Carlo Katigbak: Grace under pressure

Behind the perplexing and extensive probe into ABS-CBN’s alleged violations of the law and the Constitution, there was a man who was calm and serene throughout the entire circus at the House of Representatives — the media network’s president, Mr. Carlo Lopez Katigbak.

Even the opposition who voted “Yes” to the committee’s resolution denying the renewal of the franchise showed Katigbak respect and courtesy. He exemplified what  is called in behavioral psychology as “tranquility under a stressful environment,” or what is known in ordinary parlance as “grace under pressure.”

The voice of Katigbak projected assurance that things were under control and at the same time sent a message of confidence, creating in the minds of the audience the notion that he knew what he was talking about. When he responded to queries both intimidating and favorable, he responded in a polite, candid manner, as if everything around him were all objective stimuli. He presented an embodiment of the “transformational leadership” referred to in 4.0 quantum leadership courses. More outstanding was that his body language and gestures were consistent with his verbal expressions, which, if they were merely rehearsed, must have taken long hours of self-denial and concentration. But for 12 long hearings of sometimes more than 10 hours, what will you call that if not a virtue?

What happened to ABS-CBN is unfortunate. It is sad to see a great leader under the agony of penalty not of his own personal making. But his acceptance of accountability and responsibility defines who he is as a leader. Amid the dark and confusing plight of ABS-CBN, there lies a bright and shining star. Katigbak, no doubt, will usher his team to a brighter tomorrow. Good luck, sir, and with hats off, we are proud of you. Job exceptionally done!

Carlos Erwin I. Fajardo
[email protected]