Yesterday afternoon, the Philippine Senate concluded the first historic impeachment of a midnight-appointed Chief Justice.
The 20-3 verdict sent a strong message to Corona that his own admission and interpretation about not disclosing his dollar accounts in his SALN cannot be allowed by law. As the commendable Senate Presiding Officer, Honorable Juan Ponce Enrile noted, Corona had nothing to lose by declaring all his assets in his SALN. Corona could have used the occasion, as Chief Justice, to set the high moral standard of transparency by stating all his assets and liabilities, whether solely in his name or co-mingled. Sadly, he did not, not now, not in the past even.
Corona said he asked forgiveness from his family for dragging them into this Calvary that ended with a heavy painful crown of impeachment. Together with this crown of thorns, sadly, he could have averted the unavoidable attendant judgment of people and history on him and his family. Corona could have resigned when he could earlier but he said he had to stay so as to save the judiciary and to better serve our people and our country. But could he have done so alone (what about the other justices?) and without total transparency and accountability?
Corona also blamed bad politics for his situation. Was it good politics to agree to be a midnight appointee? In yesterday’s vote, did the senators vote because of bad politics too? Or did they vote because Corona himself provided the uncontestable proof and admission about his undeclared assets?
Senator Enrile articulated what probably must have also gone through the minds of other senators who voted for Corona’s impeachment. The data presented by both defense and prosecution, especially the latter, was highly questionable and would not have passed as acceptable evidence by the Senators. Even the data presented by the Ombudsman needed to be verified. Corona’s self-defense and his own statements confirmed the existence and the amount of his assets. Corona himself stated that he chose, as his right, not to declare these assets in his SALN. Corona’s own admission was the best proof that he did have undeclared assets, which the Senators counter-argued had to be declared not only because Corona was a government official but he was appointed to the highest position of the judiciary, the branch of government that interprets the laws of this country.
Many questions and issues remain unresolved. For sure, closure will be a long time coming.
One historic drama ended yesterday. Today starts yet again another beginning for our country to steadfastly move, in unity of purpose, beyond corruption, toward genuine public service, full transparency, and accountability.
The impeachment trial, gratefully, left behind many profound insights to guide us through the path of truth and transparency.
We are happy to share the reflections of CNU faculty and former UP Cebu Social Science graduate, Ms. Teresa (Teray) Carabuena-Dizon which she posted on her FB wall and which she allowed us to print and share with you all.
Teray wrote: “We let go of CJ Corona but we should never let go of the many great lessons of this historical day: 1) that impeachment can be truly painful and costly but the fight for truth and justice is priceless; 2) that the verdict of conviction is beyond Corona as this is also a judgment on our democratic institutions on their capacity to safeguard our democratic ideals; 3) that we, the Filipino people, should celebrate this historical victory but should remain vigilant to constantly hold our public servants accountable as we deserve no less BUT a government that would truly take our greatest welfare as the only legitimate end of their power & authority; 4) that today presents another opportunity for us ordinary people to re-claim our important role in making our government truly work for us; AND, 5) that, most importantly, we can continue believing that there is really hope for this country.”
Perhaps you may also wish to email us your thoughts, views, and reflections about what you learned from this historic impeachment process and what you envision will be next after this new beginning for our country?
We move on yet another time, together, in unity, with responsible commitment, and loads of prayer for a better nation for all.
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Email: cherry_thefreeman@yahoo.com.