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Thursday, August 10, 2006
Seares: Yes. Gerry intervened
By Pachico A. Aeares
News Sense
Of course, Cebu City Councilor Gerry Carillo intervened in last Friday's CIDG arrest of three shop owners caught selling bogus skin whitening cream.
Many of us see only one meaning in the word "intervene": to do wrong.
Gerry, also a lawyer, said he didn't intervene for his clients. He just saw to it that the law was "properly observed."
CIDG Chief Jose Jorge Corpuz said cops didn't use "intervene." Media put the word in their mouth. (In his wisdom, he later junked that crap.)
Mayor Tomas Osmeña says the word is broad, "subject to debate and speculation." If a suspect seeks the mayor's help and Tomas calls the police, is he intervening?
Yes, the mayor is. But he may not be doing wrong.
Depends on what he asks. Tell police not to use violence: OK ra. Ask them to let the suspect walk, as he's campaign donor or drinking buddy: wrong, awfully wrong.
He did more
Experts tell us that "to intervene," in Carillo's case or when a VIP meddles, is "to come between as an influence, to modify, settle, or hinder some action, argument, etc."
Gerry urged police to free his clients. He himself would surrender them later. CIDG, awed by his power as councilor, agreed.
Yes, Gerry intervened. Not bad by itself but he did more. He used influence to help his clients.
Intervening is not the issue. The issue is conflict of interest and misuse of influence when one intervenes.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 10, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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