What you say can be used against you

Reflecting on the mini drama involving "The Firm" and Malacañang, critics and enemies of "The Firm" may have had reason to rejoice when Defense Secretary Cruz decided to resign his post.

To say that the legendary firm of Carpio, Villaraza, Cruz et al has made enemies in the legal world as well as politics would rate as the understatement of the decade.

But rather than celebrate, it might be worthwhile for everybody concerned to take caution. The firm much like its movie version may have gotten cocky in the last decade but it is certainly not without ammunition.

"The Firm" did not become as powerful as it is by mere legal practice. It developed an uncanny ability to merge corporate muscle with political savvy and utilize this to create a network of judicial assets that have cooperated in building up the fearful reputation of the "Firm."

Fact or fiction, the firm would make Edgar J. Hoover proud of their abilities to utilize information and influence. Which in itself makes you wonder why Secretary Cruz was even given the position of Defense Secretary. I guess that in itself proves their prowess and their influence.

If that’s not enough, then the appointment of Justice Carpio to the Supreme Court should settle the matter. His opinion regarding the people’s initiative showed confidence, conviction, and attitude that can only come from guys in the big league.

Intrigue and "expulsion" or "exclusion" is nothing new to these guys. They’ve survived two presidencies and would be intent on outliving the present administration.

What makes me wonder about all of these is The Firm’s summary of the situation?

Given that it would be more beneficial for them to be in bed with the present administration, given that enemies would have to take a number and fall in line to hit back at partners separately, why did The Firm walk the plank?

Does the Firm know something that has given them motivation to say "Parting is such sweet sorrow"…. but we’re out of here!!!

Was it just the issue of the Harebrained People’s Initiative, or is it the brainless mindless compliance to political survival at any cost? To say that he got "intrigued" because of Justice Carpio would be plain idiocy.

Opinions don’t get Cabinet members into trouble… Knowing something does. Specially knowing something that could get everybody into trouble and not going along with it.

That’s exactly how the Hyatt 10 ended up walking the plank. They knew something, they gave the President good advise but the darkside prevailed at the expense of the President and the Hyatt 10.

They say there is a fine line between the criminal and his lawyer. They may think like one, they may sound like one, we may mistake them as one. But lawyers are lawyers separate and distinct from criminals.

Given the exposure that Avelino Cruz got with the Armed Forces, did something hit home when Thailand’s generals staged a coup? Was it coincidental that his resignation shared the headlines with the death sentence for Saddam Hussein? A chilling reminder to people who abuse power, who sanction cold blooded murders of critics and political enemies.

All that unfortunately remains "Privileged information".

* * *

A few weeks back, six policemen from the Philippine National Police were allegedly suspended for being the "Unauthorized" escorts of plain citizen Mark Jimenez.

A week or so later Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo is highlighted in the papers for taking a stand against a disrespectful Immigration officer and more so for being so Low key and not being surrounded by police or PSG escorts.

Citizen Arroyo is the perfect example of how perks or privileges are supposed to be treated… with respect, not for your escorts but for fellow Filipinos who pay taxes, who foot the bill, but can’t even get decent service and worse… don’t get respect.

Several Presidents have time and again issued decrees, orders etc. that declare the use Sirens, Flashers, Police blinkers, and motorcycle escorts. But to no avail, even Mayors think IT IS EXPECTED OF THEM TO HAVE ESCORTS, SIRENS, BODYGUARDS.

How can Cabinet members behave like Luli Arroyo, if the Executive Secretary is treated like the president complete with sirens and escorts?!!!

I understand the serious threat to life for Generals in the AFP and the PNP but does this justify a troop of motorcycle cops who point their pistols if you come too close or don’t want to stop so they can pass?!!!

How can we discipline Mayors, Colonels, if DILG officials go around like the president. What right do Senators and Congressmen have to take away policemen from the streets just so they can save 15 minutes from traffic and cause several bottlenecks EVERYDAY!!!

How can we report abusive government people if Joe De Venecia and Manny Villar do the same thing such as having security plates or 7 & 8’s in their number plate. I know its their privilege, but that’s what setting an example is all about. Even retired or losers still keep their VIP plates. At the very least Speaker De Venecia should make them surrender what is no longer theirs.

* * *

It really pays to have foreign guests specially when they expose things that we never really notice.

A visitor recently read signs on the South Expressway. The sign said: "You are entering a traffic discipline area".

The foreigner seriously asked if that meant only the NLEX, SLEX & Star tollway enforced traffic discipline?

The same guest also reported how security guards at the Batangas Pier have successfully circumvented the computerized system of the pier.

Foreigners looking for the Ferry going to Puerto Galera are told that the Ferry has left and are directed to local Banca operators who charge P4,000 to P4,500 compared to the few hundred pesos you pay for the ferry.

To make matters worse, these sea pirates land away from the pier where the shore is full of garbage and oil slick. Foreigners who enjoy the islands have these dump sites etched in their minds as the last scene before boarding their buses to Manila.

Between all the Batangueños in Malacañang, Senate, Congress, and Governor Armand Sanchez, is there no way of fixing the problem since Secretary Ace Durano is busy promoting Cebu at the moment?

Maybe Governor Sanchez can focus more on fixing the highways of Batangas such as the interconnection of the SLEX and the Star Tollway. Or the many interior roads of Batangas province which have now deteriorated under his administration.

With all its tourist destinations, the tragedy of Batangas province is bad traffic, bad roads, and little appreciation for tourism.