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Thursday, October 30, 2003
Editorials: De Jesus and cars; all in the timing
De Jesus and cars
WHAT is it with Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Miguel de Jesus and Capitol-issued vehicles?
Previously, the vice governor and Misamis Oriental Governor Antonio Calingin figured in a dispute over a vehicle issued to Calingin that was impounded, owing to some documentary glitches from their general services office.
At the time, the confiscation is said to be tied to the political rivalry between the two officials, a charge insinuated by de Jesus that Calingin dismissed.
Now, de Jesus had to explain his side concerning the prolonged use of two Strada vehicles by two Provincial Board (PB) members inspite of the fact there are other officials who make do with their own vehicles.
The vice governor easily explained that he has yet to receive the letter issued two years ago, that detailed how some officials have unlimited use of Capitol-issued vehicles.
The same letter also urged for the issuance of guidelines in the use of government-issued vehicles, some of which are reportedly being appropriated inordinate amounts of money for their repair.
It would not have been unusual if the complaint had been raised early this year at the latest. But like all other cases of neglect, it's surprising that the vice governor only heard of this now.
It shows one of two things: either the Provincial Board (PB) is inundated with enough paperwork to last until the next century, or they are preoccupied with "bigger fish to fry".
By this we mean that politicking and positioning for the 2004 elections plus the drag out debate over the PB 2003 budget sapped much of the PB's focus and strength to address other items, no matter how minor they may be.
All in the timing
Is Congress trying to develop a formula for resolving or filing impeachment cases?
At the first impeachment case involving President Joseph Estrada in 2000, then House Speaker Manuel Villar read through the impeachment complaint despite attempts of some lawmakers to cut him off.
The Articles of Impeachment passed through and the rest is history. And in last Tuesday's House session, House Speaker Jose de Venecia banged the gavel and had some help from the lawmakers in effectively blocking the anti-Davide House bloc from remitting the impeachment complaint to the Senate.
In both cases, success or failure is determined by timing and a bit of railroading. Villar read through the complaint in haste and de Venecia took advantage of the caucuses by anti-Davide legislators to bar the impeachment complaint.
Complimenting that House maneuver is the Supreme Court (SC) decision urging lawmakers to maintain the "status quo".
However, the victory is temporary since they have until November 10 to launch their impeachment complaint anew. By that time are they willing to do so considering that it's nearing election season?
And as the day progresses, more and more people are hearing stories about the alleged graft committed by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and son Bryan in the disbursement of the Judicial Development Fund (JDF) for luxury items at the expense of deteriorating courts.
We just had one impeachment in 2000. Must we undergo this experience anew and allow this to sap our collective will, resolve and strength to pursue development for our country?
Abangan ang susunod na kabanata (Watch out for the next chapter).
(October 30, 2003 issue)
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