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George W. Bush was the first US President since Dwight Eisenhower to address a joint session of the Philippine Congress. In 1960, when Eisenhower paid a state visit, he sat in an open sedan while Filipinos lined the streets enthusiastically waving at him with small flags.

George W. Bush, on the other hand, sat in a covered $3 million armored limousine while no one was allowed to line the streets. Instead, police and security forces lined the streets.

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Congreesmen balked at the suggestion they be frisked first by US Secret Service before they entered Congress. They threatened not to attend at all the session. The secret service reps relented.

The congressmen should have suggested that, if they be frisked, then Congress security should in turn frisk Bush and his entourage.

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Sen Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, instigator of several failed coups against President Corazon Aquino and now linked with the failed mutiny last July, was wearing a peace pin. Quick, someone come up with an award for sheer hypocrisy!

He criticized the speech of Bush before the joint Congress as a pep talk and suggested the Filipinos wait for the substance. He should know; all he’s been giving Filipinos himself is hot air.

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Admittedly, however, Honasan’s right. Bush was full of praises for the Filipinos for our “courageous and principled stand” in “supporting and enforcing the serious consequences” brought on Iraq. He then promised aid to the Philippines. As someone wisely said, “Pledges are not money in the bank.”

A commentator was quoted as saying the Americans are always dubious with their promises. I agree. So I and many Filipinos will wait and see if the American President’s deeds are as good as his words.

Otherwise, his speech at the Philippine Congress can be described as one snake talking to a pit-full of other snakes.

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From the Air Force base where Air Force One landed, President Bush made an unscheduled stop at the US Embassy. Everyone and his dog speculated at the mysterious side trip. My guess? The President wanted to take a leak.

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