Guilty!

(photo: newsinfo.inquirer.net)

The word GUILTY reverberated  as 20 senators gave their verdict yesterday on that historic event where a Chief Justice was being tried. Some cheered especially those who just did for sheer ignorance or, to the word of the dominatrix of the universe, plain stupidity.

For how could we cheer on the turn of events and the sad realities which haunted our living rooms for almost 50 days? There's the truth behind Sen. Miriam Santiago's anger: Mga artista kayo! For how many of our elected officials do their SALN's honestly? Can you give me a percentage of our LGU officials and national employees who did their SALN's perfectly? Are we going to run after them and give what is due to them? Will the ombudsman have the time enough to review and investigate these papers?

Then, there's the reality that we have the likes of Lito Lapid in the senate. We could not question his charisma to the people because even a supermodel of the world in the person of Melanie Marquez fell for him. But his words during the time to give his verdict could have been edited or deleted to save him from promoting pizza. And what about the "t's" of Loren Legarda as she enunciated her words? I could remember giggling so hard when a teacher said: During breakfasT, I always eaT the fruiT frisT... Emphasizing the t's to the point of hilarity.

Also, there was the incompetence of the defense as they presented evidences from a small lady, anonymous accounts and the other articles being cancelled due to the hasty decision to file a complaint. That's probably the reason why the defense team shied away from having a victory party because it could never be a complete victory when there were lapses on their presentations. The viewing public, especially those who underwent keen observations and thinking processes, was also giving its own opinion for the prosecutors and the defense. The prosecution had their lapses as well.

One thing was really learned: We must elect lawmakers who are competent enough in dealing with legislation and interpreting the law intelligently. We don't rely on what we feel but the competence of the person to be placed on the local, provincial and national seats. For how could we not shiver watching someone grope for mere words? We don't even need words but the ideas and intentions for the common good!

I respect the decision of the senators. Led by the competence of Sen. Enrile, the rationales and outbursts of Santiago, the points of Joker Arroyo and the deep analyses of Chiz Escudero, we could say that the trial was smoothly carried by the Senate.

But then again, it's the set of learning that we could consider as the advantage of the proceedings. Democracy is also starting to mature. We need to listen more to our conscience and protect our rights. For, it would be futile if we will be led by persons who won't say MEA CULPA.