When Miriam prayed

A news report said that former president Joseph Estrada is saluting President Noynoy Aquino for the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. What he is probably thinking is that, Hindi na siya nag-iisa.

***

For the benefit of our non-Tagalog speaking readers, both in the country and abroad, where we, as well as most national papers are read online, that means “he is no longer alone”. Estrada, or Erap, was the first official of the country who, as president, had to go through an impeachment trial that was aborted by the walk-out of the prosecutors. If Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was able to wrest the presidency from him then, it was because of a faux people power action intended to duplicate EDSA I, that yanked out Ferdinand Marcos from Malacañang.

***

Although Erap had become very unpopular at that time, many, up to this day do not believe that that was real “people power” that had ousted him. They say only the people in Metro Manila were protesting in the streets, and that, in some other parts of the country, residents did not seem to care. And it even looks as if they were ready to forgive and accept him after he came out of detention, because his candidate in the presidential election that followed, Fernando Poe Jr. is even perceived to have won.

***

As for my immediate translation of the Tagalog words I used in the first paragraph, borrowed from the battlecry of the Coryistas when they were campaigning against Marcos, I believe it necessary because I know for a fact that, even here in our city and province, many do not really understand Tagalog fully. I also know that Cebuanos are no lovers of Tagalog, either, they even have their own version of the National Anthem.

***

That is why I was aghast when I heard and read reports about some people asking that the impeachment trial to be conducted in Tagalog, If the purpose is to enable Filipinos to be aware of the issues and processes, the proponents must be thinking only of the Luzon Filipinos or those who have relocated to other parts of the country and still speak it. It is also a pity that even the national dailies, especially in their features and entertainment section, skip and hop from English to Tagalog or Tagalese, confounding the non-Tagalog sector.

***

What do Philippine Airlines Big Boss Lucio Tan and Floyd Mayweather in common? They will both agree – one to sell, and the other to fight – if the price is right! Rumors had been swirling around, especially after the clash with its workers, that PAL was going to be sold, but it is only now that its own president has confirmed it. But is there anybody willing to offer a price that will be right for the astute taipan?

***

As for Mayweather, no wonder promoter Bob Arum already seems to be exasperated with him and is looking for other opponents for Pacquiao. He knows they cannot wait forever for the Mayweathers, who do not even seem to understand each other. There is a trinity in that outfit, you see, Floyd the father, Floyd the son, and an uncle who, I think, is named Roger. So Manny Pacquiao should not waste time on him, or pay attentions to his perorations. I’m sure that if ever they do get to fight, Floyd Jr. will try Muhammad Ali (formerly Cassius Clay) tactics on him, by nettling him to rile him during the exchange of blows. Ignore him, Manny, leave him to the prison cell waiting for him!

***

Miriam is back and the trial of Renato Corona will never be the same again. Senator Miriam Santiago came in yesterday for the first time since it started, and immediately made her presence felt, in typical Miriamese. After all, she might be thinking, “I am already a judge in the International Criminal Court, and you are all puny locals here.” Asked to lead the prayers to open the session, she prayed only for herself, never mind the others. I noted, before switching off, that the others, both prosecutors and defense, seemed tongue-tied when she lectured them all, and appeared to be setting the rules for the proceedings from hereon. Well, this also assures loyal watchers some fun.*

back to top