THE OTHER afternoon, lady lawyer and former third district councilor (now running again) Petite Principe dropped by at the little snack house inside our residence’s compound in Talandang, Tugbok District. She came from a house of the family of the father who was slain by his own son.
We were told that she delivered a sack of rice to help the grieving family see through during the wake. She dropped by to have cold snacks with her assistants. Unfortunately, we were unable to see each other because we were stuck inside our study room writing our column for yesterday. Our helper at the snack center also failed to inform us.
It is nice to hear a former city official going out of her way to deliver help to a disadvantaged family that is being hit by one unfortunate incident. But perhaps the former councilor, if ever she will have the chance of serving in the City Council again, can craft an ordinance to make giving assistance to grieving families a shared responsibility between the city government and the community.
If ever, the ordinance must establish the guidelines for the family of the dead to avail of the assistance and such guidelines shall be developed in coordination with the barangay officials.
Maybe Ms. Petite can get some input from mortuary assistance policies of cooperatives or in the so-called “Dayongs” operating in many communities, especially in the rural areas.
We are certain that if such a scheme is legislated there is a very strong possibility that marginalized families having the misfortune of one member dead will no longer be bothering any politician for assistance.
How about this Attorney Petite? Maybe if you have a staff once back in the SP to do some research, he/she can prepare a draft ordinance for your sponsorship. We can be sure you’ll be introducing a very welcome measure in the local legislative body.
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Why is there “uncertainty” as to the deliberation of the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte by the Senate of the 19th Congress? And why is the House of Representatives not so “forceful” in taking up early the impeachment charges earlier submitted and instead waiting for the fourth one? Also, why was the fourth impeachment charge submitted and immediately deliberated and afforded the signatures of the 215 Congressmen on the very last session day of the House before it adjourns for the election break?
Our take is that the Congressmen and the pro-ouster of the VP Senators are uncertain that they can have the number in the Senate acting as the tribunal to convict VP Sara.
And why are we saying that the uncertainty on the number is our take? Here is our reading of the position of each of the 23 Senators:
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero – the likelihood is he will go for the VP’s conviction. Why? It is overt that his rise to the top Senate post could have emanated from Malacanang.
Former Senate President Miguel Zubiri – He’d surely go against Sara’s conviction. He had the lingering doubt that his sudden ouster as Senate President also emanated from the Malacanang baton.
Sen. Joel Villanueva – He could be “swayable” considering that while he claims to be close to the Dutertes he was not included in the official line-up endorsed by the former President during the May 2022 elections. He is also not vocal on issues affecting President BBM.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. JV Ejercito – Like Villanueva, they too could be “swayable”. While they are known friends to the Dutertes their father former President Joseph Estrada has been known as a Marcos lackey since the time of the late father of incumbent President Marcos, Jr.
Senators Alan and Pia Cayetano – Senator Alan will definitely be against the conviction of VP Sara. Despite losing the Vice Presidency while he was the tandem of then Presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, after the one-year ban he got appointed to one of the juiciest positions in the Cabinet – as Foreign Affairs Secretary. Then he became Speaker of the House until he ran again for the Senate.
On the other hand, sister Pia could be for the VP’s conviction as she was included in the official senatorial ticket endorsed by President Marcos, Jr. and she is not also known as very close to the Vice President as well as her father, the former President.
Sens. Robin Padilla, Bato dela Rosa, and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go – Definitely they’ll all be for VP Sara’s exculpation. The three lawmakers are known “creations” of former President Duterte, the VP’s father and mentor.
Mother and son Senators Cynthia and Mark Villar – They’ll surely consider their huge business investments in Davao when they render their judgment on Sara’s impeachment. But knowing that their multi-billion housing projects are all over the country and vulnerable to national policies, the mother-son duo would most likely do a “split”. Meaning one for conviction, and another for acquittal.
Sen. Bong Revilla – His wife and son, both members of the House, did not sign the impeachment rap. Senator Bong, if only to show his “independence” will probably go for the VP’s conviction. More so, because he is one of the endorsees of the administration.
Sen Loren Legarda – Her popularity as a media personality will surely make her believe that her becoming a Senator is not owed to anyone. Thus, she has no “debt of gratitude” to repay. So she could freely vote yes to Sara’s conviction.
Sen. “Tol” Tolentino – It is common knowledge that his becoming a Senator is due to former President Duterte’s strong endorsement. So he’ll be for the VP’s exoneration. Unless of course he forgets too soon or pays in advance his debt of gratitude to Marcos, Jr. for including him in the administration senatorial line-up.
Sen. Rizza Hontiveros – Well, only a miracle can make her go against VP Sara’s conviction. Perhaps if she is allowed to vote more than once, she’ll be more than willing to do it. So is the only other minority Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. His PDP-Laban being relegated to almost an unknown political party when the Duterte-led faction somehow “seceded,” could be more than enough reason to vote yes for VP Sara to be ousted.
On the other hand, Senators Nancy Binay and Grace Po, like Legarda, can claim they too are the making of their family names, and not of endorsement by the Dutertes. Hence, they will not have a “bothered conscience” if they go for Sara’s conviction in her impeach rap.
Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Raffy Tulfo will likely be going for the VP’s ouster. They know they are the ones making the politician in themselves. So, no “debts of gratitude” to think about.
Sen. Imee Marcos – Whatever her real intention in aligning herself with the Vice President and her father, she’d still strongly be backing the VP to remain in office. She cannot afford to expose the real plot of her drama during this time.
Now, if such is the present possibility among Senators, can the impeachment sponsors be assured of getting their desired number to win their case?
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