The President (Government Series 1)

Prologue

Prologue

"Makikita niyo sa aking likuran kung gaano karami ang mga pulisya at sundalo na sumugod sa Malacañang upang arestuhin ang mismong presidente ng ating bansa."

"Just in, President Ruther got arrested by Philippine National Army together with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency."

"Maraming nagtatanong at naguguluhan. Ang isang responsable at may paninindigan na katulad niya ay kayang gumawa ng bagay na 'to."

"President Ruther killed his rumored girlfriend last week. The PNA found out that she was also carrying their first child."

"The majority of people in different cities are here to protest. This is RNL Philippines."

I arrived here at exactly 2 in the afternoon. Wala akong balak pumunta dahil kaarawan ng nanay ko ngayon. We were supposed to stay in Baguio, celebrating her 60th birthday. Humingi ako ng dalawang araw upang makasama ang pamilya ko ngunit nabigo na naman ako. I was planning to follow them but my boss said no. Mas importante raw ang issue na 'to.

"Ready the mic," bulong ko sa kasama kong cameraman. "We'll start after 10 minutes."

"Sige," sagot niya habang abala sa pag-aayos ng cam. "Saan tayo pupuwesto?"

Lumingon ako sa kaliwa pati na rin sa kanan. We can't film our live news in the middle of the crowd. Maraming sasapaw at kapag nangyari ang bagay na 'yon, paniguradong mapapagalitan na naman ako ng mga tao sa media group. Our camera should be focused on our President.

After rooming my eyes around, I was able to find a perfect place for us. Tumango ako ng dalawang beses bago lumingon kay Anjo.

"May nakita na akong-" natigil ako sa pagsasalita ng biglang bumuhos ang ulan. "Sumunod ka sa'kin!"

I immediately ran as fast as I could. My hair started to get wet and since I was wearing an eyeglasses, natatakpan nito ang dinadaanan ko. Nababasa na rin ang suot ko kaya mas binilisan ko pa ang pagtakbo ngunit biglang may taong bumangga sa'kin hudyat para mapaupo ako sa damuhan.

"Shit," I murmured.

Mabilis akong tumayo bago ako matapakan ng mga taong nagra-rally. Hindi ko na rin makita si Anjo kaya hinayaan ko na lang ang sarili na mabasa sa ulan habang mas lalong sumisiksik ang mga tao banda sa puwesto ko.

My co-reporters were also beside me, preparing their microphones and cameras. I was busy finding my cameraman when suddenly they started throwing and shouting questions.

"After this, what will happen to your country, Mr. President?"

"Mr. President, anong masasabi niyo sa mga ibinabato sayo ng korte?"

"Did you really kill your girlfriend and your own child?"

"Mr. President, someone leaded the way and said that you're also using drugs. What are your comments about the allegations?"

I was not prepared since I didn't have any microphone and camera but I wanted to know something. I cleared my throat and prepared myself to ask him a question. He was still far away from us but I can clearly see his situation right now. His tuxedo, his hair, his face were soaking wet. He looked depressed and problematic. Of course!

Kasama ang mga sundalo at pulis na nakapalibot sa kaniya, nagsimula silang maglakad at umusad. After a while, he stopped right in front of me. Reporters started to throw hateful and below the belt questions toward him.

I gulped several times while staring directly into his position but he unexpectedly looked up and turned his gaze at me.

"I-" I was mesmerized. "A-are you innocent?"

"I am," he answered, still staring at me. "I am innocent."

I nodded slowly. "Thank you, Mr. President."

He did not look away. Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa'kin habang ako ay nakatulala at nalulunod sa mga malalalim niyang mata. Abruptly, the police and soldiers started to drag him merciless. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa mga paa ng tao.

He gave me a weak smile before he passed me by.