EDITORIAL - The last to know

Raul Gonzalez assumes his post this week as chief presidential legal counsel with accusations still being swapped about the reason for his replacement as secretary of justice. Insinuations of a deal being struck by the government with Sen. Panfilo Lacson over the investigation of the murders of publicist Salvador Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito have been denied, with Lacson claiming that a case involving a tycoon’s brother did in Gonzalez – a story the former justice chief has also denied.

The best way for the administration to prove the Dacer-Corbito angle wrong is to pursue the case with renewed zeal that is made possible by the return to the country of Lacson’s former police aide Cezar Mancao. Another key player in the case, Glenn Dumlao, is also set to return. The government must not waste any opportunity to give justice to the families of the slain men. Lacson, meanwhile, has been challenged by Gonzalez to prove his story about the tycoon’s brother.

This is not the first time that controversy has accompanied a messy Cabinet movement. Finesse has never been a strong point of this administration in firing or reassigning people. It is not unusual for the affected official to be the last to know about his ouster or transfer, or to find out about it from the mass media. In the early years of this administration, one official strongly denied to the press that he had been replaced – even as Malacañang officials were announcing his ouster.

That crude approach has been maintained over the years. From statements made by Gonzalez, it can be inferred that he is moving to Malacañang from the Department of Justice with great reluctance. The official Gonzalez has displaced as legal counsel, Jesus Dureza, has so far kept his mouth shut about his return to his old post as adviser on Mindanao.

This persistent rudeness could be an offshoot of the way President Arroyo was installed in power, after her predecessor was unceremoniously booted out. Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the President, and anyone can take perceived Malacañang maltreatment or leave it. But there is such a thing as courtesy, even toward someone who has displeased the appointing power. If Malacañang finds itself in trouble when an official refuses to grin and bear rudeness, it has only itself to blame.