'On the wrong side of history'

Amando Doronila used to preach in his columns  that there is a frosty relationship between RP and USA. And that "It will take a blast of diplomatic climate warming to defrost the deep freeze between Manila and Washington."

I also used to subscribe to his sermons. But that was before Obama delivered his speech. I do believe now, after hearing Obama's inaugural address, that the relationship between the USA and the Philippines remains unchanged. It is warm as usual. In fact, so warm is the relationship that President Barack Obama, the first black president in the White House, expressed his concern over GMA's staying on "the wrong side of story." (Up to now it remains a mystery to everyone when she'll cease to be our President.)

"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent," Obama said in his inaugural address, "know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

That's what friends are for, offering pieces of advice to each other and extending help to a derailed friend. Obama is really our friend. He even offered redemption for those who are "willing to unclench" their "fist."

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But this one's for "Bitoy's Funniest Videos."

"Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita gave this piece of unsolicited advice to the first black US president when asked if there’s anything Mrs. Arroyo could learn from Obama," Philippine Star reports.

“If there’s anything to learn, it would be President Obama learning from President Arroyo,” the paper quoted Ermita as saying.

"She is the model… probably in the face of adversity," Ermita added, "the new president can learn from other leaders, like the Philippine president, on how to face up to problems and challenges especially when there are constant attacks from the opposition and detractors."

But can he?

"Yes, Obama can learn from GMA," quipped Prof. Winnie Monsod in an interview with News on Q's Ivan Mayrina and Rhea Santos . "He can learn from GMA on how not to do things."