Thursday, May 08, 2008 Editorials: Time for John-john to show up
CONSPIRACY theories are not necessarily bad considering their effect: they either stimulate the mind and spark a quest for truth on issues or provide entertainment.
In a way, former senator John “Sonny” Osmeña's reaction to the filing of a case against his son John-john on the pseudo-ephedrine case can partake of a conspiracy theory.
And in a period when politicians use every means, fair and foul, to gain political power, it is not difficult to cobble up a believable claim linking politics with, say, filing of cases.
John-john was once a politician and, had it not been for some missteps, would have been able to stake a claim as credible inheritor of privileges accorded to a political dynasty.
He is therefore fair target for political intrigues and schemes.
Main issue
Conspiracy theories, however, being mere theories, need proof to fly or these become nothing but empty talk, meaning, proof will make or un-make Sonny O's claim.
And that is not even the main point.
Sonny, John-john and John-john's lawyer will eventually have to deal with the main issue, which is the crime that John-john and the other allegedly committed, in court.
This is more so because the accusation is drug-related and therefore serious.
Focus
How much fuss is created over the motive behind the filing of the case won't matter in this arena, something that may work to John-john's advantage or disadvantage.
What is at stake here is not only John-john's reputation or even his political resurrection if ever he makes another go at politics but his entire future.
The better option then is for him and his legal team to focus on the court battle ahead and deal with extraneous things, like motives behind the filing of the case, later.
Appearance
For starters, he should face his accusers or advised to do so by his team because lack of presence can be interpreted as an attempt to hide and heightens perceptions of guilt.
Rumors have been swirling around John-john's “disappearance” from Cebu, some of them unfair and below the belt, so that he needs to surface as soon as he can.
