“There is only one step from the sublime to the ridiculous” — Napoleon

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of CJ Renato Corona has not only exposed the ugly face of Philippine

politics but has also made the persecution of the Chief Magistrate, who is not even the Supreme Leader or Head of State, brutally dehumanizing and humiliating than any similar high-profile incident in Philippine history.

First, the public perception of vanished innocence and fait-accompli guilty unless proven otherwise is making the impeachment trial not only tragic and farcical, but is also making the Chief Justice in the process a devastated and pitiful figure from the relentless assaults, and exposes coming from insensitive, biased, and vindictive politicians.

Thus, the trial is degenerating into a feeding frenzy that is commonly associated with agitated and ravenous predator sharks that will devour defenseless prey found in their path (except dolphins and whale sharks).

That is, the impeachment trial is painful and depressing experience to watch as the Chief Justice tortuously journeys towards his conviction since an acquittal is not an option that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III will contemplate or acquiesce or accept.

Second, the impeachment of Chief Justice Corona has strayed away from the political promise of eradicating the culture of corruption.

The anatomy of corruption has to do with changing the psyche of the people vis-à-vis corruption rather than from fear and intimidation. The mind-boggling tax evasion cases filed by the BIR and countless criminal charges initiated by the Justice de-partment only tend to alienate the parties concerned. It will not change their bad habits.

It is the game-changing or sea-change transformation in the people’s psyche that is the foundation of the reforms.

What President Benigno Aquino has so far achieved is to inject fear in people and his own officials. The “culture” itself has remained unchanged and imperceptible as the President’s attention and focus have been diverted towards vendetta against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her alleged protégé, Chief Justice Renato Corona.

However, in fairness to President Benigno Aquino, it is plausible that the magnitude of corruption and the number of irregularities under his administration may have diminished either because of slower economic activity or lesser opportunities to commit graft, or from fear of discovery, all of which probabilities are to the credit of President Benigno Aquino.

Third, the insidious methodology of pirating records from commercial banks and coercing witnesses both from the private sector and government agencies only weaken and undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law.

In the end, what price is the conviction of Chief Justice Corona if in the process the liberty of the people and democracy itself will be imperiled and subverted by abuse of authority and arbitrariness?

So far, it is only the Iglesia ni Cristo that has categorically come out to rally for the rule of law. This pious demonstration of INC is a wake-up call for President Benigno Aquino and his advisers.

On the other hand, whatever happened to the traditionally vociferous and righteous Catholic Bishop’s Conference (CBCP) that has been timidly silent? What about the civil society which has lost its voice in the midst of mounting tension and economic slowdown?

When all is said and done, the implications of the impeachment trial go beyond the mere punishment and ouster of the Chief Justice.

It is democracy, liberty, and peace that are at stake.

You be the judge

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(For comments and views please e mail chaff_fromthegrain@yahoo.com.ph)