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Friday, August 18, 2006
Editorials: Fuss over impeachment
Let it not be said that the political opposition and civil society detractors of President Arroyo did not put up a good fight.
They had such a sterling performance they did it with their hands, tooth and nail, struggling hard like they never did before even as they went down.
But while it may have been a determined, spirited fight, it seemed like a losing one from the very start, partly because of timing and partly because of lack of mass support.
Indeed, there’s the perception that majority of the Filipinos no longer have full trust and confidence in the ability of the President to manage the affairs of this republic.
But there is also an equally deep sense of belief among many that while they may want Mrs. Arroyo to step down from the presidency, there’s no one they trust enough to take over.
And so, there has emerged a stalemate in the political condition of the country.
Arroyo stays
Neither the anti-administration groups nor the pro-administration forces are able to generate enough public support from the citizenry.
Without this clear-cut public stand, the Arroyo government has to stay.
Which is why the move to impeach the President did not truly arouse public support.
The impeachment efforts of the political opposition and civil society have not prompted the people to rally behind them.
But neither has the pro-administration forces been able to muster strong public support.
Stalemate
The junking by the House committee on justice of the last impeachment complaint for lack of substance after it passed the test of form last week should have sparked an immediate mass outcry from constituents.
But the people have remained silent, and this indicates that the stalemate in public opinion is holding.
And perhaps it is just as well considering the country’s hosting of the Asean summit in December.
It would have placed our country in a very awkward circumstance because while we play host to leaders of Asean nations, our own President is facing an impeachment hearing in the Senate.
Although some people may consider the spectacle as proof of our maturity as a democracy, others might also look at us as a people without a deep sense of nationalism and respect for country and people.
Divisive politics
In sum, the impeachment complaint came at a time when most of our people do not seem to have an appetite for more divisive political conflicts.
Especially since we are also going to play host to our neighbors.
It is in our nature and our culture to always show our best to others, no matter what.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 18, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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