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July 9, 2010
There is never a dull moment in Philip pine politics. With President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III barely a full day in office, political “fireworks” exploded amidst the people’s celebration of Noynoy’s inauguration. And these are just for starters. The first “firework” came from ex-president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Barely a day after she was sworn in as a congresswomano representing Pampanga’s second district, Gloria didn’t waste any time in filing a resolution that calls for Charter change (Cha-cha) through a constitutional convention (Con-con). She filed Resolution No. 8 with her son, congressman Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo, as coauthor.
Reactions to Charter change Gloria’s filing of the resolution immediately sparked reaction from her critics. Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ, a leading constitutionalist and Law Dean Emeritus of Ateneo de Manila, said that Gloria’s resolution would not prosper, not this year. His reaction was: “I find it humorous… I’m wondering why she’s doing it.” However, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz did not find humor in Gloria’s action saying that her act betrayed her “addiction to power.” He said that Gloria’s motive was to shift to a parliamentary government so she could run for prime minister. “The only conclusion that can be logically drawn from this audacity par excellence is that the lady simply cannot let go of power and cannot be either calmed or cooled,” he said in a news article. But congressman Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s son added another motive by Gloria. He said, “She is hitting two birds with one stone with that resolution, to try and perpetuate herself in power as prime minister
and to avoid prosecution from alleged corruption crimes.”
First corruption complaint While Gloria was busy filing her Cha-cha resolution, her enemies filed the first corruption complaint against her with the Department of Justice. Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño filed charges against Gloria for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The case is in connection with the controversial $329-million NBN-ZTE deal that was investigated by the Senate in 2007.
However, within a few days, the Department of Justice under newly-appointed Justice Secretary Leila de Lima put the case on hold. De Lima said that they would wait for the yet-to-be-formed Truth Commission to “come up with its parameters” before her department would start its own inquiry. “We have to see first the final output of the executive order, the parameters and scope, and what are the cases and issues covered by the order so that there will be no duplication of time and efforts,” De Lima told the media. That could take some time. Shouldn’t they strike while the iron is hot? Truth Commission The Truth Commission, as envisioned by Noynoy, would be an independent body to investigate corruption cases during the Arroyo administration.
He appointed retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. to head the commission. But as soon as Davide accepted the appointment, a firestorm of criticism was ignited. Many said that Davide should be the last person to get the job to investigate Gloria. Davide is perceived as a close ally of Gloria.
When former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada was ousted in 2001, it was Davide who swore Gloria into office. In her book, “Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court,” Marites Dañguilan Vitug wrote: “She (Gloria) really had Davide to thank for. In reality, some on the Court wanted the Chief Justice to administer the oath to Arroyo as ‘acting President.’ But, during the actual moment, facing a sea of people and playing a significant part in history, Davide chose to swear her in as President.” In effect, it made Erap’s leave permanent and closed all doors for him to reclaim the presidency.
When Davide retired from the Supreme Court, Gloria appointed him as presidential adviser on electoral reforms and eventually was given the plum position as the Philippines’ permanent representative to the United Nations. He resigned his post on April 1, 2010 to help support his son Hilario “Junjun” Davide III’s gubernatorial race in Cebu. Junjun ran under Noynoy’s Liberal Party but lost to the incumbent, Gwen Garcia of the powerful Garcia dynasty.
The only person who seems to be happy about Davide’s appointment was former Pampanga congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, Gloria’s son.
He said: “With his (Davide) impeccable background and given his renowned objectivity in handling issues however controversial they are, I am highly optimistic that the Truth Commission, under Davide’s helm, would come out with the most objective conclusion to the NBN-ZTE saga. I am optimistic that when the Truth Commission hands down its verdict, my family would come out clean and vindicated.” The question is: Does Davide have the passion and objectivity to unearth the truth and bring the Arroyos to justice? Or should he decline Noynoy’s appointment out of delicadeza? Whichever way the Truth Commission goes, Davide would become a lightning rod for criticism. If he appears to lean toward prosecuting Gloria, Gloria’s allies would shout, “witch hunt!” If he appears to lean toward exonerating Gloria, Gloria’s enemies would shout, “whitewash!” Yes, damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. The only way for him to go is out. And the sooner he does, the better for everybody. Further debate on his role would only put a negative label on the Truth Commission.
Impeachment On the eve of Noynoy’s inauguration, and to beat the deadline when Noynoy becomes immune from any lawsuit, lawyer Oliver Lozano — a habitual impeach filer —charged Noynoy before the Office of the Ombudsman for not recognizing Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. Also charged was Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales who presided over Noynoy’s oath-taking. The impeachment complaint was for “betrayal of public trust.” It is unlikely that the impeachment complaint would go anywhere in the House of Representatives where Gloria could only count on the support of 30 Lakas-Kampi-CMD diehards. The rest of her party members have already defected to Noynoy’s Liberal Party. “Beginning of my burden” Noynoy said in his inauguration address (English translation): “Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.”
Indeed, it would take the people to change the nation. But it takes a great leader to inspire the people. I pray to God that He gives Noynoy the moral strength and will power to pursue what was once the possible dream but made impossible by the avarice and wickedness of some of our past leaders.
(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)