EDITORIAL – Why is GMA sparing the justice secretary?

It is appalling, this propensity of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales to make known his unsolicited opinion about anything he wishes to comment on, but most especially about sensitive things that have a great chance of landing on his desk for action.

One does not need to be a legal expert to realize that each time Gonzales makes personal comments about public issues that have not been brought before him for official action, he has already prejudged these cases.

One such issue is the stampede at the Ultra in Pasig where more than 70 were crushed to death trying to gain entry to the first anniversary of the game show Wowowee. Mr. Gonzales has been finding some people guilty even before the probe could draw official conclusions.

There is probably nothing wrong with Gonzales making personal comments on anything if none of the issues he comments on needs his action. But then, that is betting too much on the uncertain.

Besides, the worry is not only about issues actually landing on his desk. Whether anyone admits it or not, as justice secretary, his words carry a lot of weight among his subordinates, whether or not such words were uttered in an official capacity.

The position of justice secretary carries with it great responsibility, to be exercised with great tact and probity. A justice secretary, perhaps more than just being brilliant, has to be very circumspect.

One cannot just traipse around opening his or her trap about anything. It demeans what should have been a highly regarded position and cheapens opinions that, under more sensible circumstances, would have seemed almost Gospel-like.

But an even bigger surprise than just seeing Mr. Gonzales retail opinion as if the future of the universe depended on what he thinks is the seemingly eternal capacity of the Arroyo government to remain oblivious to these rantings.

What has Mr. Gonzales got around the neck of the president that she cannot seem to let him go, even now that she is in the thick of a Cabinet revamp? Is there something that we do not know going on here?

A mind cleansed of malice would not find it hard to decide it was time for Gonzales to go. There may be some who think he is brilliant, but he certainly is very sparse on proof. Governments do not need men with lots of intelligence but are without any brains.