EDITORIAL - Political motivation

Among the bigger stories of the past week was that about an arrest order issued by a court in Cagayan de Oro City against Mandaue City councilor Victor Biaño, who allegedly made false entries in his daughter's birth certificate.

Biaño, who was reportedly out of Cebu at the time an attempt to serve the warrant was made, was contacted by reporters and he quickly denied the allegation. He also went on to say the charge against him was politically motivated.

Denying an allegation is a natural reaction by anyone and is acceptable. What is not acceptable is for politicians to use politics as a shield against any and all accusations, as if they are absolutely incapable of committing any offense.

But this is not intended to pass any judgment on Biaño, especially since we do not know the circumstances of the case he is facing. But precisely because the case is in court that Biaño should make his truth be heard there.

Without also trying to demean Mr. Biaño, who is highly regarded in his city, we are of the belief that political motivation, if at all, is reserved for those whose political statures may prompt enemies to engage any means, fair or foul, to fight. Biaño? We do not think so.

On the other hand, all things being equal, what if indeed Biaño is right and that there are unseen dirty political hands manipulating the charge against him? Then we can only say that this country is certainly not destined for greatness.

Just prior to the news about Biaño, the whole world was treated to the spectacle of the first black American president being sworn into power. From the time the ballots were counted to the moment Barack Obama took oath, the beauty of democracy flowered in all its grandeur.

There was none of the “political motivation” and maneuverings that seem to be the only preoccupation of cheap and petty politicians in lesser democracies. The transition to power in America was peaceful, swift, organized and effective.

That is why Americans are strong despite the global challenges they face. And why we are weak even within our own borders. Because we eat one another. We fight among ourselves, often for no other reason than political motivation, even if it is just over catching a cold.