Friday, October 19, 2007 Speak out: Abalos’ decision to quit from post By Percival de la Torre
WITH his back against the wall and a possible impeachment hanging over his head, Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos had no other choice but to resign from his post.
He had probably foreseen that present realities point to his eventual impeachment by the House and going through trial in the Senate where the odds of being convicted (that would make him liable and subject to prosecution, trial, and punishment according to law) are fairly high.
Based on party alliances, eight senators are with the administration.
However two of these, perception wise, appear to be biased against Abalos.
Hence, the two-thirds requirement under Section 6 of Article XI of the Constitution to convict a person in an impeachment trial is mathematically within easy reach.
Abalos as sacrificial lamb need not be debated anymore.
The fact is that he resigned under the pressure of public opinion.
And most likely he thought that if he were to undergo trial due to his alleged role of brokering the suspended national broadband network (NBN) deal, he might as well face it in a judicial court rather than in the Senate where those who will render judgment are individuals who would almost certainly inject political color in their decision.
It has been a long time that we have witnessed a high government official quitting his job whilst being accused of wrongdoing.
However, before we pat Abalos on his back for this somewhat exceptional act seldom seen nowadays, we should like him to heed the words of the late US president John F. Kennedy who, half a century ago, declared thus: "Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country."
In other words, he should go one step further by disclosing all that he has personal knowledge of regarding the alleged bribery and overpricing of the NBN project.
Only then can we extend our hands to congratulate him. Of course to do this would depend much whether he is brave enough to face the wrath of those who will be shamed by his revelation.
