ON MY WATCH
By MANUEL L. CABALLERO
ON ITS 127TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, THE PHILIPPINES IS IN CHAOS; ITS DEMOCRACY IN TURMOIL; 18 OF ITS SENATORS ACCUSED OF NAKEDLY VIOLATING THE NATION'S HIGHEST LAW; WITH AN IMPEACHED VICE PRESIDENT FOR CORRUPTION AND BETRAYAL FREELY ROAMING THE WORLD
As the PH observes its Independence Day today, June 12, the Filipino people, its legal thinkers, its opinion makers, its congressmen and women in the House of Representatives are one in vurtually accusing its Senate President and 18 senators of "mental infirmity". The latter officials are said to be preventing the conduct of an impeachment trial of its impeached vice president Sara Duterte due to personal interests in direct contravention of the clear provisions of the PH Constitution.
Perhaps, thinking they could soften the anger of their accusers, the senators were made to take the oath as judges of an impeachment court, but at the same time, returned the VP's Articles of Impeachment back to its source, the House of Representatives. This process is not provided for in the nation's Constitution. So, there is an impeachment court, but no case to try.
Senate President Chiz Escudero ordered the impeached VP to answer the charges against her within 10 days after receipt of the summons. So, if she keeps travelling outside the country, she could be in receipt of her summons months from today. After receiving the answers of the impeached official, that is the only time Mr. Escudero will schedule the date and time of the VP's appearance before the impeachment court, assuming it will ever happen.
Mukhang ginagago talaga ang taong bayan. Will the glorious People Power Revolution of 1986 repeat itself before year end in order to directly make the power abusers accountable?
A Filipino Catholic priest compared the widely-condemned 18 senators and Senate President to Bible's Judas.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon warned his former colleagues to act accordingly. "Baka masunog kayo;" he said.
Constitutionalists are one in saying above-said senators are in direct violation of the PH Constitution.
Even if the so-called Judases are able to stop the impeachment trial, the bar of public opinion has obviously damaged severely the character and reputation of Mr. Escudero and his gang of 18. The same public has found VP Sara Duterte guilty of the accusations against her. Her presidential ambition in 2028 is now in danger of dying.
contributedmlc250613
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