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Friday, June 10, 2005
Wenceslao: Lining up possible alternatives
By Bong O. Wenceslao
There is no doubting the intention of the political opposition, militant groups and rightist coup plotters to oust President Arroyo.
And they seem to be gaining ground with the jueteng payola issue and the expose on the President’s taped conversation allegedly with a Comelec commissioner. But who and what are the alternatives in the horizon?
Vice President Noli de Castro. If Arroyo does resign or is ousted Edsa 2-style, the vice president naturally assumes the presidency. But both administration and opposition leaders feel they could be better presidents than de Castro, so they are against it. Besides, losing vice presidential bet Loren Legarda is pursuing his poll protest against him.
Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Jose de Venecia or Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. They are too far off the succession line. Drilon and de Venecia are also too closely identified with Arroyo. Davide would have been a good alternative, but politicians are not comfortable with his honest intention and integrity.
Military-civilian junta. This is the proposal of leaders of some shadowy groups like the one led by retired general Fortunato Abat. But such a junta is not palatable to the Filipino people and is surely not acceptable for the United States, which is believed to be behind the release of the “Gloriagate” tape.
But it can seize power through a coup.
Susan Roces, Loren Legarda, Joseph Estrada, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., etc.
Some segment of the political opposition has been playing up the Susan Roces line, riding on the popularity of losing presidential bet Fernando Poe Jr. But Estrada, Legarda and Pimentel are dreamers.
Meaning, opposition probables are canceling each other out.
Snap elections. This is supposed to cure the problem of lack of visible alternatives to Arroyo. But there are legal impediments that may block its realization. Some suggest, though, that a snap election should be held only after Arroyo is toppled. In the interim, a military-civilian junta or any of the probables mentioned above will take the helm.
So there. If you think toppling the Arroyo administration is a difficult undertaking, consider the effort to look for the better alternative. I am not even mentioning there the violence and chaos that would ensue once a struggle for power ensues. Plus the overall effect on the country’s economy. Poor Philippines!
TEXTREAX. From RF Sun, a Sillimanian: “The Philippines is a country that always looks for problems, unlike other countries that focus on how to avoid problems.”
(khanwens@yahoo.com/0927-2055064)
(June 10, 2005 issue)
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