Wednesday, October 03, 2007 Pooled editorial: ‘Honorable thing to do’
EXCEPT for critics like businessman Joey de Venecia, who sees only ill in the resignation of Comelec chief Benjamin Abalos Sr., more people welcome the move.
To senators and House members, it means being spared from harrowing and distracting impeachment and trial.
To Abalos’ kin and friends, as well as his Comelec family, it means respite from the ordeal of watching their leader being pilloried.
A nation fed up with legislative sideshows, featuring antics of Senate inquisitors, is also grateful for the Abalos decision.
Dissent
Calling it honorable, however, invites some dissent. There can be little honor in quitting without owning up some responsibility.
Abalos is not expected to admit guilt, which will be used against him in court. But heaping all blame on others, calling the attacks vicious and evil, is tainting his retreat.
Charges of brokering the $330 million national broadband deal with ZTE of China were not fabricated. Aside from the testimony of House Speaker Jose de Venecia’s son — which may be biased, coming from a loser in the contract bidding — there’s the declaration of Cabinet member Romulo Neri whose honesty is still unsullied.
What’s the business of the Comelec chief in pushing the contract for a project of humongous cost and doubtful use?
Impropriety
Set aside the alleged bribe offer. Assume that the offer of “mayroon kang 200 (you have 200)” was for something innocent, like, say, the number of golf games he would like to play with Neri.
Exposure of the meddling of a constitutional officer in an enormous government contract would be enough reason in some other country to kill oneself.
Suicide is not acceptable in our culture and religion but admitting the breach of good conduct would have brought some honor.
Self-incrimination, lawyers will say. But that’s what would have made it honorable. Honor doesn’t come cheap or free.
Fears
Abalos said he won’t give up his “crusade” to clear his name and reputation. That should help calm, for now at least, these fears:
l that the Senate inquiry will end without getting answers to questions in the public mind as to the roles of Abalos and others, including the First Couple; and
l that no criminal charges will be filed against the former Comelec chief and others responsible.
Resignation is temporary relief for everyone, not escape from deserved punishment. [Sun.Star Cebu]
