Two sides of a coin

While many people are commending former senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for his decision to resign, describing his act as “unprecedented” and “historic,” giving up all the perks and power that go with the position to preserve name and honor, there are those who also see the other side of the coin: That the resignation was simply a smart move to avoid the inevitable  that of losing in the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s findings regarding the electoral protest of Koko Pimentel. But because of his four-year record as senator, Migz could actually land a spot when he runs in the 2013 senatorial elections  an intention he has openly declared.

Koko’s sentiments reflect the other side of the issue. While he welcomes the resignation of his rival, Koko is convinced that cheating indeed occurred, expressing in unequivocal terms his disappointment at Migz’s continued denial of irregularities during the 2007 elections. To put final closure to this case, it is important for the DOJ, the Comelec and the SET to get to the bottom of the cheating allegations and once and for all determine who really won the last senatorial slot in 2007, and put to rest an issue that has dragged on for four years.

The past week, we have seen a barrage of “past wrongdoings” that hogged the headlines. But one thing is clear: So far, all these allegations are dangerously bordering on “trial by publicity” as pointed out by FPGMA’s camp. But as emphasized by no less than P-Noy himself, allegations and charges must be supported by hard evidence and not by mere suspicion, much less hearsay or rumor to avoid any hint of a witch hunt. The recent suicide of Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) lawyer Benjie Pinpin has raised several disturbing questions on the manner by which “investigations” are being conducted within the government institution.

DBP sources revealed that employees have been gripped by fear and paranoia because the current bank management is reportedly obsessed with pinning down the previous bank administration over alleged questionable transactions such as a loan extended to former Trade Minister Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin to buy the bank’s shares in Philex Mining Corp. DBP has in fact filed graft raps against Ongpin, former DBP president Rey David and other ex-DBP directors. (Ironically, Bobby’s brother, former Cory Cabinet Secretary Jimmy Ongpin, died in an apparent suicide months after he was replaced as Finance secretary.)

DBP insiders claim that Pinpin was coerced allegedly by DBP president and CEO Francisco “Popoy” del Rosario to “do something which he (Pinpin) did not want to do.” The lawyer initially refused, but the threats of suspension, loss of benefits, dismissal and imprisonment reportedly forced the lawyer to sign an affidavit with the understanding that he would be spared from charges. However, sources disclosed that the issuance of a show-cause memorandum drove Pinpin to despair and eventually kill himself, attested to by the suicide note where the young lawyer also alluded to “the greatest mistake” he committed in his life.

Many were surprised though that despite the disquieting turn of events, Del Rosario seemed to downplay the role of Pinpin saying he “was merely in the collating portion,” in effect implying that the deceased was not vital to the investigation. But the loss of life is not just “a collating portion.” The seemingly arrogant, insensitive and dismissive attitude struck observers as odd, to say the least, considering P-Noy’s admission that he was himself “curious like everybody else” to find out why a young lawyer would be driven to take his own life, saying that he (Pinpin) was “kind of vital... (in the investigation).” A clear picture of disarray is beginning to emerge, with depressed and disappointed DBP employees complaining about the alleged incompetence of Popoy del Rosario who, sources claim, is driven by his ambition to take the place of DBP chairman Jose Nuñez whom he reportedly despises. A white paper against DBP chairman Nuñez has been going around, reportedly circulated by Del Rosario’s group.

One other litigious issue concerns the “used brand new” choppers purchased by the Philippine National Police. Despite denials, former first gentleman Mike Arroyo has been pilloried, with both LionAir president and Robinson helicopters supplier Archie Po and winning bidder MAPTRA naming him as the real owner. Po claims he had marching orders from FG to sell the used choppers at exorbitant prices, which MAPTRA boss Hilario de Vera passed off to the PNP as brand new. Despite their “explosive” affidavits, the two businessmen have so far failed to show any documentation that clearly links FG to the questionable transactions.

Former president Gloria Arroyo has claimed on many occasions that her husband is always used as the “punching bag,” receiving blows aimed at her by critics and detractors. Some people believe the PNP helicopter issue is another case of “a deal gone bad” because it was “nabuko” (found out) with Po and De Vera “nagbubukohan” — trying to put the squeeze on FG and squirm their way out of a criminal situation.

In any case, the Koko-Migz controversy, the allegations against FG and FPGMA and most of all, the apparent DBP-linked suicide of lawyer Benjie Pinpin are very clear examples of why we must get to the bottom of an issue — because if mere innuendo can drive a man to depression, illness, despair and even suicide, then there must be something more serious than meets the eye. Just like a coin that has two sides, every story must be seen from both perspectives to get the total picture. Most of all — we must find out the truth.

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