That was not a Christian act

To the Point

That was not a Christian act

By Emil Jurado

Septuagenarian Demetrio Vicente’s photos were on the front page of a tabloid-like national broadsheet the other day. Vicente, who had suffered several strokes that hampered his speech, was shown in unflattering shots — grimacing in pain at times with his tongue at unnatural angles.

The publication of these photos was unkind and malicious. How un-Christian and un-Filipino!

My first reaction to it was to stand up and explain: “Santa Banana, have media gone this far?”

Vicente took the witness stand for the defense Tuesday. He showed that the Coronas had the means to purchase the assets that were not listed in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of the chief justice.

This is the same newspaper that has flaunted its bias for Malacañang and its lapdogs in Congress in the past. Consequently, it runs unflattering photos of those who defy the dictatorial tendencies of Malacañang.

Recall that this newspaper came out with the photo of deposed late strongman Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda, juxtaposed with the photos of the chief justice and his wife with the caption “Before the fall”. This sought to tell the public that the fall of Corona was certain.

An apology may have been issued but the harm has been done to a private citizen whose only fault has been to say that he has bought the Marikina property of the Coronas. Sure, the certificate of title has not been transferred to him. This happens in many other land sales. The question is whether this is an impeachable offense.

The defense has done well during its first week. But what it must explain is the P11-million loan that the Coronas got from the erstwhile Basa Guidote Enterprises. Once the relatives of Mrs. Corona come out, I think we can expect more exciting days ahead.

I think this is the turning point of the trial. Article 2 of the complaint talks about whether or not the chief justice could afford all the assets that have been mentioned. Everything else is peripheral.

***

I nearly fell off my seat when I head Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda echo the claim of the Philippine National Police chief that the crime rate has declined.

Do they even watch television or listen to the radio or read the papers? These two must be living in another planet. They are blissfully unaware of the daily occurrences of murder, rape, robbery, carnapping, smuggling, human trafficking and drug trafficking.

Worse, when the police themselves are involved in crimes, and when suspects of carnapping are even ambushed in the presence of police escorts, then we know that criminals have become so bold and blatant, knowing they can get away with their deed.

And why have several African drug mules been caught recently at the Naia, holding millions of dollars worth of shabu? This can only show that drug trafficking has become so profitable in the Philippines.

And then, pedestrians’ handbag gets snatched by criminals riding in tandem. What have the police not been able to stop and prevent this?

Peace and order is the responsibility not only of the police, but the national leadership. No less than President Aquino must be on top of the situation. He must realize that going after former President Gloria Arroyo and Chief Justice Renato Corona are not all there is to it in governance.

He needs to do more. Filipinos do not feel safe!

***

Weeding out the NAIA customs area of so-called hao siao or bogus newsmen has been prioritized by Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon. I say it’s about time.

Would you believe there are 250 so-called media people covering NAIA and have passes to loiter the area? Some have become porters instead of reporters, and escorts of known commuters who come home with smuggled goods.

There are even hao siao reporters from the provinces, radio commentators and blocktimers. A known smuggler is even an officer of the National Press Club!

The NAIA Customs beat and even the Immigration beat have become so profitable. These have become the dream assignment of many.

If there is anybody in government who can weed out bogus media people, it is Biazon. I still say good luck to him, though.