The Working President

Tonight
Thursday, September 24, 1998
Pindar's List
By Jimmy Dauz

DURING the last two weeks, President Estrada was occupied with many things that clearly gives him the essence of a working President.

First, there was the problem of the never-ending strikes at the Philippine Airlines. A commentary of a leading paper rightly pointed out that it will be a tragedy for the first Asian airline to be the first to close shop.

Other Asian airlines which followed the path of PAL are now bathing in prosperity. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines.

The Philippine Airlines, which was originally owned by the government, has changed its management profile so many times that people are confused as to who are really running the affairs of the flag carrier. The Soriano family first. Then Mr. Benigno Toda.
Then the government-managed PAL through the management skills of then GSIS chief Roman Cruz Jr.

And now Mr. LucioTan. Mr. Lucio Tan is a well-known cigarette manufacturer. But he won't rest with just that honor. He became a banker as well and a beer producer.

The President, in a sincere effort to end the crippling strike, used his office to broker a peace settlement, and this problem is only one of the many things that occupy the busy schedule of the President.

Within the span of two weeks, he was the guest speaker of two important press organizations. First, the Manila Overseas Press Club. Then followed his important policy speech before the National Press Club of the Philippines. This week, he is the guest of honor and principal speaker before a group of senior newsmen comprising the 365 Club at the Intercon Hotel.

But before the speech was even prepared, a dangerous typhoon visited the country and sunk a ferry boat called Princess of the Orient. More than 50 people were drowned in the choppy waters off Cavite. The 357 survivors were happy just to be rescued. It is a new life for them.

The President was kept busy further by the floodings of Central Luzon, especially the province of Pampanga.

Mr. Estrada has shown his concern for the unfortunate typhoon victims. He visited the affected provinces. Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was also on hand to help the President.

Last week was an unusually busy schedule for the President. But he was cool under pressure. And last week's experience will repeat itself as he goes on leading the nation in his first 100 days in office.

Tama ang batang si Aiza noon nang tanungin siya ni Mrs. Aquino sa TV kung bakit ayaw niyang maging Presidente.

“Maraming problema po at pampasakit ng ulo.” Well.