He understands Diana’s ‘plight’

Shortly before All Saints’ Day, I found myself sweating it out at the gym when one of the instructors grabbed the remote control of the TV set and started surfing channels. He stopped abruptly when he heard the blaring headlines on TV Patrol – particularly about this sexy actress who stopped traffic in the EDSA-Shaw Boulevard flyover by posing in a two-piece bikini.

Soon enough, the other people in the gym dropped their barbells and dumbbells, while the others rose from their exercise mats to take a look at the sexy star in bikini. But that was only a sneak preview. The details were to be aired later in the news program.

When it was time for the major stories – about bomb threats and security preparations for the long holidays – the people in the gym (mostly young people) turned away and returned to their barbells, dumbbells and exercise mats. Sigh. Obviously they were not concerned about national issues and that’s what’s scary about today’s generation of Filipinos.

Toward the end of the newscast, when it was time to air the segment about the sexy star in bikini, there was again a gatherings of young people in front of the TV set watching the new actress in a hitchhiking pose – yes, in that controversial two-piece bikini.

The name of this new sexy star turned out to be Diana Zubiri and she was doing a pictorial for FHM at the flyover. I had heard her name before (being in the entertainment profession), but the rest of the snooty gym crowd (they seem to watch only foreign shows on cable television) absolutely had no idea who the hell she was and where she came from. But it was clear from their reaction that this girl was already starting to make her mark.

And she still is – a week after that now-controversial pictorial for FHM.

Still being talked about is the case of grave scandal filed against her and FHM by Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos.

If you ask me, the issue is quite petty. In the first place, the case – if there should be any at all – should be for obstruction of traffic (well, that’s only my view). And then, isn’t the EDSA flyover under the jurisdiction of the MMDA? Shoudn’t this be the concern of MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando?

The other day, I got a call from Mandaluyong City Hall asking me to please air the side of Mayor Abalos. You see, in the past few days, while Diana had a field day on print and on television, the mayor had been reduced to eating dust and had been the subject of criticisms for being such a spoilsport. Now, in the spirit of fair play – and so that we know why he filed such a case against Diana – I’m giving the floor to Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos.

Is this the first time you are filing a case like this on anyone?

Yes, this is the first time.

What is usually the punishment for this kind of offense?

Public censure and imprisonment. Minimum of one month and one day and maximum of six months.

What is morality to you?

Morality is a subjective concept. Every society, whether progressive or backward, has its own standard. As a public official, I have the duty to protect and uphold the standards set forth by society.

Are you a fan of Filipino movies?

Yes, I am.

What was the last local movie you saw?

The last was Got 2 Believe with Claudine Barretto and the late Rico Yan.

Do you get to watch even local sex films?

I’m afraid not.

Who do you find sexy among our local actresses?

I find Dina Bonnevie and Donita Rose to be quite sexy.

What about Diana Zubiri?

She’s also sexy.

Diana now appears to be the underdog. In one of her TV interviews, she said, "Bold star na nga ako, hinuhubaran pa ang pagkatao ko. Hindi man lang ako binigyan ng pagkakataong i-explain ang side ko..." What do you say to that?

Every person, regardless of occupation is subject to law. While I sympathize with Diana, it is incumbent upon me as Mayor to uphold the law. The decision may be unpopular and may even be absurd to some, but someone has to take the cudgels.

Wasn’t the letter of apology from FHM editor-in-chief Eric Ramos sufficient?

It is sufficient, but it is already beyond me. The case is already within the discretion of the court.

What else can Diana do to appease you?

I find her apology sincere enough. However, the case is already in court and as I’ve already said, it is already beyond my capacity as mayor to influence the outcome of it.

Are you still allowing other people to hold pictorials in the streets of Mandaluyong after this incident?

Yes. It has been our policy to be open and fair with anyone wishing to shoot in Mandaluyong. In spite of the issues, we have to keep an open mind. We should never find the reason to shut the door and our mind just because this thing happened. But as always, proper conditions should still be followed.

Up to what point are you going to see this case?

The case is sub judice – or pending decision. I have done my part and it is beyond me now.

What is your message to Diana Zubiri?

I understand her plight. As she said in her public apology, she only reacted to initial information fed to her. Now that the cloud of confusion between me and her has been lifted, I find no reason why we should still discuss this in public. The case has been filed. On my part, I hope she also understands that as a public servant, I had to perform my duty.

Are you willing to watch Diana’s movie?

Only if it’s done in good taste.