Of Boob Jobs and Skin Flicks

Ha! Got your attention with the title didn't I? Nope, I did not get a boob job, nor do I have a penchant for watching skin flicks.

It's just that these seem to be two of the hottest topics in Philippine media lately -- the sex video scandals that have spawned quite a number of Hayden puns, and more recently, the alleged leaking breast implants of our country's Kumander-in-Tsip.

What the !#$%^&^?

The media has had quite a heyday with these topics, what with the prurient interest of the public fuelling newspaper and magazine sales, and Internet sites logging hits upon hits. And our esteemed lawmakers are not much better either: a privilege speech focusing on the Hayden (and hidden) videos when there are infinitely a lot more items needing advocacy in the august halls of the Senate. And of course, the latest question on whether leaking breast implants really played a role in GMA's stay at the Asian Hospital.

What about improving the social services available to Filipinos, like having hospitalization for the sick as a right instead of a privilege? Or being able to define who has jurisdiction on correcting the error-filled local textbooks in our schools? Or having clearer guidelines on fuel quality and vehicles so as to eliminate the numerous smoke belchers on the roads? Or extending maternity leave benefits, for that matter?

Of course, nip slips and boob jobs and video clips of local artistas rate a whole lot higher in drumming up interest than those items above. After all, they're oh-so-entertaining. So of course those items can be relegated to a lower rung at the moment, in favor of those currently highest in the Filipinos' consciousness. Strike while the iron is hot, right?

I'd rather strike the right iron.