Acquittal, impeachment, or resignation?

“And now, the Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines wishes to be excused.” 

That was a very revealing statement made by Corona after a 3-hour “soliloquy,” monologue defending himself from so “many conspirators” and their “lantern of lies.”

He can best explain this unexpected behavior if he appears again Friday afternoon at the Senate. (This piece was written early Friday morning). For sure, he will stick by his earlier stance and statement that he suffered from sudden lowered blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), hence the wheelchair appearance.

A recently released picture showed that after the monologue, he looked very healthy, though, with his family, when the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms tried to stop them upon the very commendable quick order of Senator Enrile, who is proving to everyone, how very capable and serious he is about serving as Presiding Officer of this very serious impeachment trial.

Corona, however, by his sudden walk-out, by not waiting to be excused by the Senate Presiding Officer, seemed to have given the impression that because HE is THE CHIEF JUSTICE, then he can decide to do whatever he wants to, even if he is among members of the elected Senate.

The senators have been elected by the people, Corona is a mere appointee of an outgoing GMA whose legitimacy as a President is still being contested. The senators can rightly claim to be officials of the Republic of the Philippines.

With a contested midnight appointment, despite this trial and earlier criticisms hurled against him, Corona genuinely believes HE IS, not only GMA’s CHIEF JUSTICE, but also that of the whole REPUBLIC of the PHILIPPINES. The issue at the Senate now is whether he deserves to be the Chief Justice of this country with an acquittal or not, with an impeachment. The Senate verdict is due soon.

Both prosecution and defense are proclaiming victory. Hopefully, the Filipino people will be the ones who will emerge as the real victors of this whole drama.

Not only will Corona be grilled for his sudden “walk-out.” For sure, there are many unanswered queries and follow-up issues that the Prosecution as well as the defense will want to pursue, to ferret out the truth, nothing but the genuine truth please, for the sake of this country, for the sake of our people, and the coming generations.

If Corona were truly unwell after the trial and if he truly suffered “a heart attack,” we wonder if at that moment, he realized he has to reckon not only with human but of divine justice as well. That comes to mind as well for GMA. Is their so-called unhealthy situation allowing them to draw closer to God and therefore closer to a genuine revelation of the truth and nothing but the honest to goodness truth?

The One who was forced to wear the crown of thorns did so in exchange for the redemption of the people He and God the Father loved. It was a selfless act, to be crowned the painful thorns, for God and for human beings.

In contrast, Corona, conferred the position of Chief Justice in a questionable manner, by a questionable appointing official has steadfastly shown everyone that this is a position he will cling on to, because he has long deserved this, because of his hard work and credentials (which are also being questioned). Has it crossed his mind which is more selfless and beneficial for our country, for our people, and what will be serve and honor God, his staying on to this powerful position or giving it up by resigning?

Resignation now is an honorable option left for him. Coming before the Senate verdict, history will remember his selfless act of resigning for the unity of our country. Even if he is acquitted, will he be healthy enough to remain in this very powerful position? If acquitted, will he not be hounded by unresolved issues that continue to tarnish the Judiciary and demoralize so many involved in law and justice?

The drama continues to unfold, the end unknown as of this writing.

For sure, there are many Filipinos who genuinely wish this whole impeachment drama will end soon. There are so many more pressing needs that have to be addressed and so many more people requiring help and assistance.

Power play, however, has continued to control our country. How power is resolved, how and for whom- the poor and the needy have always found themselves always at the losing side, the truth compromised. This time we hope truth and the people will come out winners.

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