My father's Bubuwit

CTALK

- CITO BELTRAN

Imagine my surprise when I received a lengthy message on my phone from one of my father's friends and Bubuwit. Back in the days of my dad, Louie Beltran, he used to refer to his informants and sources as Bubuwit. Some of them could be reporters, Cabinet members, businessmen, or government officials who did not want to be featured or mentioned but often provided useful information for the public.

I was surprised and honored at the same time because this particular Bubuwit has reached the heights of power, worked for presidents, has held high positions in government and is an established expert in economics and finance.

The phone call for me was like being called by your Economics and Math professor rolled into one. I must have done something right in life to be called by him, considering it took me multiple attempts to pass Math 11 as well as Econ 101.

It turns out that my dad's friend wanted to share findings that he and his research team have arrived at, in response to news articles concerning a possible US recession and opinions given as to how this would impact the Philippines.

The expert in economics and finance also reacted to news articles as well as the suggestion of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that the improvements and increases at the NAIA might affect local inflation.

My dad's Bubuwit is apparently concerned that such projections on a possible US recession could illicit negative reactions or discourage people regarding the near future, etc. I hope that by printing the message people would have reason to be more optimistic.

Dear Cito,