Not just a seven-day wonder

There used to be a belief in media that no matter how sensational an item is, the longest it will stay in the headlines, or in the front pages, is only about seven days, hence the term “seven-day wonder”. But the impeachment trial, as well as the result of the case against no less than the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will probably break records. Not only did it have the public hanging on for all the 44 days of the trial, they had also followed its development from the time the House of Representatives voted to impeach him.

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From the start of the trial, and even up to its close, the members of the prosecution who were lawyers chosen from the House membership, continued to get flak, especially from lawyers, who did not think much about the way they proceeded with what was to be a historical exercise. Despite that, however and the seemingly formidable defense panel ranged against them, some force must have guided the congressmen to the finale that apparently is welcome to the Philippine citizenry.

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Analysts are even saying that it was the defense people themselves who brought the conviction upon their client. They were the ones who decided to call Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, thinking they could browbeat her into admitting things that would favor their client. Aside from that, they initially would not let then Chief Justice Corona to come to the witness stand, until things seemed to be getting out of hand, and look what happened – he just tightened the noose around his neck by admitting the presence of his dollars and enormous peso bank accounts!

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To top it all, he behaved rudely to the senator-judges when he did appear, arrogantly walking out without seeking the permission of the presiding judge. That must have been a really firm nail on the coffin of his case. Up to judgment day, I think Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile did not accept his alibi of hypoglycemia, because he continues to call it a “walk-out”, which it was, when you consider his parting words of “The Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines wishes to be excused” like an emperor.

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And now there is a demand for all government officials, the justices especially, and even the president, to disclose their assets, liabilities and net worth, and to sign waivers allowing the disclosure of their filed statements. Is that necessary? As disclosed by Ombudsman Morales, during her testimony, the SALN in itself carries this waiver, and any official who signs and submits it as required every year, already grants consent to authorities to pore into it.

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What is proven by the conviction of Corona for his incomplete disclosure is that the law works equally for both the poor and helpless and the rich and powerful. Also condemned for lapses in her SALN was a court interpreter in Davao del Norte, who failed to include her market stall in her SALN. What is a market “tienda” against millions of pesos and dollars that are concealed from the government? By the way, Corona will also have to contend with the Bureau of Internal Revenue now, and one can almost hear BIR Chief Kim Henares virtually licking her chops.

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Yesterday’s report that Corona has decided not to “appeal” his conviction was a very sound and practical one. If the appeal means implementation is delayed and he continues in office, he will have to face another impeachment case, one already announced by the Ombudsman. At the moment, what he should do is make up with their estranged relatives (were they paid off, by the way, so they would agree to the reconciliation scene, reportedly staged by another relative who has experience in directing plays?).

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Meanwhile, the day before the judging, I got a text message from someone whose number I could not place, saying that Corona had called up GMA and asked her what he will do and she replied, kuno, that her advice was simple, he could just do what Angelo Reyes did, and say hello to Iggy when they meet.*

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