Foot in Mouth Disease

“Why is Mike Arroyo always linked to corruption?” asks an article in the April 28, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

In response to allegations that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is involved in jueteng (an illegal numbers game popular among Filipinos,) his spokesperson had this to say:

"Mr. Arroyo is not involved and has never been involved in jueteng and totally supports all moves of the government to eradicate jueteng," lawyer Jess Santos, spokesperson of the First Gentleman, said.

The lawyer said the First Gentleman abhorred jueteng and "does not even know how to play that game."

The latest attempt to link the First Gentleman to jueteng payoffs was nothing but "dirty politics," said Santos.

In a statement issued by Arroyo's office, Santos warned that Arroyo would file charges against anyone who would allude to him and his son as recipients of jueteng money without presenting any evidence.

Santos said, "Only cowards and gays destroy people's reputations with lies and intrigues." (emphasis mine)

One of the primary responsibilities of a spokesperson is damage control. For example, if his or her principal says or does something that offends people, the spokesperson steps in and uses his gift for gab to smooth things over with the offended parties.

Ideally, one’s spokesperson should be a smart, articulate, charming, and tactful.

Nothing smart about that last statement. Atty. Santos should stick to filing legal briefs, instead of shooting off his mouth. Santos’ statement was totally uncalled for. It was irrelevant, inaccurate, and downright stupid.

Something tells me Atty. Santos will be spending the rest of the week pulling his foot out of his mouth.