As the prosecution has terminated its presentation of evidence, speculation is increasing on how the Senators will vote. Several factors will affect a senator’s final vote. They are:
1. The merits of the case based on the evidence presented by both sides, prosecution and defense.
2. Public opinion, which President Aquino considers the major consideration.
3. Political factors including party affiliation, political plans for 2013 or 2016, including support for Mar Roxas, LP and Jojo Binay, PDP Laban.
4. The independence of the Supreme Court and preserving the balance of powers.
5. The independence of the Senate and the separation of powers.
6. The Justice Antonio Carpio factor, whether a senator wants Justice Carpio to take over the Chief Justice position or not.
7. The lobbying or “gapangan” factor led by Malacañang emissaries who will offer all kinds of inducements.
On the other side is the possible lobbying by the Iglesia ni Cristo and Catholic bishops.
At the moment, it looks like CJ Corona has a good chance of acquittal.
* * *
CITED FOR CONTEMPT. . . Atty. Vitaliano Aguirre II was cited for contempt by the Senate when he was caught covering his ears with his two hands while Sen. Miriam D. Santiago was again “lecturing” the prosecution lawyers for withdrawing 5 out of the 8 articles of impeachment.
Upon questioning by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Aguirre exacerbated the situation by showing no remorse but instead explained that Sen. Santiago’s shrill voice was hurting his ears. He also added that to earn respect, Senator Santiago should also show some respect for prosecution lawyers. Had he immediately apologized, that would have ended the matter. Now he is facing a 10-day imprisonment and P2,000 fine.
As a friendly suggestion to the prosecution, bring ear plugs or cotton. The Senate will resume trial on March 12.
* * *
CORONA AS A WITNESS. . . Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile urged Chief Justice Renato Corona to testify on his own behalf. That is a decision that the defense will have to make. If they believe the case of the prosecution is weak, then it is normal that you don’t risk putting the defendant on the stand.
To say the least, he will be asked to explain his dollar accounts.
Meanwhile, Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has declined the invitation to voluntarily testify.
* * *
ATENEO TOPS. . . Three graduates of the Ateneo College of Law placed 1st, 2nd and 8th in the 2011 bar examinations. They are Raoul Angelo Atadero, 1st; Luz Danielle Bolong, 2nd, and Irene Marie Qua, 8th. No UP graduate placed in the top ten. Six out of the 10 topnotchers were women. Sixty-four-year-old Rodolfo Aquino of San Beda placed 10th.
PLM had 17 of its graduates pass the bar.
It’s good news that 1,913 passed filling the need for more lawyers especially in government positions.
* * *
WATER PROBLEMS. . . One of the biggest problems of the country today is water, either the lack of it or too much water resulting in floods. Many barangays still have no potable drinking water. In some areas, deep wells and artesian wells have dried up. Even some places in Metro Manila have no regular water service.
Corruption at the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has aggravated the problem.
There is no formal rain harvesting program to save rain water. There are not enough impounding dams to capture rain water in the mountains.
In Japan, they are building a 6-mile highway in the tsunami area with reservoir facilities for water under the highway.
The existing irrigation systems must be expanded and rehabilitated to make use of more rain water.
The production and sale of bottled water must be strictly supervised and regulated. It’s getting to be too expensive for the common tao.
All provincial governments and regional offices of government departments must be equipped with water purifying machines.
During calamities as what happened in Cagayan De Oro, Iligan and Negros Oriental, water purifying machines had to be shipped from MMDA and NMDRRC in Manila to the typhoon hit areas.
There has got to be a water master plan to cover all areas and solve all problems.
* * *
VP IN BOHOL. . . We joined Vice President Jojo Binay in Carmen, Bohol on the occasion of the town’s 143rd foundation day. VP Binay was the principal speaker and sponsor at the mass wedding of 39 couples, held consultation with local officials headed by Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim. Carmen Mayor Conchita “Che” Toribio-delos Reyes, Cortez Mayor Jazmin Balistoy, Catigbian Mayor Bert Salinas and Provincial Board Member Ramoncito Torrefranca.
VP Binay visited the Simeon Toribio Memorial Hospital, had a boodle fight with a battalion of soldiers and addressed the students at the Bohol School of Arts and Trades at Bilar town.
Mayor Che Toribio delos Reyes, a Cavite-based businesswoman, has rejuvenated the town and has personally led the campaign against illegal drugs and criminal elements. The town people of Carmen have been energized as shown by the 3-day celebration which features an Agricultural Fair and Sinulog style Chocolate hills parade.
VP Binay donated 10 wheelchairs to the disabled and P500,000 for the Senior Citizens Center.
* * *
T I D B I T S . . . Congratulations to Tessie Sy Coson for being named one of 50 most powerful women by Forbes Asia. Tessie was even placed on the cover.
Congratulations to Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares and the MTRCB board members on their oathtaking.
Eighteen cases of rape slay have been recorded for the month of February with the 2 latest cases registered in Los Baños, Laguna and Tarlac, Tarlac.
Greetings to avid readers Butch Supapo, Chito Visarra of DYRD, Tagbilaran, Victoriano Tirol, president of the University of Bohol, Fred Araneta, Tonton Aniscal and Lito Hermosura also of Tagbilaran.