Corona challenge

Manila, Philippines – A columnist friend from another major daily and a local Cebu paper intimated the commentary of a high religious Minister regarding government. He quoted him in the colorful vernacular, “May sayad…” In more genteel terms, “Something is wrong”

This prompted a chuckle and a necessary retort, “And so why did they support this Administration, if that is the case?” My colleague answered, ‘It goes without saying, they obviously are admitting fault for making the wrong decision”. We were unanimous in comparing notes that had the “father” of this religious group not passed on, and continued to head one of the largest voting block in the country, the church would have supported instead his San Juan playmate for President. The gargantuan following voting as one, would have spelled the big difference. And the Philippines would be in a different State of affairs in comparison to today.

The fear of said religion, who recently was joined by a large Catholic prayer group, is that the ouster of Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona would usher into the annals of the country’s history, another powerful President. After Corona, who next courts the ire of the Palace? Center to CJ’s impeachment case is the SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities & Net worth) and the conflicting interpretations between legal minds, tax reviewers, and prosecutors on the one hand, and how the defense & Senator Judges interprets the requirements therein strictly or liberally, for the accused & Art. 11 Sec. 1 of the Const? As one that must disclose foreign currency deposits? In the context of a singular individual who stands on trial? Or all public officials – congress, senate, local officials, etc. who may have also failed to make a full disclosure and are also accountable & on trial? Under a regime of a “straight path”, there must be celebration instead in the halls of every government office, as it joins the festive hope of every Filipinos hovel and castle, for all public officials to sign a bank waiver, so truth & accountability finally reign.