Rough Groove

No to Erap pardon

This early, while Erap’s camp is preparing its motion for reconsideration, the administration is already saying that a pardon for Erap is already in the advance stages. Why do we always have to accommodate this person? Isn’t the previous accommodations accorded to him not enough? If the government would want to set an example, he should spend time for the crimes he did.

Justifying it all under national reconciliation and unity is giving too much credit to this unrepenting former president. Let him pay for the corruption he did.

NO TO ERAP PARDON!

The Mystery Man: Mike Arroyo na naman?

The House Speaker’s son Jose de Venecia III, founder of the losing bidder Amsterdam Holdings, Inc. (AHI) just testified in the investigative hearing at the Senate this morning and he named the First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo, as the one who confronted him to “BACK OFF.” This perhaps alludes to the National Broadband Network (NBN) project which the government wants to implement to connect all government agencies nationwide.

The winning bidder, ZTE of China puts the total cost of the project at $329 million and the government will utilize the $400 million loan to be facilitated by China and to be granted a sovereign guarantee. While the contract has not been approved (its still a supply contract agreement), yet, and the Supreme Court issued a temporary stop to the implementation, it seems that the dealings, as what the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported in an issue, a few days ago, gangland style, is really murky and highly suspect. What with allegations of bribery, corruption, sexual orgies, wiretapping and now this, a direct confrontation with Mike Arroyo?

I’m not really sure if the allegations are true. But as of now, I’m inclined to believe Joey, as J de V’s son is called, more or less. Now the President’s husband should give his side.

Guilty!

In less than thirty minutes, the Sandiganbayan handed its verdict relating to the former president Joseph Erap Estranda case. While he was acquitted with perjury, he was guilty on the plunder case. His son Jinggoy and Mr. Serapio, the co-accused were not due to insufficient evidence. The defense can still ask for a Motion for Reconsideration or bring it all the way to the Supreme Court but haven’t decided on it yet.

Now, this is a good day for Philippine justice! At least one can say that there is still hope. I would have wished that the court directed for the accused to be sent to Muntinlupa, of which Erap said that he was ready for it but unfortunately, as the magistrates said: “because of the high stature” of Erap, he will continue to be held at his Tanay resthouse. That’s still special treatment.

Atienza as environment secretary?

Atienza New DENR Head, today’s PDI banner headline screamed and I was just shocked and couldn’t believe it. Lito Atienza, the former mayor of Manila whose environmental legacy in the old city is punctuated with closing and felling trees at the Arroceros Forest Park to give way to a teacher’s building will be the environment czar? PGMA must be kidding!

How does the president fill up sensitive government posts? Through a gilded tambiolo filled with the names of allies who lost and or done with their elective posts irregardless of their credentials and track record? One can just shake one’s head and shout:

POLITICAL ACCOMODATION!

Whatever happened to Guingona?

From his I accuse speech at the senate way back in 2000, Teofisto Guingona, past senator and then vice president of the republic has completely lost his bearing and turned around. From linking the disgraced former President Estrada to illegal gambling and betrayal of the public trust thus paving for his impeachment, eventually stepped down and faced trial, he has now been saying that he should be freed as he is now a changed man. That is what he has been mouthing at the 5 July press conference to the glee of those in attendance.

What better way to support their case than presenting the accuser now saying good things of the accused?

Guingona, much respected as a freedom fighter and nationalist has really lost it. Is it old age that has blurred his sense of justice that its now okay to have one acquitted because, as he puts it, he is down? An erring man should be freed because he is now changed?

I thought justice first before forgiveness.