MEN OF THE HOUR

I am sure no one will disagree with me when I say that Senate President Enrile was the "star of the impeachment proceedings". The senators themselves admitted that no one amongst them could ever do justice to the position of presiding officer as efficiently as the good senator.

He exercised fairness not only to the prosecution and the defense, but to the respondent as well. So much so, that it hurt him when the Chief Justice staged a walkout.

He was the guest at ANC's "Headstart" this morning, and as I was watching him, I admired him even more. The host, Karen Davila asked him how he manages to stay fit, articulate, brilliant, etc., not to mention having a good memory at the age of 88. He said he memorizes poems and reads heavy books. Prior to the trial, he studied and read three books about impeachment. He also advised that no matter how intelligent you are, you should never stop reading. He also watches old/classic movies on television and plays golf whenever time permits.

He not only studied the case on hand and the evidence presented, but observed the senator judges as well. He took out from his wallet, a small piece of paper which contained a handwritten list of how he perceived the senators would vote, which he prepared months ago or about the middle of the trial. It was accurate as he had listed Senators Santiago, Arroyo and Marcos as voting for acquittal, which actually transpired.

He was not ashamed to admit that he met his father only when he was already 21 years old. He was used to being referred to as a bastard. He narrates that his father took him home to live with his family and that his siblings welcomed him and never treated him as a half brother. He harbored no ill feelings towards his father for had he (father) not taken him home when he (father) met him, he wouldn't be where he is now.

When asked if he would be running for President, he said he is too old for that. And even if it would be offered to him on a silver platter he would refuse, but nonetheless thank those who would extend the offer. Being very well versed not only in law and in accounting, but in military matters as well (having been Secretary of National Defense in pre-martial law years), he would have made a good President. But maybe he was meant to serve on a different capacity, and he did serve very well.

There was another man who stole the show on the day the verdict came out, no less than Senator Lapid. Everyone was looking forward to how he would defend his vote. He stepped on the rostrum with no prepared speech like the others. He said you are probably wondering what a mere high school graduate and someone who can't speak English would have to say. He admitted he couldn't quote any Republic Act because no one would believe him anyway, but would merely base his vote on his conscience and what he believes is right. I was deeply touched when he said in the vernacular, " Mr. Chief Justice naniwala ako sa inyo. Akala ko totoo ang sinasabi ninyo, yon pala hindi. Pasensya na po, pasensya na po, but I vote guilty ". Such a simple and straight to the point statement, coming from his heart.

For me, it weighed more than all the lenghty narratives of the other learned senators. He was Juan dela Cruz personified, a true representation of how the lowly man on the street understood the impeachment proceedings and would have voted given the chance.

Kudos to Senators Enrile and Lapid. These two gentlemen may have an obvious and glaring disparity in terms of intellectual capability, but in the end, they were one in their verdict and that's all that matters.

THE UNFOLDING OF HISTORY

Today history unfolded right before our eyes as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was convicted in the first ever impeachment trial in the Philippines.

My favorite " teleserye " had just ended.

I had religiously followed the proceedings since day one. As much as possible, I tried to avoid afternoon appointments from monday to thursday, unless extremely necessary, so as not to miss a day of the trial. Now with the proceedings over, I have nothing to look forward to anymore.

Like most teleseryes, it was exciting and kept me glued to the television from start to finish. Aside from being entertaining, it was very informative as well, as I got to be acquainted with legal terms and what goes on in a lawyer's mind. It was a battle of the best lawyers in the land with the Senate President outshining them all. I take my hat off to the distinguished senator who despite being an octagenarian remains to be brilliant, smart and witty. He also exercised fairness in dealing  with not only the protagonists, but with the respondent as well. But he knows his limits too and had exerted his authority everytime the occassion called for it.

The much awaited verdict favored the prosecution, much to the chagrin of the defense. Lady luck was not on the side of the respondent, but on the side of justice.

I am sure with the verdict lessons had been learned, and governent officials, especially those occupying the highest echelons of the three co-equal branches of government, namely; the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary would be extra cautious from now on in preparing their SALNs.

I will miss the impeachmen proceedings, but I am not looking forward to another one in the near future. I know too well that if and when that  happens, it could only mean one thing, another top ranking public official erred in his duties to the public.

I was for conviction all along, not because I hated the Chief Justice, but because I wanted to correct an injustice. So many powerful and influential government officials had been  amassing wealth by squandering the poor taxpayer's money. It's about time to put an end to this.

I am not rejoicing either, for it is wrong to rejoice over someone else's misery.

After all has been said and done, I sincerely wish the Chief Justice well. I hope he recuperates soon and have the strength to face and accept this unfortunate turn of event in his life and career.

I would also like to offer an unsolicited advice to him, if I may. While it maybe painful and humiliating to accept the verdict, look at it from a positive point of view. You can still go on with your life because your only penalty is removal from office, and being barred from occupying a position in any government institution, but you get to keep your bank deposits to sustain you and your family through the years. But think about the court interpreter who lost her job for failing to disclose a market stall and now can no longer work and provide for her family.

But most importantly, be thankful for one good thing that resulted from this impeachment trial. You and your family, after 30 years of anymosity with your wife's family, had finally reconciled and hopefully settle your differences. After all, family is so much more important than all the money in the world.