By Reni M. Valenzuela
Both start with letter “J,” but it is Justice, not Jurisdiction, that is the issue, the mother of all issues, in the ICC-Duterte fracas. But what is the government doing with what has defied and defiled it?
Pundits sing out of tune in and outside the media (social or mainstream) — discordant with truth and common sense, antithetical to justice and righteousness. Nothing but jangling, clanging and buzzing is all they have to tender and proffer before the public.
They major on minors and capitalize on minuscules to paint abstract, distorted images, and to bamboozle and “receive.” Beware of the “chosen ones” (by the guilty and corruptors) in the media nowadays, dear countrymen. They are the paid hacks and “ayuda” journalists who bargained and sold their souls.
Beware of “columns” and broadcast “commentaries,” and pseudo “letters to the editor.” And trolls and fake news, of course, in social media.
Hear what they say not, believe what they believe not, and do what they do not. “Won’t you answer this fervent prayer of a stranger in paradise? Don’t send me in dark despair from all that I hunger for.” – Tony Bennett (“Stranger in Paradise”), with the countless thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings in the so-called “drug war.”
Ah, “jurisdiction,” how have anti-justice politicians and officials ascribed deity unto thee when deity in thee they see not, never on matters of the West Philippine Sea and “economic recovery.” They hate meddling by foreign countries or entities, but they love it as much — at the same time. Deranging.
The least and best that Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra can and must do, if he does not agree with the government’s actions and cannot defend them, is to step down. But he chose to breach and disoblige instead — openly, boldly and proudly — which act can be seen as an act of rebelliousness, in reference to the arrest of his former boss, ex-President Rodrigo Duterte. Dubious loyalty.
In his motion submitted to the Supreme Court, he sought to recuse himself from defending the present occupant of Malacañang, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. no less, and other government officials concerned following what transpired by virtue of the arrest warrant against “ex-master” issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Alas, this is implacable, insolent and impudent: Guevarra maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, vis-a-vis the crimes against humanity committed between Nov. 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, under Duterte’s watch as mayor of Davao and later as president of the country.
Go back to the ICC, beloved Philippines.
Dear BBM: What’s the point and purpose for Guevarra to be allowed a day longer in his office as solicitor general after his defiant stand on the Duterte-ICC issue, which “issue” is believed to bring/render justice (at last) to the victims of the bogus “war on drugs” by the previous administration, of which Guevarra was very much a part of as its justice secretary? But where was justice at that time? Could he then be considered a party and complicit to the crimes against humanity, dear ICC? I think so.
The Guevarra recusal was not merely a gesture of “disagreement” with the official act of the government, but disrespect of and insubordination and disobedience to the current government. It was a revolutionary act (official and clever) versus a democratic institution he was sworn to serve and uphold, and defend — a rebellion/insurrection of some sort against the BBM administration. Plain, bald and bare. Portentous.
By the way, by spearheading and leading a Senate probe on the “arrest and handover of the former president to the International Criminal Court (ICC),” the sister senator of our chief executive must be playing (again) another enigmatic, ironic card up her sleeves.
Or, could it be a grand family scheme (melodrama) which plot and intent only them know? But I’m sure whatever it is they carry in their conscience, it is heavy for it is not good. Self-serving. Selfish. Pitiless.
Scared? Panicky? What is there to be fearful about by doing what’s right and just, and godly? Fear God, rather. “… If God be for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
Senator Imee Marcos argued, “It is imperative to establish whether due process was followed and to ensure that his legal rights were not just upheld but protected … Our sovereignty and legal processes must remain paramount.”
Need I comment further? No, but yes. What could be more “out of tune” than those melodic, ironic, mystic words if they were to be used as lyrics to be converted into a song, however the hymn and rhythm for it are composed?
It is harder than hard to believe that Ms. Imee croons an anthem that contradicts her brother president from time to time on critical, crucial, controversial issues of national concern — if we will notice it. Pero obvious naman po — sa mga may malinaw na paningin. Off tune and off key, indeed. “Strangers in Paradise.” BBM-Guevarra is a tandem we may call “Irony 1” and BBM-Imee is “Irony 2.” Uncanny. Unfathomable.
“O divine art of subtlety and secrecy.” – Sun Tzu
“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” – John 17:17
News Flash:
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula is calling churches to pray for the nation at this juncture. Wonderful, but correction please, dear Cardinal.
There is no “political wrangling” in the country as you stated, only political fake news and political people who use political churches and who put political colors on the wheel of justice grinding resolutely at long last, finally. That’s the prayer point, your honor. Let us all pray (indeed) that truth and justice will reign in the end, before long. Amos 5:24.
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