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.