Raul Gonzalez is at it again.

Known for his uncontrollable mouth, the target this time of his comment is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Artemio Panganiban. The Secretary commented that the Chief Justice should refrain from appearing in social functions and giving comments to the media.

Panganiban is a high-profile chief justice; from all the chief justices that I know (Narvasa, Davide, Panganiban), he is the most vocal. While I agree that this might cast doubt on the impartiality of the chief justice, Gonzalez should have the propriety and proper breeding to know that his comment is uncalled for. After all, he is part of a branch that is co-equal with the judiciary, and his comment has the effect of effectively telling Panganiban to shut up. Gonzalez, who was disbarred, should know better.

Mr. Gonzalez, is Mr. Panganiban a puppet of your boss?

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The same can be said to Gloria Arroyo and Jose de Venecia. In a forum attended by jurists from around the world, the two had called on the Philippine Supreme Court to uphold the people’s initiative being led by Sigaw-Ulap coalition.

Mr. de Venecia, the proper forum for doing so is in the session hall of the Supreme Court. You went out of bounds. Is Mr. Panganiban a puppet of your boss?

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DJB claims that time is running out for all Chacha plans, and that an opposition Senate is in the offing, thus making Arroyo’s impeachment possible. John Marzan disagrees.

Both are essentially correct. All surveys show an opposition gaining the upper hand in the Senate. However, as long as the House is in Arroyo’s hands, impeachment is close to impossible. Therefore, two things must happen: an opposition House and clean elections in 2007.

I hope that once its opposition to Chacha has finished, One Voice will concentrate on a campaign for clean elections in 2007, and a wide, grassroots education of voters on voting wisely.

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MLQ3‘s column for today, “Advertising a Threat“, shows the real gameplan behind all the Chacha moves, and the end moves in case of defeat – a simulated people power, which can turn violent, which in turn, will force Arroyo to use her military powers.

I pity the pawns of this game – Abueva, Ramos, et al – intellectuals who willingly surrendered their intellect to advance their lost causes. After all, pawns are usual sacrifices to save the queen.