Wednesday, September 12, 2007 Network Pooled Editorial: Erap conviction or acquittal must rest solely on evidence
Socrates’ wife Xantippe visited him in prison and bewailed the jury for condemning him. “They are by their nature also condemned,” Socrates said. “But the condemnation is unjust!” persisted the wife. “Would you prefer it to be just?” asked Socrates.— Clifton Fadiman
FEW people in jail will agree with the Greek philosopher. Surely not former president Joseph Estrada who is facing criminal charge of plunder. Six years after his arrest in 2001, Sandiganbayan will finally rule today on his guilt or innocence.
Socrates preferred being found guilty when he was not to being found guilty because he was. They say he resisted every form of tyranny from kings or the mob. But isn’t this tyrannical, enforcing undeserved injustice?
Socrates was sentenced to death for “corrupting the youth.” Erap is accused of amassing millions of pesos in public office.
Acceptance
Whatever the charge, justice does not depend on submission or acceptance. Otherwise, everyone found guilty would have to be dragged to jail raving and kicking.
Justice does not rest on Erap’s claim he was squeaky-clean or on the allegation of the State he was corrupt and guilty as sin.
Justice doesn’t rely on public perception. Those who don’t suffer from amnesia remember the stories about the corruption in Erap’s time. Those who have forgotten see him as more honest than President Arroyo.
Irrelevant
What the public thinks or how it will react to the decision is irrelevant.
Erap cannot be acquitted because more people trust him now than they trust Gloria. Neither can he be convicted because he was caught and charged while she dodged two impeachment attempts.
Acquit him because his supporters will seek to oust the Government? Convict him because his enemies want to see him rot in prison? Nonsense.
Anti-Eraps argue he should be convicted because if he is cleared, people would think that no president of the country could ever be held accountable for his offenses in office. Pro-Eraps say he should walk because people might think the President rigged the court to protect the legitimacy of her ascent to office. All crap.
Sandiganbayan must look at the evidence only. If a finding based solely on evidence cannot be accepted or enforced, something is wrong with the justice system and our democracy. [Sun.Star Cebu]
