Jinggoy baits

NOTE: This was written prior to the posting of bail by accused just this Friday.

So many people upset. Just because DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla used an unfortunate turn of phrase when speaking about the impending arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who has been accused of graft and plunder.

In an interview, Secretary Remulla let on that he had spoken to the accused Jinggoy, and given him options. In response, Senator Jinggoy, who is no stranger to jail, had purportedly replied that he would think about the options. Perhaps, he was wont to use his extensive experience with law enforcement in his calculus.

Uh-oh. That optionality was not healthy for Jonvic. A backlash immediately crested, crashing against the halls of common sense. “Why give a fugitive any options?” asked the netizens. Since when have fugitives been given options? Is this because he is rich and/or powerful, that options are presented to him on a silver tray? He can pick and choose as he likes? But this doesn’t happen with ordinary criminals. More so for those who murder the English language, with such memorable sound bites delivered by a sitting senator “standing on his principles”.

Ordinary criminals are just pursued, and once in sight, are rapidly shackled and then hustled onto the welcoming confines of jail. There are no negotiations. There is no sweet talking. No enticements. No choice.

But guys, a little calm please. We must understand, our Executive branch might be trying to do us a favor. Instead of expending millions in deploying hundreds of men on an intensive manhunt, perhaps Jonvic Remulla’s just trying to save our government money. Why exert effort, when one can wheedle Senator Estrada to come into custody? Now what could lure him into Remulla’s warm embrace?

The choices might be: Option A: Many men in uniform come running after you, Senator Jinggoy. Or, Option B: Senator Jinggoy, come running after many men here in the barracks. See? Attractive options, are they not? We should laud Secretary Remulla for creative thinking.

Perhaps, Remulla developed some theories about Estrada’s proclivities. It could be Option C: We come and put handcuffs on you and march you out in front of the public unceremoniously, to your eternal embarrassment and ridicule. Or, Option D: You show up in the appropriate gear, maybe rubber and leather, and we will handcuff you in private, preferably somewhere dim, and maybe you can play some humiliation games in the dark. Drat. I’ve gone back to the gutter. Let’s try once again.

Remulla may have wanted to play into Estrada’s vanity, our favorite sin. Option E: We arrest you when you least expect it, and you will have to leave everything behind in a frenzied rush. Or Option F: Pack your go-bag, stock it with essentials, your skin care paraphernalia (don’t forget the moisturizer), toiletries, cologne, and even some protection. Then, waltz into the jail with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of cosmetic armor. Effective lures, right?

Remulla might have wanted to appeal to Estrada’s delicate sensibilities. Thus, Option G: Arrive via rickety police car with non-functioning aircon in this summer heat, surrounded by musky, sweaty police officers? Option H: Arrive via air-conditioned limo, stocked with a bar and champagne glasses, and surrounded by musky, sweaty police officers.

Gosh, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps it might be better if Secretary Remulla just informs us what exactly those options are that were given to Senator Estrada. The real ones, please. Not manufactured press spins. At least, when we become powerful, we can cite these options as precedent, and demand for the same options.

Let’s expand the Miranda rights, shall we? You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to competent counsel of your own choice. You have the right to choose from a menu of options.

One cannot say we are not a compassionate country.