Far beyond the parting of ways

The GMA-FVR volatile unity is over. The third factor in the triumvirate of Arroyo-Ramos-Venecia combo is peace-maker Joe DV who had stayed mum, now comes out for GMA.

GMA likened herself to a "patient in intensive care" when FVR came as her rescuer with a life-saving prescription of Cha-Cha. With his saving shot, FVR proposed a "council of elders" to work out elections in mid-2006 on the theory of GMA stepping down.

Sensing her inevitable waterloo, GMA said "Amen" to FVR's scheme. However, when later events turned out rosy, such as, the aborted impeachment, the viable economy with the peso picking up, the LGU's backing, the PNP/AFP sticking to the chain of command, and the middle class abhorring another people power, GMA changed her mind. Not being a "fool" as in "only fools do not change their minds", plus the excuse of a woman's fickle mind, wise Gloria the excelsis, executed an "about face" on FVR's plan.

But wait, if memory serves us right, Ate Glo's avowed promise to step down had been expressedly qualified on constitutional process, i.e., parliamentary elections to be set by Congress. And so, with the Senate recalcitrance to the Cha-Cha obviating any such elections, she has an ace in her sleeve to hold unto power. Otherwise, there be a constitutional hiatus or vacuum, what with the bulk of the opposition belittling VP Kabayan to take over.

With the Con-Com's "No-El" in 2007, and for all national and local officials to hold over for three more years - though lame ducks - GMA has been further emboldened to stay on because she, unlike other elected officials, has that lawful mandate until 2010.

With Gloria's inclination for the "No-El" move, "El Tabaco" howled his "monumental blunder" expletive, followed by his non-secret tryst with political foes Senator Drilon and Vicente Sotto III. After his erstwhile enigmatic smiles like a coy maiden for all to second guess, FVR finally dunned on GMA to "sacrifice" herself by stepping down and, for her to run in the 2007 parliamentary elections. Obviously, being the elderly statesman and a gentleman steeped in West Point motto of " honor, duty, and country", he now believes GMA as going back on her word.

So far though, FVR seems steadfast that despite the titillations of the opposition rah-rah boys, he has evinced no desire to join their pack. But, definitely GMA and FVR are now in political splitsville, despite the spin meisters' fence-mending.

Based on GMA's word to step down only in the event of parliamentary elections in 2007 that would be set by Congress, this factor is a strong motivation for the Senate to adopt the needed joint resolution with the Lower House as regards the Cha-Cha.

It's not just discretionary judgment call for the Senate to make. It's imperative for the supposedly sagacious solons to heed the clear public clamor for a change of government. It doesn't even matter now if the Senators are for Con-Ass, or Con-Con, but the stark reality is that they have to stop their prima donna stonewalling and hard to get posture.

It would be to the Senators' utter shame and ignominy if, because of their unreasonable and whimsical mulishness, they would be overtaken by the alternative "people's initiative" Cha-Cha, now beginning to snowball among the LGUs.

More seriously, could the Senadores, consciously or subliminally, be just biding their time like the patient circling vultures hungrily awaiting the second round impeachment this mid-2006, and then, pounce on GMA's political carcass when it reaches them? The endless on-going Senate "inquisitions" in the guise of the much-abused "in aid of legislation", ineluctably betray such scenario, mind you.