It feels like the mid-2000s again, when the “force” of the “people’s will” was being invoked to trump the outcomes of institutionally-governed procedure. The funny thing about the call to overrule institutional rule today is that those who are sounding off the “people power” siren are supporters of the incumbent Philippine President Benigno Simeon ‘BS’ Aquino III.
When this nebulous notion of the “people’s will” (disembodied from institutions and due process) was first called upon in 1986 (against then President Ferdinand Marcos) then re-hashed in the mid-2000s (against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo), those making that call were in the Opposition. Bizarrely those who make that call today are aligned with the man in power. And, this time, it is a call pitting the Executive Branch against the Judicial Branch under the premise that the Supreme Court in its ruling that President BS Aquino’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) is unconstitutional is wrong. And following the logic further, because people perceive that ruling as “wrong” and no longer serves the interests of “the people”, well, it’s time that “people power” be called upon again to supplant it.
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I recall an article I wrote back in 2005, when a bid to impeach then President Arroyo on charges of electoral fraud failed to pass Congress. Interestingly it was a little guy in the then Opposition familiar to all of us now that was wailing and gnashing his teeth…
“Saan tayo pupunta pagkatapos pag wala na yung impeachment complaint?” (“Where do we go if the impeachment complaint is voted down?”) asked former education secretary and Liberal Party leader Florencio “Butch” Abad. This was echoed in the PCIJ Blog article “A Black-and-White Day” further quoting Abad: “What path do people take once the impeachment option is slammed shut in their faces?”
Funny that. That was in 2005. It may as well have been 2014. I wrote further noting that this angst was being directed at officials who were elected by popular vote to represent the Filipino people (dispensing of blockquoting as I plagiarise myself anyway)…
* * *
Who votes disobedient representatives into Congress in the first place? Would a smart (or at the very least sane) person appoint a pedophile to watch over her kids? A government officiated by fools in a democracy merely reflects the fools who exercised their rights to vote to put them there. This is but another bout of this selective amnesia that Filipinos are world-renowned for. The “enlightened” wash the stupidity of the masses off their hands, proclaiming “I did not vote for those fools”. Ironic, that the very same elite who are among the most die-hard defenders of “democracy” and “free” elections would shrink away from accountability over the outcome of the very system they worship.
So what do we do? We go out and protest yet again to “to show lawmakers that there is enough support among the citizenry for an impeachment process”. Excuse us once again, but why do we get to use such pathetic channels as street protests and hollow-headed symbolic gestures (black-and-white movements and the like) to reach our “representatives” when they actually work for us and supposedly were chosen to uphold the interests of the people they represent? If Filipinos are truly serious about their outrage over the behaviour of their representatives, then the time to exhibit this outrage is in the next congressional elections. That is, of course, if any lessons will have be learned by then (consider though that old Marcos cronies and family members continue to live the good life in our islands). Rina Jimenez-David in an INQ7.net snippet more wisely left it as an open-ended question, “Where to now, indeed?”
The venerable journalist Manuel L. Quezon III blogged that:
The Philippines – Filipinos – tried to do everything by the book, they tried to do everything exactly as specified by the Constitution, they even rallied within parameters defined by that Constitution as far as the right to free speech and assembly are concerned.
Fair enough.
We did all the procedures by the book — i.e. went through the motions — the same way the lawyer-politicians that infest our society know the Law down to the letter and can serve and execute it to the letter while altogether missing its spirit. But following procedures is not the only thing democracy is about. Democracy is also about building strong democratic institutions and making them work for us so that following procedures actually produces results. That Mr. Quezon — a seasoned “political commentator” — would hang a medal on Filipinos for “trying to do everything by the book” without highlighting the often ignored fact that that key ingredient — building strong institutions (or expecting representatives to see to this) is something we dismally fail to achieve is disturbing to say the least. It’s like building a shoddy car and expecting it to take you from A to B safely while driving it “by the book”.
Today, the very same people who pat themselves on the back for doing things “by the book” suddenly stomp their feet in protest when yet another impeachment process being run “by the book” sputters along. We, that constitute the lynch mob society that our nation is, expect a fair trial followed by a fair hangin’. Well, folks, sometimes “fair trials” yield outcomes that we don’t necessarily like. That’s by the book for you, that is, if you think being by the book is the only thing democracy is about.
And to further highlight the idea of how a nation’s leaders merely reflect their constituents, Emil Jurado in a Manila Standard Today article, makes this observation:
[…] if only to prove their infantile mentality, the opposition is even now threatening to walk ouf if the impeachment process is junked. Like children who have lost the game of marbles, the opposition have become crybabies.
