In a previous post, I have stated that in the current set up, impeachment has become a game. This month, we have another example of how a constitutional process is turned into a trivial game.
Out of the blue and out of nowhere, Atty. Roberto Pulido (former lawyer of Magdalo soldiers) filed a 3-page impeachment complaint against Gloria Arroyo. The said complaint was immediately endorsed by Edgar San Luis, a congressman from Laguna. Based on a Supreme Court decision, such endorsement meant that the impeachment process is deemed initiated, and thus, no other complaint can be entertained. What happened last Friday was almost similar to what Oliver Lozano and Rodante Marcoleta did in 2005.
Immediately after filing, rumors that the complaint was a ploy concocted at the Fortress by the Pasig. Even the pro-Arroyo Senator Miriam Santiago thinks this complaint is filed to preempt the opposition from filing a more substantive complaint. Pulido is now hard-pressed on defending himself, though unfortunately he sounds like Lozano.
The problem with Pulido is that he filed a weak complaint, the same problem that the Lozano 2005 complaint had, which led to the junking. Do not wonder when the House does the same to Pulido’s complaint. Why didn’t he coordinate with any opposition congressman?
Anyway, many have already questioned the credibility of this year’s complaint, so the coaches devised another strategy – have it endorsed by an opposition congressman. But that’s a tall order, but is there anything that money can’t buy today? Hence, allegations of bribery are no longer surprising. What gives more credence to the allegations?
1. The alleged briber, Francis Ver (related to Fabian Ver of martial law fame), is deputy secretary-general of KAMPI, Arroyo’s party.
2. KAMPI President and Interior Secretary Ronnie Puno denied that bribery happened, and duly sacked Ver anyway.
3. If Ver is acting on his own, where will he get the money if his bribery attempt succeeded?
4. Unlike Romy Neri, several congressmen attested that they, too, were offered bribes (use some salt – all of them were opposition members, so this might be a conspiracy).
Should we expect the same thing next year till 2010?
Arbet,
I’m pretty sure, the impeachment game will continue till 2010 to pre-empt legitimate complaints from being acted upon in the House.
Talagang bastusan na… When the very foundation of the constitution is rocked causing it to crack, very difficult to repair that foundation superficially, I believe only way is to overhaul the entire edifice to replace that weak foundation.
Half-assed impeachment complaints are like vaccines. Inject one and you’re immune from the law for a year. Yay!
The perpetuation of graft. Shake the system at its roots, but don’t ask us to pay with our blood. Get rid of these bastards. Now.
Regardless of what Pulido says, nobody believes him. The Magdalo wouldn’t fire him if he is an honest lawyer. Bayaran din pala.
Mam Anna, are you talking about a revolution?
Josh, a vaccine for only a year? Not the kind of vaccine that I like.
Arthur, the Filipino people is currently in a stupor.
Schumey, I really wanted to know why Magdalo fired him. How honorable of the soldiers.