Toral: Turning tides

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

WHEN news about the impeachment first came out, I wrote a piece expressing my concerns on how the justice system works in our country. It also brought memories of former President Joseph Estrada’s impeachment trial where he was denied the due process he was entitled to, as emotions were used as a powerful tool to sway public opinion.

Seeing how the public mood has changed in relation to the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, I can’t help but wonder if the same could have been achieved with Estrada’s impeachment trial-if the Senate then had stricter protocols in place-keeping it in proper conduct.

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The online community, specifically those belonging to the opposition, are rallying with a very strong dissent blaze withthe same tenacity of sentiments against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when she was in power.

Online news comments from readers, whose identities were clearly shown if Facebook was used as a platform, expressed discontent and even hurled insults. This made me think that President Noynoy Aquino, it seems, has lost his “clean image”. What he lacks in political maturity, with every Palace (and department) decision blunder, is now scrutinized and attacked more than ever.

When President Aquino took his oath of office, a lot of Filipinos, including those who didn’t vote for him, had a gleam of hope and wanted to give him a chance. However, the succeeding developments in his political space seemed to be working against him. What used to be a sweet topic, such as his love interest, are now seen as propaganda trying to distract the common folk’s attention from the issue at hand.

But perhaps the biggest blunder is betrayal of public trust on the prosecution side. When Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. held press conferences highlighting numerous properties the Chief Justice owned and later retracted the number in the impeachment court, it left a bad taste and a strong stab to people who believed them (that may include me). With their actions subconsciously implying blessings from the Palace, trust in the quality of President Aquino’s political power-play and decision-making is now in question.

What President Aquino should realize is social media, which played a major role in organizing volunteers to support his campaign, can also be the same tool that shall spread the word of discontent and dissent against him. When a supporter starts having doubts and reads substantive negative public opinion on how this case is flip-flopping, the abusive dispensing of decisions against non-allies pictures him as a different form of dictator that no one expected him to be.

As he celebrates his birthday today, apart from thanking those who have played important roles in his life, I hope he can also take time to reflect on how he’ll be able to communicate with us better. Give answers on accusations that are being hurled against him. Answer tough questions on where he stands on issues and what he intends to do.

President Aquino is supposed to be a different kind of “President”-a non-traditional politician. His difference was a factor that made people vote for him-because they wanted change. They believe in that “matuwid na daan” slogan. Supporters, when asked, if they still believe that President Aquino can steer us to that path, have a different opinion. The hopeful answers then and now are no longer the same.