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.