Now he may have a chance to overshadow his flamboyant dad.  After winning a seat in the 15th Congress, he produced an uber successful concert that brought to the country R&B Superstar Usher. It seems this “honorable” can’t do anything wrong.

Photo Credit: www.philstar.com

And then he went to Hong Kong and – allegedly – thought it appropriate to bring 2+ grams of cocaine and some prohibited pills with him — allegedly, that is.  Now it is yet to be seen if he will be able to serve at least a day of his law-making mandate as he is still behind bars in Hong Kong for breaking China’s law.  Chavit was quoted as saying that he is very disappointed with his “honorable” son.  Disappointed perhaps that Rep. Singson got caught?

*****

Rep. Mikey Arroyo

Photo Credit: www.100araw.com

As of this writing it is yet unclear whether he will be allowed to represent his supposed constituents — security guards, tricycle drivers, and janitors — in the Fifteenth Congress.  It doesn’t, or maybe it does, help that he is the son of Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.  In fairness, he did try to to etch a name for himself as an actor, or did he?  Like Rep. Pacquiao, Mikey seems to be a ladies’ man, too.  Must be the money. At least 3 petitions have been filed to prevent him from rejoining The Show.  To all these he is quick to say:  all propaganda.  Apparently he learned well from his showbiz stint.

*****

Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos

Madame is back!  The Philippine’s enigmatic and most (in)famous First Lady, her royal highness Imelda Romualdez Marcos, finally got her groove back!  She even managed to do beso-beso, not once but twice, with the new President, whose father her late husband the Dictator allegedly had permanently silenced more than 2 decades ago.

Photo Credit: www.chrispforr.net

Her son, Bongbong, is likewise back in  the national consciousness, as a Senator no less.  Mother and son can be counted on to give a great show, but I’ll bet the house Rep. Marcos will overshadow his Senator son.

*****

Rep. Lani Mercado

She must have figured out that her senator husband and fellow showbiz personality is taking all the limelight.  Now its conjugal.  Gives a whole new meaning to “joint sessions.”

Photo Credit: www.abante.com.ph

*****

Rep. Angelo Reyes

Until a few days ago he was partylist 1-Utak’s first nominee for representative and Comelec just removed any further barrier for his next job as an “honorable” member of the 15th Congress.

Photo Credit: jvbautista.blogspot.com

But then 1-Utak allegedly dropped him.  Now he is livid.  Nobody drops Angelo Reyes.  After all, Angelo Reyes is known for his staying power. He was former President Joseph Estrada’s AFP chief of staff before the latter was ousted following Jueteng-gate.  And then he rode the high tide of GMA’s 9 years in power, known for being among the Council of Generals that made sure GMA stayed in power to the very end of her tumultuous presidency.

His last stint was as Secretary of Energy, a choice post with control of the powerful and money-rich petroleum industry.  He apparently did a great job — as spokesperson for the oil companies.

We should know in the coming weeks whether he will get to play his role as an “honorable” or not.

*****

The rest of the Arroyos: Rep. Iggy Arroyo and Rep. Dato Arroyo

Photo Credit: www.bicolmail.com

Photo Credit: www.pinoyexchange.com

Of course Iggy was already in the 14th Congress, but with more Arroyo’s in the house his not-so-spectacular stint in the previous congress may now just change.  Iggy can always be counted on to save the day for the Arroyos.  He owned up to his brother’s Jose Pidal persona.  And when asked about PNoy’s 1st SONA, he was quick to remark, “it sounded like the campaign.”  Dato, is likewise a come-back-kid to the house of “honorables.”  But there was more drama to his return, as a whole new district was created just for him.

*****

Rep. Arthur Yap

He ran unopposed in his district in Bohol.  But what makes Art Yap’s presence in Congress worth watching for is the special attention the new administration has vowed to devote into agriculture, Yap’s former turf.  Fertilizer Fund Scan, rotting and overflowing rice in NFA warehouses… This “honorable” will be a very busy guy.

Photo Credit: www.daylife.com

*****

Rep. Jules Ledesma

Photo Credit: Philippine Entertainment Portal (www.pep.ph)

He didn’t attend the Joint Session of Congress and the President’s First SONA on July 26.  So what’s new?  Jules Ledesma holds the distinction of being the most absent congressman in the 14th Congress.  Oh, but his wife, former sexy star Assunta De Rossi attended the SONA.  When interviewed she couldn’t account for her absentee husband’s whereabouts but she was quick to add that since approximately 94% of his husband’s constituents voted for him (again) in May then he must be doing something right.  Sounds logical to me.  Rep. Ledesma’s presence… I mean absence… can be counted on to add color and character to the 15th congress.