It's Manila in Black

Singapore Straights Times ^ | 9/16/02

[RedWhiteBlue]

It's Manila In Black

MANILA - A publicity picture of President Gloria Arroyo and her top aides wearing black suits and dark shades like those worn by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in the Hollywood blockbuster Men In Black has stirred up controversy in the Philippines.

'Protector of the Philippines', Mrs Arroyo and her top officials' take on the Hollywood blockbuster Men In Black has stirred controversy. -- REUTERS

In the photo, a serious-looking Mrs Arroyo is flanked by her Chief Cabinet Secretary Alberto Romulo, Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes, Trade Secretary Manuel Roxas and Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho.

Mr Anton San Diego, the editor-in-chief of Philippine Tatler magazine, which featured the picture on its cover, said: 'It shows that the President is very accessible to the public and she's game. She's doing a very good job and she's human.'

He said the photo session was done at the presidential palace in August for its first anniversary issue.

'If Hollywood's Men In Black are the saviours of the universe, the president's power team is the protector of the Philippines,' he said.

The Men In Black look was added, he said, so the picture 'would look more contemporary and everyone could relate to it'.

'We also wanted to...show her fun side as well.'

He said he was pleasantly surprised when Mrs Arroyo agreed to the concept.

The President's dress, a black designer outfit, was chosen earlier and her Cabinet officials were asked to come in their dark suits.

But not everyone liked the idea. One diplomat shook his head upon seeing the President's 'uncharacteristic' pose.

Radio stations had a field day discussing the picture yesterday. One listener told radio station DZBB the picture was inappropriate, given the government's failure to curb crime and kidnapping.--The Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network, AFP, AP

[anymouse]

Ridding the Philippines of alien (Islamo-fascist) scum.