Goodbye, Manong Benny

Everyone who reads the Baguio Midland Courier knows Benedicto Carantes. He is manong Benny.
He was the writer of the column entitled “Opposite Connection” that came out once a week, which, even to the most critical of minds, was written in an intelligent, informative, funny, and entertaining manner.
At times, it provided intriguing rumors that caused his readers to ask: “Is it me he is talking about, or is he pertaining to a political bigwig who is not worthy of our trust and confidence, or, is he castigating a prominent Baguio citizen who does not deserve our respect?”
His avid patrons, among who I count myself, love that he would leave them hanging and guessing about what or who he was writing about long after the article was published. That was how he wrote.
He made it look easy every week as he bared his heart and soul in the articles that he authored. He wrote in a way that made his sentences understandable and his phrases rhythmically in sync. He was a writer for the masa, so to speak. He was at his best when his topic was about current issues that affected the lives of the ordinary folks he so cared about. He was careful not to offend, though at times, he was bold enough to point out what was wrong, unmindful of the controversy he may generate. Nobody blamed him for his audacity. He was, after all, a crusader for truth and justice.
Yes, he cared about truth and justice in much the same way that he cared about his family. Perhaps, it was because of his background as a lawyer. He was a fiscal for many years. He prosecuted those who violated the law. He rose from the ranks to become the chief prosecutor of Baguio City until he retired. Thereafter, he went into minimal private practice, opting to live a quiet life.
However, manong Benny really never lived a quiet life. He was sought after by his peers. During affairs of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, his presence was always a welcome sight. He added excitement and comedy to every gathering that he attended. He was decently funny and had a quip on any comment that was made in his presence. The information stored in his brain was as far reaching as any data bank, so much so that he can expound on any topic broached. In court, he was as articulate as the best orator can be. In litigation, he took no quarters and gave none. Yet, he had a soft spot in his heart, especially for starters, who were floundering their way around a job.
He once nominated me in 1998 as the “best columnist.” I thought he was joking. When I met him, he said he was not. From someone who was far ahead of me to do what he did was flattering to say the least, encouraging to say the best. I got the award that year although I felt that he deserved it more than I did. Anyway, that was the past and from thence, he and I became friends. He admittedly campaigned for me when I got elected as president of the IBP Baguio-Benguet chapter. For that, I am eternally grateful.
All of his endearing qualities will be remembered, not only by his friends and relatives, but by his colleagues as well who have looked up to him as a pillar of the legal profession. Indeed, he has left a legacy.
He is gone now. He died in the peace of our Lord sometime last week. He shall be missed. Goodbye, manong Benny. Thank you for the laughter, the funny moments, and the lessons you taught in court.
May your soul rest in peace.