In the cacophony of the discourse over the impeachment of President BS Aquino, the premise is important: it is the fundamental law of the land – the Constitution – which gave the people the power to impeach so they can directly confront and demand accountability from officials in the highest positions of power.
But a sword wields no power unless the hand that holds it has courage. We must find this fortitude among ourselves, in the midst of remarks and questions that grate on the ears – and in human reason.
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| NUPL Lawyers for impeachment complainants. Photo by Mon Ramirez |
How disturbing is it to say that impeachment is simply a numbers game and it is "wishful thinking" to pursue it? If taken as crude as that, it would render such power illusory and let wage a tyranny of the wrong kind of majority.
To put it the other way around, would it be acceptable if haughty lawmakers through sheer number made laws or refuse to repeal laws that legalized plunder, cannibalism, massacre, torture, rape and bestiality?
How jaded and disillusioning it is to fear impeachment over reservations on Aquino’s replacement. This is not purely a "choice between two evils", or a game of thrones, it’s an issue of accountability and public interest.
How glum and self-defeating it is to say that fatigue is a reason to discontinue fighting and seeking changes for good and not for worse. Why, when those who are in power untiringly pillage and concoct new ways to pillage the public coffers?
It is precisely in these times of turmoil that we need to match point for point and measure for measure the tirelessness, capacity, and cunning of those who do evil to do evil.
How spiteful is it to think that all this is a bleary, divisive nuisance that pointlessly stirs the pot. What kind is this status quo, where the poor become poorer, the rich become richer and fewer; who benefits from this kind of life?
Who really upturns lives and disturbs the peace – those who in big ways commit acts of unbridled corruption and foster feudal patronage everyday, or those who seek the impeachment, for the first time in four agonizing years, of the President who knows no wrong?
How obtuse and misleading,too, to claim that the impeachment cannot be entertained while the DAP decision is not final. Impeachment is a proceeding in a class of its own,and its grounds,cause of action, standards and reliefs are distinct from any pending court case.
Where no judge or justice can take Aquino from Malacanang, away from the broad powers that he has disingenuously exploited, there is the impeachment court that may bring swift and compelling relief. One top leader who pretends to be Mr. Clean out of office is one step in the right direction.
We call on the so-called representatives of the people to confront the real question – not the question of whether they are yellow or not: Does the complaint present serious and credible charges worth taking a serious and deep examination? Are the allegations, facts and conclusions indeed supported by data, records, and circumstances? Are there constitutional, legal, and factual bases for the grievance?
Will it be outstandingly silly to just dismiss it outright, without insulting one’s own conscience and losing self respect as a rational being? Are they willing to ignore the sincere clamor and be insensitive to the discontent of their constituents?
To be unthinking, critical and cynical and even adopt the view that this is just a numbers game, that it is divisive and tiring is to fall into the deathly trap laid down by jaundiced defenders that democratic processes and rights like pursuing impeachment of those abusing and exploiting the public trust is not worth fighting for.
The challenge, nay, our duty, is to debunk these views and not merely parrot them. We must help enlighten and educate those being misled and to help galvanize and snowball public opinion towards truth and accountability, rather than being unwitting and blind followers of the Emperor.
This is a time for us, the Filipino people, to rise intelligently above the din and act decisively on our collective desire for good government, a chance to truly go on the righteous path.
We at the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers took a "leap of faith" in agreeing to assist the complainants in filing and pursuing the impeachment complaint amidst the odds. We do not and will not regret it.
Because we believe we make history or we can potentially turn the tide against those who cling to power no matter the cost. We have had not a few fine examples how popular struggles can be a game changer at the right juncture of quick turn of events. #
Reference:
Edre U. Olalia
NUPL Secretary General
09175113373
