GARCI TAPE SCANDAL: PART II

Many sectors in our society today fully subscribes to Honorable Senator Lacson’s proposition that there must be an end to the Garci Tape Scandal, a scandal that hounds Philippine politics to date. Senator Lacson’s noble intention is beyond reproach. The Senator as well as his classmates in PMA Batch 71’ already earned their own places in the annals of Philippine History.

However, the question that will arise in bringing back the issue all over again are, whether: is it appropriate, timely and legally acceptable? Where will it lead us?

The scandal, which nearly resulted into: anarchy, people power revolt and coup d’ etat – should have toppled Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo more than two years ago if not for a vacuum of a leader acceptable to   the opposition, military and other sectors in our society. Many, if not all will admit that if FPJ was still alive, the situation would have been different.

 It must be underscored that it is only through impeachment that a President can be unseated under our Constitution, which must originate from Congress. The opposition, however, have not mustered enough votes in the Lower House for the articles of impeachment to reach the Senate, the body to try the case. Consequently, a stalemate resulted to a sudden lull that led the public to uproar into hysteria. They were left in quandary hanging suspended in animation – “BITIN”!

People started to express their sentiments outside of the legal framework to resolve the issue. It signaled contending forces to look for avenues and explore the situation. Those loyal to former President Estrada started to mobilize and at the height of a heated gathering at EDSA marched to Malacañang to stage a foiled People Power III revolt. Without a military component, it failed.

 While the ultra left waited for an appropriate time for a situation to erupt as they joined the prey forming unholy alliances by continued mass action. Meanwhile, the ultra-right remained silent preparing for another exercise to change the course of history. The Hyatt Ten added color to the picture by tendering their resignation as a sign of protest. Our people polarized into different directions in quest of answers, while our economy plunges with no transparent solution at hand.

There must be an end to the situation, if prolonged, may led to anarchy. A deep incision is needed to control the situation. 

 A centrist nationalist by the name of Robert T. Rivera Deputy Secretary, Office of the Press Secretary in Malacañang, remained in his hot seat for the love of country. Barely two years in his position, it was in his show Pilipinas Ngayon Na! where His Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos first appeared to present a tangible solution: amend the Constitution and present directly to the people the issue whether to shorten the term of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The opposition as well as other lawmakers in the administration as well, however, rejected the proposal. Other modes were tried, but just the same .  .  . rejected. Unacceptable to other sectors who are weary and tired of politics, a protest was launched – now, by the ultra-right. Without a tangible leader to unite the people to rally behind them, it failed.

Can we afford a repeat of above history?

Barely three years from now, our political maturity will be put to test. Our brothers in the ultra left and right were already either detained or went back to the hills. Then Captain during the 1989’ Coup’, now General Lim and other idealist military officers of the Armed Forces who talks little of politics, but more of action after years of experience in the battlefield with their men, were left in the cold. How many more of them will follow?

On the legal aspect, we were made to believe that the previous impeachment proceedings in Congress allows wiretapped materials to be used as evidence because of the nature of the proceedings itself. It was, however, Sgt. Doble, who was not available then. Will this be the same in the proposed proceedings, which is not in the nature of impeachment?

A presidential election is in the offing. How presidentiables handles the situation between now and then shall, one way or the other, make a President. There is no question as to the nobility of their intentions.

Above matter, however, deserves serious reflections. Where will it lead us? Will it be for the benefit of all concerned irregardless of politics?