“IT was just a courtesy call,” said the actress Vilma Santos, mayor of Lipa City who wants to run for governor of Batangas province. “I hope it will not be misinterpreted. I went to see the officials of Iglesia ni Cristo just to pay my respects.”

This is another “trapo” [traditional politico] talking, and she’s beginning to show her colors.

Anybody who goes “mano po” to the Iglesia ni Cristo is a turncoat and a coward, does whatever he or she can to get a lots of votes.

– DANTE FARAGAS, San Francisco, California (via e-mail)

I WAS shocked and aghast at Batangas Governor Armand Sanchez’s comment that it would take Vilma Santos-Recto three hours to apply makeup before being able to face people.

I am a married man, and I think such a comment before his loyalists and constituents was an insult to womanhood. I couldn’t believe I was hearing a politician say that in this 21st century, when there are successful women politicians all over the world. How politically incorrect!

Obviously, Sanchez needs better education, and obviously he needs to apologize to Ms Santos-Recto and to everybody. Such a blow below the belt, against a woman at that, has no place in our civilized society.

– STANLEY OLIVAR, 1511 Maxwell Lane, Vista, California, (via e-mail)