MENDOZA...

Instead of spending money for the biennial meet, why not allot the funds instead to rehab war-devastated Marawi? What could be a nobler reason than that? How many times have we heard him plead for big businessmen to help put Marawi back on its feet?

One of the first to respond was San Miguel Corp. top honcho Ramon S. Ang (RSA), whose benevolence has become legend for so long now. No, he didn’t toss in billions for Marawi. But his P1 million donation to the family of every slain Filipino soldier in Marawi (114 already as of last count—so that means P114 million already shelled out by RSA)—is one that tugs at the heart. If that’s not patriotism to the core, what is? Actually, RSA had wanted it secret—as is his wont whenever he does his philanthropic ways.

But President Duterte committed a slip and, in a recent speech, he mentioned about RSA’s valorous act.

Mr. Duterte has quickly apologized but then, the “harm” has been done.

But I think once RSA decides to do some more as to also donate rehab money for Marawi—no surprise there again should it happen—President Duterte will start behaving.

Now it’d be an entirely different matter should the proponents of “saving” the SEA Games here in 2019 won’t stop their foolishness.

The President might lose his cool. And you know pretty well of his volcanic temper. A la Pinatubo.

Hasn’t he been told that after our SEA Games victory in 2005, our best finish after that was 5th in 2009?

We succumbed to our worse placing in 2013 at 7th. In 2015, we ended up 6th, the same finish we had in 2007 and 2011.

If the facts won’t anger the president, let’s all go home and plant camote. Stay calm.