By: Telly Gonzaga-Ocampo

The mysterious caller at dyTR’s Cuentas Claras

I really had a good laugh during dyTR’S Cuentas Claras program – Tuesday (Oct 21, 2025) edition this week.  The hot topic for the day was the alleged violation of 14 business establishments based in the town of Batuan against the protection of the environment. Yes, 14 establishments – from the barberohan to the carenderia.


Walang patawad po? Labi-labi na gajud pod.  Naunsa na ba intawon ni oi? Unsaon naman ang panginabuhi sa mga tawo?  While it is true that we have to protect our environment, we also have to protect the people. Asa naman ang sentido kumon?

And came this mystery caller of dyTR. He is a mystery to me, because his identity has never been revealed. He is good, as in good. In fact, he makes me laugh, moves me to compassion, and allows my brain to be analytical. Busa nag-a-gik-ik gyud ko sa iyang mga panahum ug hunahuna kabahin sa isyu sa Batuan. Miingon siya: “Sir Ted, naa na gyud ani magba-id ug lagaraw.”  Pwede ni ug literal ang ipasabut.  Nahibawo baya ta nga didtong dapita, daghan ang mga ka-abin sa laing planeta. Di ba? Is this still true today? Do you still remember, one broad daylight, when a group of them “invaded” the town’s hall passing by the church? Yes, this was done in broad daylight amidst the glaring sight of the residents of the town.

To me, inevitably hearing the news every day, is not a joke. Sometimes, I feel helpless. As I look at my grandchildren, in the tender ages they are in right now, I ask the question: WHAT GOOD IS IN STORE FOR THEM IN THE FUTURE? OR DO THEY HAVE A FUTURE AT ALL?

For so many years, I’ve been listening to this mystery caller.  He is well versed In our laws. Is he a lawyer? A former professor? A retired priest? A secret broadcaster? He has his own style of humor and cynicism. He is not imposing; he is very articulate without any superficiality. DILI BITAW HILAS PAMINAWON UG NAHIBAWO GYUD KO NGA UG MEDIA MAN PA NI SIYA, DILI GYUD SIYA MAPALIT UG SALAPI UG BULAWAN. We need his brand of service as he is not tilted to any side. He stands on his own. Dili pud ta mauwaw niya oy, kay dili man mag jama-jama ug sulti. Kahibaw pud mo iningles. Ug ordinary lang nga media man, KINALUPIGAN gyud niya. Bato bato sa langit, ang tamaan ay hindi magalit. I’m curious to know this guy.  But on second thought, he would no longer be a mystery if he stands out into the open.  What makes him admirable is his full grasp of the issues besetting the nation today

Moreover, the presence of retired Judge Susing Arcamo and Dodong Pintado (with his well-modulated voice) makes Ted Ayeng’s program one of the best. Maayo gyud ilang tandem: Ted and Judge Susing; Ted and Dodong; Judge Susing and Dodong. Ug ilaha na gani nga program, mouban gyud ko nila ug discuss – bisan ug nag-inusara ra ko. My dogs, surrounding me, wag their tails when they see and hear me giggling and commenting about what is being discussed. At my age, it’s my way of staying relevant ha ha ha .. Patalinghug ra gud mo di ba mo enjoy mo.

Mr. mystery caller, what is your feeling about Kiko Barzaga – nga gihukasan man sa iyang pagka reservist? Pastilan. How about the tragedy of realizing that the leaders, who are supposed to serve and protect the people have become entrepreneurs with the nation as their capital.  And yet, most of us, have not realized the true situation we are in, especially during election day. But there is a glimmer of hope fwith the 12 young congressmen who did not sign the 2026 budget.

By the way, Mr. mystery caller, who changed the procedure of the COA? From pre audit to the post audit? Pero, mao lagi, wa nay ma audit kay nasunogan naman ang DPWH office in Quezon city.  Is my guess as good as yours for the cause of the conflagration? Sanaol!

Mystery caller, please help me answer my questions!