The appointment of Darlene Marie Berberabe as the government’s new lawyer has been met with nods of approval and a collective “finally, someone competent at the Office of the Solicitor General.”
But beyond the well-earned applause is a story that’s too good not to share: a little lunch date that shows just how sharp this woman really is.
Back when she was at the helm of the Pag-IBIG Fund, Berberabe—already known for cleaning up the agency and making it truly work for the people—was invited to lunch by a Very Important Judicial Official (VIJO).
Now, for those who don’t know, Pag-IBIG provides housing loans to help ordinary Filipinos own a home.
Unfortunately for VIJO, it doesn’t offer dating advice.
Because while he may have been nursing a quiet little crush on the former wife of basketball legend Samboy Lim, he wasn’t exactly making any smooth moves. The lunch dragged on. The man couldn’t find the courage to take his shot. Time ticked. Her schedule, as usual, was full.
So Berberabe, ever the no-nonsense CEO, finally asked him with a straight face: “Sir, are you taking out a loan?”
Pag-IBIG? Still only for housing.
