MANILA, Philipppines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – It’s that time of year when the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) names its ‘Filipino of the Year.’  But there are reports that the newspaper outfit is finding it difficult to name someone to this annual fete. And it’s not for lack of trying.

Previously,  Pinoy Ako Blog’s Jover Laurio was PDI’s choice for the honor, but it was met with widespread criticism among many Filipinos, especially the netizens.

Reliable sources have told The Adobo Chronicles that although PDI has decided on a short list of 2019 honorees, none of them have agreed to being named  “Filipino of the Year.”

We spoke to one of the people on PDI’s short list, someone we think is truly deserving of the honor.  No it wasn’t Maria Ressa.

This person, who asked not be named publicly, said he would feel insulted if named “Filipino of the Year” because of the award’s predecessor, Laurio.

”I do not want to be put on the same level or the same category as Laurio.  Her being named previously was not only undeserving but it cheapened the annual PDI award.  So I had to decline,” he said

Can’t blame him.