The riveting saga of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s break-up has eclipsed the week’s consequential news, leaving pressing national issues lurking in the shadows like forgotten supporting characters.
As Congress contemplates canceling the broadcast franchise of SMNI, the Philippines contemplates a return to the International Criminal Court, and Comelec bans Smartmatic with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, the public’s attention remains steadfastly fixated on the disintegration of a showbiz power couple.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds and looming impeachment take a backseat, akin to a forgotten subplot in a telenovela.
The long-awaited release of former Senator Leila de Lima, once a headline-stealer, is now reduced to a cameo
appearance in the grand soap opera of celebrity heartbreak.
It seems that in the theater of public interest, political upheavals and societal milestones are mere extras, as the nation collectively gasps and grieves over the demise of another fairy-tale romance. The only thing missing is the proclamation by Malacanang of a Kathniel non-working holiday to give Pinoys yet another three-day long weekend.
Priorities, it seems, are just as elusive as true love in the world of sensationalism.
In a stunning move that left critics scratching their heads, President Bongbong Marcos declared the last working day of November as “Bike to Work Day.”
While the initiative aims to promote a healthy and eco-friendly commute, it faced immediate backlash for its questionable timing.
November 30, historically a weekday, coincides with the birth anniversary of national hero Andres Bonifacio. Critics questioned the President’s decision to overshadow a day dedicated to a great Filipino revolutionary with a call for pedal power. “Why choose the hero’s day for this bike to work thing? It is detrimental to our plans to stage protests in commemoration of Bonifacio’s natal day,” they lamented.
Responding with characteristic nonchalance, Malacañang suggested a creative solution. “Filipinos can always bike to the protest sites, making the occasion a double whammy; you can protest while helping save on fuel and be environment-friendly.”
It seems the wheels of progress are turning, albeit on two wheels.
(Melchor Vergara contributed to this report.)
The Adobo Chronicles 
You must be logged in to post a comment.