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Monday, January 09, 2006
Mongaya: Better times in 2006?
By Anol Mongaya
PEOPLE are cautious in expecting better times in 2006 despite positive economic indicators. I think this is due to the inability of the Arroyo administration to close questions on mandate. One factor to watch out is the relations between the Arroyo and FVR camps.
But I hope both camps would listen to our wish for better times.
***
The wake of the late Judge Henrick Gingoyon at the Sacred Heart Church chapel was a reunion of sorts for activists who once worked with him decades ago when he was still a human rights lawyer.
The idealism and courage that fired up the human rights lawyer then did not fade when he became a judge. I believe Judge Gingoyon is the kind of judge our justice system needs if we indeed want justice to prevail.
Unfortunately, his death shows us the determination of the enemies of justice. I hope many more Judge Gingoyons will emerge to take his place although many friends are not that optimistic.
***
A number of theories regarding Judge Gingoyon’s death emerged.
He is well known for having decided against the government in the Piatco-Naia terminal 3 case. For those well versed with the murky background of the case, the case involved the clashing interests of many powerful vested groups. He could have earned the ire of people who would have profited had the government won.
Another theory involved Judge Gingoyon’s decision to impose the death penalty on Jemaah Islamiyah bombers. The case involving a police official also cropped up.
During Judge Gingoyon’s wake last Friday, many discussed another theory. It involved the judge’s decision against the generals who allegedly benefited from the armed forces loan coop anomaly.
***
It seems the political pot is already boiling. Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s outbursts against SEA Games organizing committee chairman Jonathan Guardo stemmed from loose talks about the latter’s political plans, which the sportsman confirmed over the weekend. Guardo said he plans to run against the incumbent Rep. Tony Cuenco at Cebu City’s south congressional district.
If Guardo pushes through with his plans, he will be the third youthful politico who will try to seize the district seat from the Congress veteran. Let’s hope he will learn from the mistakes of previous challengers.
Earlier, the political grapevine talked about the plans of third term Sen. Serge Osmeña at the city’s south district. But then, younger brother and the city’s big boss Tommy wants to preserve his alliance with Cuenco.
Now Senator Osmeña is said to be also exploring the province’s sixth district seat now occupied by his rival more than a decade ago, Rep. Nerry Soon-Ruiz. This and Nerry’s reportedly sour relations with former senator John Osmeña is the flipside to the Ouano-Soon family reunion story a few days before Christmas.
***
Friends asked about my column since mid-December. It just so happened that my birthday, Christmas, and the New Year fell on a Sunday, the day that I’m supposed to write and submit my column. On Dec. 18, I just felt I wanted to do nothing a home. Perhaps, that’s what Faith Popcorn’s cocooning concept is all about. And there was no work at Sun.Star on Christmas and New Year’s Day—more reason to just stay at home and work on my blog and watch DVDs with the wife and kids.
(superbalita@sunstar.com.ph or anol.blogs.friendster.com/anols_blog)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (January 9, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
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