Column: DOUBLE PLAY

HENRY G. DOBLE

FINAL APPEARANCE

"GOOD and thanks. Please have him enter his appearance now. Atty G."

This was the last text message of Wilson Gamboa to this writer barely 30 hours before he said goodbye to his loved ones last Thursday (October 13). Sir Wilson was 70.

My former boss in Sugar Regulatory Administration, lawyer of 15 other SRA retirees who still wait for a Supreme Court decision on the unpaid 25% of their gratuity and retirement benefits since 2007, was referring to the entry of another companero, Ben Candari.

Candari, an officemate during PHILSUGIN days, accepted our offer to continue the case handled by Sir Wilson. The former agrarian reform secretary and defense under secretary was too weak to handle our SC case and another one pending with the Court of Appeals.

Barely two weeks before, we met at his Homesite residence and returned the two bulging file folders.  "Another relapse and I'm gone", he said. And he left me with instructions how to deal with our plight.

He will be missed by many clients,especially closest buddy Manny Celis and former  regulation officer and retired basketball coach George Acot who thought they will be viewing together again in Manny Paquiao's bout this coming November 13.

The Pacman will be losing a great fan but who knows Sir Wilson might have his hands in the Filipino Champion's belt during the introduction in Las Vegas aside from having the best seat in the boxing arena.

Or perhaps he will just trade places back and forth at Celis' receiving room and  the Caesar's Palace at his convenience during the bout.  Wherever he is we know he is at peace, free of burden and heartaches caused by elite's indifference.

Sir Wilson finally rest his gloves fighting for the poor, the helpless and those who cannot afford the high-flying lawyers. But even in near death, his mind still focus in the flight of his loyal disciples who trust him to be their only savior in this dog-eat-dog world.

Councilor Jun's father will be interred today by the family and closest friends. He will be entering the afterlife and appear to the Great Scorer with nothing to hide or fear as he left a legacy every member of his family would be proud of.

To rewind his 70 years of existence, like the glimpse of the video shown at Rolling Hills memorial chapels, he has nothing to be ashamed of.  All the negatives will be erased and only the positive remains.

For those who have worked closely with Sir Wilson, you and I can be proud of having been touched by the hands of a hardworking, sympathetic, intelligent and compassionate man.

He may not have won all his battles, but the thought that he gave his all against all odds, is enough consolation that he is a Warrior of All Times__ never ceasing to believe that the good will prevail over evil.

Just enter and give Him a high five, Sir.

It is your final appearance.*