What's New(s)?

I have stopped watching the local news since 5 years ago. Why? First, the newscasters just go on and on with their spiel. The report is more of an entertainment. Second, the commercials and station breaks seem more important than the news itself because they are given more air time. Third, the news either saddens, depresses, or irritates me. The news, at times, are incredulous too.

I arrived home at 6:30 PM today. I immediately turned on the TV set in my bedroom. The TV was tuned to ABS-CBN news. Isang 10 taon gulang na batang babae ang ginahasa ng isang 45 taon jeepney driver. ( A 10-yrl old girl was raped by a 45 yr old jeepney driver). Okay that got my attention. I had to watch the news. The driver said it was as if he was possessed when he was doing the dirty deed. Possessed my *ss! The camera crew showed the jeep where the child was raped. The seats of the vehicle were folded and in the middle space was a mat and a pillow. The freaking driver had the presence of mind to bring a mat and a pillow for his dastardly act yet he said he was possessed. That news made me mad at the rapist and sad for the girl victim.

Next came the news that a certain popular male plastic surgeon has a pending case because his "penis-enlargement-operation" on a patient went haywire. I was not able to get the full story for Ethan came into my bedroom and started talking. What I last saw and heard was the doctor singing on TV with the newscaster telling the viewers to please buy the doctor's CD. Okay. That news was incredulous!

Next came the news regarding the oppositions leading senatorial line-up for 2010. At the helm were Erap ( former Philippine president Joseph Estrada) and Juan Ponce Enrile. The leading contenders are Jinggoy Estrada, Pia Cayetano, etc. There are talks that Erap might run for the presidency... again! Okay. That news made me laugh. These clowns never fail to tickle my funny bone.

I am more resolved to stop watching local news.