I WAS really amused at how Department of Justice USec Jesse Andres tried to picture himself as a brilliant loyalist to the “powers” when he tried to advance his “smart” analysis on the purported criminal liability of VP Sara Duterte when she uttered her “conditional threat” against BBM, FL and Speaker Martin.
According to Andres, a threat is a threat even if conditional because the essence is to cause harm to somebody.
During interviews, he was super active in espousing his views about this so-called criminal culpability of VP Sara.
One observer said – klaroha nagpa-papel oi.
Anyway, his smart and brilliant analysis was doused with freezing water when Ombudsman Samuel Martirez, told him, in clear and brutal terms, to shut up.
Aguy, sakita pod.
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Contrary to the criminal minds of USec Andres, Ombudsman Martires said the Office of the Ombudsman sees no possible criminal liability from the utterances of VP Sara and finds no reason or basis to subject her to a probe.
With this open and public “reprimand” from Ombudsman Martirez, do you think USec Andres or the DOJ for that matter, would still persist in conducting an inquiry, and even with the subpoena already issued by the NBI?
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If they were to continue with the probe, how can it be called an impartial probe?
One, the DOJ is under the Office of the President and the SOJ is a member of the president’s cabinet.
Two, even before the start of the probe, the DOJ thru the big-mouth USec already pre-empted and pre-judged the case.
Three, USec Andres has resorted to trial by publicity when he openly discussed the merits and demerits of the case every time a microphone from the media is placed near his mouth. The rational mind would have deferred or demurred from discussing anything about the case because it was clearly political, not legal.
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There are talks of impeachment nowadays, again, the subject is VP Sara.
Many members of the House of Representatives are super eager, and very enthusiastic too, to go thru the process which is nothing but political, again, not legal. Meaning, the result is more predictable in terms of political consideration, not really legal consideration.
So if the HOR is full or filled with Tamba allies, the end-result is already crystal clear even before the start of the impeachment process – they could easily pass and approve the Articles of Impeachment, which in ordinary terms, is equivalent to VP Sara being “already impeached.”
But of course, the Articles of Impeachment still has to be transmitted to the Senate which as a collegial body, acts as the trial judge, with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presiding.
Now, back to the “super eager and very enthusiastic” thing.
Why is that?
Because of the “oodles and bundles” of cash involved every time an impeachment process is undertaken.
Tiaw ba poy maka-sapi ka og daghang wawarts, ug maka-kuhag daghang projects, save sa mga tarong diha.
So this explains the eagerness and enthusiasm.
But just like everything in politics, this is a double-edged sword.
Why?
Because many people, the ordinary citizens, especially the PRRD and Inday Sara loyalists, would be watching how their “honorables” in the House will vote.
Those who are for impeachment would be marked and be made to account for their “betrayal” owing to the continuing popularity of, and trust to, the Dutertes.
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Unlike before where the sources of “credible” news were limited to just a few newspapers that sold like hotcakes during the pre and early Cory Aquino years, this time around, the sources of information are plenty, basically from the social media.
One burst of information thru the social media would already be all over the country and the world in a matter of seconds.
This is the reason why there are now so many blogs and podcasts that are actively and openly espousing views that are against, and inimical to, the interests of BBM, FL and the House Speaker.
This affords the ordinary citizens quick, free and varied sources of information to such an extent that it would be nearly impossible to hide facts anymore.
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In the controversial House probe of the 2022 and 2023 budget of the Office of the Vice President, where the allies of Tamba are now openly cavorting and “romancing” with the identified Leftists in the House, many are wondering which angle of the probe fits the “in aid of legislation” thing.
Do they want to legislate something about confidential funds?
Do they want an amendment of current laws on confidential funds?
If they do, why are they focusing on the OVP budget alone, why not include all other offices that have confidential funds in their budget?
And why are they focused on the past, not current budget?
Basically, they want to check into, and question, every aspect and angle of the confidential funds of the OVP in the 2022 and 2023 national budgets.
Very questionable on two counts – one, this matter is basically the job of the COA and two, this matter is pending consideration by the COA.
Klaroha kaayo sa drama oi.
The more they tried to crucify VP Sara, the more the people would understand the political persecution and flock to her rescue.
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Many are just waiting for the right signal, the right timing, to make their voices, and their presence, be felt relative to the on-going political persecution of the Dutertes.
It cannot be denied that many are convinced that the “in aid of legislation” thing is now being weaponized.
Karon pa mahitabo nga bisan kadtong mga gitawag og “walhon” sa House gitagaan na og dakong time ug dakong exposure para maka-yawyaw, according to script (or plan). The objective of this surprising “collaboration” is crystal clear.
Isig gamit lang sila for their own political convenience.
Tiaw bay usa ka “walhon” dali ra kaayo maka-move og ipa-extend ang confinement sa usa ka staff sa OVP, ug dali ra pod kaayo gi-second, from 5 days to 10 days, tungod lang sa “assessment kuno nila nga nagpakita nga evasive ug dili responsive, sa ilang mga pangutana bahin sa confidential funds.
Delikadoha na man ni. Kinsa pa man kaha ang mangahas nga mo-attend sa ilang inquiry “in aid of legislation” kon ingon ani ilang pamaagi?