Obviously and we emphasize again (as we did in a previous article), there is no concept of issues-based partisanism in the Philippines — only personalan (focus on personalities). This pretty much sums up the extent and depth of public involvement in politics — pettiness, to put it mildly. And, again, this nature of the Filipino psyche is reflected in our leaders as observed by the Sassy Lawyer in a brilliant Manila Standard Today article:
We have the entire Lower House debating an issue which is no longer about whether there is clear evidence that Gloria Arroyo did commit electoral fraud. The debate has become, quite simply, whether one is for or against Gloria Arroyo. And the media is propagating that twisted debate.
It’s the old case of our ability to work hard but not smart. We expend so much effort on inefficient vigilance — the kind that sends people to the street to topple presidents — and not on the kind of vigilance that progressively builds working systems that outlive administrations to frame future ones. Instead of working the system hard, we work hard for the system. Democracy today is costing us what we already can’t afford — most notably the triple whammy of (1) the expense and disruption involved in the whole process of electing officials to office, (2) the upkeep of their offices, and (3) the instability — and disruption — caused by these same officials’ outrageous behaviour and ethics. The prevalence of political commentary blogs shows just how focused Filipinos are on petty politics and analysing the behaviour of their politicians. And the dearth of any blogs focused on systemic change and systems approaches to change? Well that speaks even louder about what constitutes (or what does not constitute) the Filipino mind.
* * *
Again, the above was written back in 2005. History does, indeed, repeat itself. In this case, it’s the same cast of idiots applying the same moronic thinking stirring up the bedazzled mob.
benign0 is the Webmaster of GetRealPhilippines.com.
Down with the despot wannabe of Malacanang!!!
I am sure that BS Aquino knows the meaning of political suicide. Will this despot try to control the Supreme Court by forcing the issue through artificial people power? The Sovereign Filipino People are already waking up to what is happening. Mr. Aquino should know that paid mercenaries doing artificial people power can never win against the Supreme Court of the Philippines. The moment real people power begins this despot will be ousted from power. Do not try the patience and the power of the real people of the Philippines. Di Palulupig! Di Pasisiil!
The Filipino people should have the military’s support. But if they are also under Noynoy’s pockets, mahihirapan ang mga tao na pababain ang makapal na mukhang kalbong yan. Masaya na ako bilang tax payer kung may biglang may mag-Duterte style ng justice system para kay Ngoyngoy.
mr BS aquino, pls stop pushing your luck or you may find yourself where you can no longer turn back from the precipice of your making.
Jim Paredes claims in his facebook that his comments are blocked in getrealphilippines. Even his stupid friends accuse this site as Pro-Marcos, paid hacks and that this blog is “bad for health”. He even said this in one of the comments:
“Will you readily believe a writer who does not put his own name in the article he writes? No picture? He does not have the backbone to stand up and express his opinion openly. Duwag ang tawag diyan. Matapang lang dahil anonymous.”
To the admin of this site, I would suggest that you allow their comments so that they will know how to get served by angry thinking Filipinos. Let these Yellow Zombies and Damaso followers get into arguments to show them how stupid it is to be Noynoy’s followers. I want to laugh at this old guy who made a promise that he will leave Philippines but still wanted to take part on the political cake.
I’d rather believe an anonymous writer who speak the reality of Philippine politics rather than trust people who only say beautiful things in front of Ngoyngoy because they think they can gain something from doing so. I think people like him have no right to breed. It would be bad for kids to grow up with old people who don’t want to uphold the law and just give praises to political bullshits. What’s more laughable is his logic that a certain twitter user is pathetic just because the user have no followers (anong konek?). Pareho sila ng sinasamba nilang Pangulo, puro emotion at good vibes pero ayaw ng common sense.
If Lee Kuan Yew will have conversation with these people, I bet he’s going to say “What the fuck did you learn from your lives?”
Jim Paredes is a liar. Look through the FB Page, specifically the post with a screenshot of his tweet. You will find his comments there. When you ban a user from a Facebook page, all of that user’s comments get deleted as well. The fact that Paredes’s comments remain proves he was not banned.
Pity him, his world is falling apart. Have some compassion.
Yeah I’ll think about it… 😀
Thanks for the info. Either old age already caught up or he’s just waiting for Aquino blessings from his lip services.
Blessings that may come from DAP itself.
Shame to see him act like that, since I was friends with his son back in high school and Jim Paredes himself seemed to be a pretty cool guy from the few times I saw him.
He is a cool guy. Just not very smart….
What in the name of Zeus’ beard is this debauchery?
