Heto po ang dalawang yan at pagpaumanhin sapagkat ang isa ay sa wikang English at baka mabago ang nilalaman kung ita-translate ko kaya ilalabas ng buo.
"There’s a new love team in the Senate these days: Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Miriam Santiago. They ganged up on witness Capt. Mendoza even before he could begin to testify at the Senate hearing on jueteng. Both Enrile and Santiago argued that the hearing was no longer about jueteng and so it should not be terminated.
To begin with, let’s analyze the background of these two prominent lawyers and veteran politicians. Senator Santiago was a compadre and ally of ousted President Erap. She was among those who actively defended Erap and joined the Edsa Tres rallies. On nationwide TV (Net 25, the only station that covered that rally), she was seen and heard shouting on the stage telling the people to march to Mendiola and remove GMA. Then in one media interview at her residence, she showed her gun placed on her study room desk daring the government to arrest her. From then on, she was very vocal and critical of the Arroyo government. When FPJ declared his candidacy, Santiago immediately offered her assistance to defend FPJ against criticism and questions from detractors that the famous actor was not qualified to run.
Santiago challenged the critics and defended FPJ by saying that one’s lack of educational attainment and political experience would not prevent him from leading the country. At that time, the FPJ camp was searching for a running mate. Santiago might have thought that she would be considered. When this did not happen, she switched to the side of the administration and was included in the K-4 ticket. During the campaign, Santiago criticized and attacked FPJ for his lack of education and skills as a leader; the very same criticism she used to defend. After winning the election, there was no turning back for Santiago who continued to act as one of Arroyo’s loyal defenders.
Incidentally, her husband was appointed as Presidential Adviser of a department that deals with generating revenues for the government. This department fits Mr. Santiago’s credentials since he’s a certified gambler who frequents the cockfight arena.
Miriam Santiago opened her statement during the recent hearing by stating that the hearing was only in aid of legislation; and that she believed it was going nowhere because it was not related to jueteng. She then started to attack Capt. Mendoza’s character and credibility. It was amazing to see Miriam reading a list of well prepared and researched court documents about Mendoza’s past charges. How Miriam got hold of these when very few knew the next witness was this Capt. Mendoza only supported the claim of the opposition that the Palace has been trying to destroy witnesses even before they could testify.
As a former judge, Santiago should know that one’s past history no matter how bad has nothing to do with the issue at hand. The witness was telling what he actually saw and witnessed. His testimony was even collaborated by another witness, Zuce. Malacañang’s consistent line of defense is to destroy the credibility of the witnesses. However, in cases like jueteng and other illegal businesses, the ones who are expected to be in the best position to testify are those who have directly participated and operators themselves.
As for Senator Enrile, his recent behavior is now viewed with suspicion not only by his colleagues in the opposition, but by the people. Being the head of the Erap’s political party, did Enrile have the blessing of Erap in the former’s direct or indirect defense of GMA on this jueteng scandal? Does this mean Erap is now supporting GMA? Enrile doesn’t come clean either as a politician. His credibility is as bad as any other.
Who would trust this man who after being with Marcos for 20 years and benefited from the regime suddenly betrayed his President? Who would trust this man who became Cory’s cabinet member then conspired with Gringo’s military rebels to oust her? Who would trust this man who apologized to Marcos loyalists in the North and admitted he committed the mistake of betraying Marcos..asking for forgiveness?
Now, he’s echoing the position of administration ally Miriam and protecting GMA in the ongoing senate hearing even demanding for its termination.
If we have politicians and lawmakers like Santiago and Enrile, I may agree for a change of constitution so that people like them would be eliminated for good." (Marte Ledesma <ledesmamarte@yahoo.com)
Naroon ako sa ating bansa noong panahon ng eleksiyon (2004) at nakita ko mismo ang mga "Suhulan" kung magkano ang binibigay sa bawa’t mamboboto; paghahanda ng pagkain sa mga tao, etc.
Talagang masahol ang ginawa ng mga gustong manalo. Talagang talo ang kapanahunan ni Marcos kung ikumpara sa mga ginagawa ng kasalakuyang administration. ‘Yang gapangan sa mga witnesses at pagbabaligtad ng ilan ay hindi na kataka-taka.
Luma na yan. Hindi raw magpapagamit! Ang tanong dapat ay: "magkano ang natanggap mo sa pagbaligtad? Apat ba naman ang asawa... 2 buwan nang nagtatago... aba understand na lang tayo.
Sinong lokohin ni Garcia? Niloloko na nga tayo ng Administration ngayon, dagdagan pa ng hangal na ‘to!
Makarma sana ...sama ng mga nagbigay ng pera sa kanya!
Hindi na gago ang mga Pilipino ngayon uy!" (Elvira Sahara <elvirasahara@yahoo.com)