Patience

The current impeachment trial of the Chief Justice provides a teaching opportunity to learn patience.  From the bungling by the prosecution, the temper tantrums at the Senate, and the delaying tactics of the defense, all these teach the lesson of being patient as unraveling of the truth by legal procedure always takes time.

Now the defense is given the time to present their witnesses and evidence in rebuttal of the articles of impeachment.   The work place has become more interesting as my co-workers who believe that the previous administration is much better than the current one is cheering for the defense.  Initially this surprised, as well as dismayed me until I was reminded that each one is entitled to his own opinion and that maturity is tested in being able to respect the other person’s position or opinion.

Patience is needed as we give time to the defense of the Chief Justice in presenting their witnesses and evidence in rebuttal of the articles of impeachment.  The revelations made on the land transaction bring a smile when we get to learn that the then future Chief Justice served as witness to a notarization of an absolute deed of sale done by an unlicensed notary public.  Furthermore that the deed of sale is now 20 years old which in due time will provide a creative mind a source of “only in the Philippines” type of anecdote.

Being patient with the impeachment trial is based on providing due process to the impeached Chief Justice.  Let us be patient and allow the trial to be completed for we know that the current momentum for transparency and good governance requires that we give justice to the Chief Justice.  Be just to the Chief Justice is the test the whole nation needs to be passed.  That the Chief Justice is just to the Filipino nation is another story.

Let us end with an anecdote that encourages us to be patient with the impeachment trial especially when the Supreme Court holds a mass in its premises. One Sunday a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out. Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"*