If someone said the supreme court decision may have been wrong, then that same persons can show me where in the decision a judges reasoning is unsound, illogical, circular etc… at which point a motion for reconsideration can be filed. That motion may not make it past a clerk, but the clerk does have to look at it and then is in the public record and everyone can stay reasonable.
If that person fails to show me where in the supreme court decision something is wrong then that person is being unreasonable.
I would expect the President to simple announce that his Office lawyers are going to file a motion of reconsideration or any motion for that matter. Because if anyone claims the decision was wrong’, then that same person has to show where in the decision something is unreasonable, if they want to stay reasonable.
Because an impeachment or revolution ‘ought’ not start just because some one simply claims the supreme court decision was wrong. If an impeachment or revolution starts just because some one claims the supreme court decision is ‘wrong’ then your impeachment or revolution is unreasonable.
Stay reasonable Philippines.
(i hope i am not being stupid, i am kinda high now, .. )
“your wrong”
“no, you are wrong”
“you’re stupid”
“i know you are. but what am i”
“you are an a##hole”
“it takes one to know one”
dam voices in my head
Good point. But Noynoy will not be impeached because he says that the supreme court is wrong. He is in trouble because of the legality of DAP. If he do file a motion for reconsideration of what the SC said about DAP and the SC still find it unconstitutional nay illegal and he would still insist on what he wants to do, I think he can throw his clothes out of Malacanan. The problem with Noynoy is his steps on creating “Matuwid na Daan”. He’s too stupid to analyze his moves before creating a program which makes him utu-uto to his staffs. He may not be corrupt financially but his ignorance endanger many political achievements.
You past over my point rather rambunctiously Archie. I am a positivist and aware, deeper then most, of what is going on politically in the Philipinnes. Let us see if the President is reasonable. Let him show us how, or where in the Supreme Court’s Decision, something is unreasonable or “wrong’. If he characterized the decision as ‘wrong’ he has go to show where or how, if he want to stay a ‘legitimate’ President.
So i ask all readers, “what is the basis of the President’s assertion that the decision is wrong?”
I guess I have to read on myself becuz the posts after this article are less than focused. Too many postulations and speculations etc…
stay reasonable for now ha
i am reading …
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/63267-understanding-supreme-court-ruling-dap
hmmm.. ty Archie
I did agree with your opinion regarding filing for a motion for reconsideration. But I want to imply why he is already acting unreasonable for the following grounds:
1. He approved DAP without going under proper procedures aka augmented budget approval by the Congress (translated as fuck the police and law this is anarchy yellow ribbon style)
2. His basis was the 1987 Constitution’s executive order (again, executive order, not republic act) which was authored by whom? You guessed it, his loving mom which states in layman as “screw all of you, I can get all the budget I want even if the congress says no.”
3. It should be noted that SC DOESN’T recognize nor honor that executive order anymore because it was made void by another republic act stating that acquiring budget without proper documentation is questionable, suspicious and fucking goddamn potential source of corruption aka unconstitutional.
4. Ngoyngoy was a senator, he became bald being a politician, all his life he committed his 2 little balls heated in govt. seats. Can’t he alot at least 2 to 4 years of his life reading the whole bible of his of his church? Informally, he is already unreasonable of being ignorant of what he imposes but for the sake of formality, he should file a motion for reconsideration, another spending event that taxpayers will shoulder. Forgive me if I have scrambled english.
“If you disagree with me, you’re an idiot.”
The function of the supreme court is to ensure that all laws be interpreted and see to it that foremost consideration is to be afforded, for the strengthening of the fundamental law of the republic, which is the CONSTITUTION! THEREFORE, ANY LAWS OR LAW FOR ARBITRATION, OR IN QUESTION AS TO ITS CONSTITUTIONALITY, ONLY THE SUPREME COURT HAS THE LEGAL & JUSTIFIABLE PRESUMPTIONS OR INTERPRETATION! P-NOY, IN HIS PUBLIC EXPLANATIONS, DID NOT ONLY MANIFESTED HIS BEING DEBASED OF LEGAL KNOWLEDGE, OF BEING ARROGANT! MORE SO, BECAME MALICIOUS OF PEOPLE’S RIGHTS AND PROTECTION, WHEN HE AVERRED THAT THE 14-0 (THE ABSENT MAGISTRATE, HAD SIGNED) UNANIMOUS VOTES OF OUR MAGISTRATES AGAINST DAP WAS WRONG?….WHOA! MEANING TO SAY, THAT SUCH PROTECTION FOR THE CONSTITUTION THAT THE SUPREME COURT HANDED, AND LIKEWISE PROTECTS OUR PEOPLE’S RIGHT, AND EVEN HIS VERY THRONE, IS WRONG?…WOW! IF P-NOY REFUSED TO HONOR THE DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT WHICH PROTECTS OUR CONSTITUTION, AND WHICH ALSO PROTECTS OR GRANTS HIS POWER AS PRESIDENT, OR HIS THRONE, BY THE CONSTITUTIONAL SOLDIERS OR AFP?….THEN, P-NOY IS INVITING DISASTER!…NO LESS THAN A ” COUP DE ‘ETAT”!.
