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Thursday, July 28, 2005
Mongaya: Graceful exit?
By Anol Mongaya
Some friends view charter change or cha-cha as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s graceful exit from the political scene. They pointed out that once a parliamentary-federal system is in place, the prime minister would be the one running the government. This would be the opportune time for her to gracefully leave the scene.
Allow me to add that if this comes to pass, this could also be an opportunity for the general who saved the queen to stage a comeback. This is what some pundits call the “De Gaulle scenario.”
***
I think President Arroyo did not ignore the present political crisis when she presented her State of the Nation Address. Her focus on cha-cha was her way of telling people we should move on.
After all, she already said sorry for calling an election official. She wants to get the silent majority to dance the cha-cha with her and thus effectively break out of the current political stalemate.
Note that the silent majority, though aware and concerned about the issues against President Arroyo, has not gone out to support the calls of the Left and the political opposition for her ouster. The rallies attended mostly by Left militants and pro-Erap supporters have not exceeded the 50,000 mark in Metro Manila.
But has the President succeeded in breaking out of the stalemate? I think we are also looking as of the moment at a stalemate in the move to push charter change. Most senators don’t want a shift to a parliamentary form of government because this means the abolition of the Senate. Cha-cha proponents need Senate support if they want to convert Congress into a constituent assembly.
On the other hand, while the senators who are mostly anti-GMA welcome impeachment, the possibility that the petition will gain 79 signatures in the House is nil.
The signature of Rep. Clavel Asas-Martinez in the impeachment petition has focused public attention on the possibility that Reps. Antonio Yapha and Sim Kintanar will follow suit. Still, they could hardly gain more adherents from fellow congressmen.
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Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. president Deo R. Alberca defended Customs District Collector Lourdes Mangaoang, who was criticized for insisting on Customs jurisdiction of smuggling-related cases. Instead of going to court, the Mandaue police should have immediately coordinated with customs authorities.
A source said Mayor Teddy Ouano had nothing to do with the action of the police. He pointed this out after somebody called up a family member complaining about the apprehension. Still, those involved in the controversy were his men. Perceptions are sometimes difficult to change.
(superbalita@sunstar.com.ph or anol.blogs.friendster.com/anols_blog)
(July 28, 2005 issue)
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