Chair of convenience

It seems that the magical chair on wheels has saved yet another person from a grilling at the Senate. We have seen this before with Jocjoc Bolante when he was “fetched” from the airport and whisked away, escorted by sirens and blinking lights all the way to St. Luke’s Medical Center. We have seen how the late Celso de los Angeles was able to evade further investigation by senators while on a wheelchair at the same hospital. We have seen how Erlinda Ligot, wife of Jacinto Ligot, managed to avoid being further grilled by senators regarding her numerous trips abroad and purchases, on a Philippine General’s salary.

Of course, the popularly unpopular Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in her attempted “escape” from the country was on a wheelchair the whole time, showing the public how frail she was. Stark contrast to the feisty president she once was. And now, Chief Justice Renato Corona has become the newest member of the wheelchair club, after delivering a statement laden with accusations, denials and challenges. Hypoglycemia, they say. Well, isn’t that easily cured by a can of soda?

Because of the precedents shown by the aforementioned exclusive members of the wheelchair club, many know the way to avoid the Senate, even for a short time. In the case of de los Angeles, he was really sick, dying of cancer at the time his case was being investigated. The others, well, you be the judge. Why this is even allowed by the Senate, knowing very well that these are only delaying tactics is a mystery to me. Humanitarian reasons? Not wanting to be labeled as cold, uncaring? But at what expense? The truth? Justice?

In the case of Chief Justice Corona, many believe that he lost an opportunity to have a victory of sorts, after he said his piece then mounted his chariot of shame. What would have been a great opportunity to challenge everyone after his throat turned out to be a dishonorable and unflattering exit. A warrior who instead of standing over his defeated foe, had to be led out due to minor injuries.

It remains to be seen if Corona will return to the Senate with yet another bombshell, another gallant stand against those who mean him ill. But he’s already ill, isn’t he? He was led out on a wheelchair, wasn’t he? If ever he does return, perhaps the senator-judges would do wise to get rid of the chair of convenience, lest he be tempted to use it one more time. Never has a wheeled appliance, meant to help those with personal disabilities, been so successful in delaying the wheels of justice!