@ ronald carpio…IDK about what the RP Constitution says about ‘interpretation’ of the document itself,I do not…BUT, if this document (RP Constitution) is based much the same as the USA constitution (IF IF IF), then no where in it is the SC granted the powers of ‘interpretation’.The USA constitution says not one word about who interpets the document itself.
I suport u P-Noy at tiwala pA rin kakayahan mo,i like DAP wish na sana madepensahan yan, sasama ako sa people power to DEFEND DAP Laban P-Noy..
Wow, you’re really just doing this on purpose now. Not even for your boss; just plain trying to get people riled up now.
For the love of humanity, please tell us you’re just joking.
Malacanang feeling really insecure with boss’ speech last night so not only are the regular trolls on overtime but they activated the reserves .
The reserve trolls are a joke. Like their comrade in stupidity a.k.a troll in denial, Jig they never use any resemblance of real logic in their arguments, just insane troll logic.
GRP must be really hitting them where it hurts if they are this persistent with their pathetic attacks
How’s pnoy’s ass taste like asslicking noytard?
@Analiza
Obviously you are a yellow supporter. You also like the DAP and are willing to face the Supreme Court through artificial people power.
Aquino is like a spoiled rotten child. If he will not have his way. He will order his “Hakot Demonstrators” and maybe the NPA, who are his allies to make trouble.
The Supreme Court had already decided. He must RESPECT their decision.
Only those Senators and Congressmen, with questioned loyalty are supposedly for him.
I know that Aquino is playing his last cards. He has no ACES to play. So, he goes on bluffing everybody…time is up for him.
He is a Thief and an Incompetent Presaident.
Stress will surely take a toll on his Depresssion and Anxieties…don’t forget to double the strength of your anti depressant medication, Mr. Aquino…this stress is too much for you.
That’s one of his biggest problem: Homer can’t bluff. Always predictable, play poker with him and you’ll have winning streaks.
The military has also sworn to defend the Constitution. Time to oust the dictator, BS abNoy Aquino 3.
Malacañang has the moolah from the DAP to bribe protestors to rise against the SC. Those hepa loyalists defending the criminals in Malacañang are traitors to the country.
It should be fairly obvious that this regime is trying to get ahead of the game.—-They’re staging a crowd against the SC, before the genuine public does a real People Power on them to kick abNoy and his minions out of Malacañang.
Back in 2008, GMA had this program to connect the North i.e. Valenzuela, Bulacan and Pampanga areas to the rest of the MRT. After spending billions of pesos trying to get the project off the ground, and budgeting billions more to finish it,something happened, PNoy wins the presidency and voila, all of GMA’s projects paid for by taxpayers and loan grants from international banks were subjected to “review” and cancelled unceremoniously, contracts be damned. Now all Filipino taxpayers are paying the banks, interests included for loan releases on projects that are now rotting in the trash can and what of the money? They are now “savings”. And through the creativity of Mr. Abad, we call it DAP. Are they really savings? No, its economic sabotage plain and simple. Good faith? Only if your idea of good faith is bribing legislators to do your every whim.
Right now, armies of yellowtards, with the help of Malacanang invaded one of the country’s government banks (we have two), occupying key positions (despite dubious qualifications and multiple violations of civil service law) , and their doing a very good job of running it to the ground inspite of sky high salaries given to them, while the ordinary rank and file gets buried further and further in debt due to benefits denied again and again. Daang matuwid is a lie. And yes, PNoy and his people does not care about the law, ask his people murdering this government bank.
Glimpses of Marcos once again.
They’re just a bunch of self-serving mobs infiltrating establishments in order to take control by scamming a large population of gullible star-struck ignoramuses.
I even suspect that Sereno wasn’t only appointed to get rid of Corona, but was intended to serve at least two purposes: (1) secure Hacienda Luisita for the Cojuangcos, and (2) help cover-up their misdeeds & irregularities. There’s reason to believe that this regime has an inkling on the illegality of some of their methods. Unfortunately for them, the correct interpretation of the Constitution prevailed.