Cliffhanger

WILL justice be truly be served? Only the aggrieved party can tell.
When news broke out of the P10-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel scam in July last year, names that have been dragged by the alleged misuse of the government’s money, and the Philippine politics, have come under increased scrutiny.
Almost a year had already gone by. But even after rigid investigation conducted by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, it appeared that justice has been delayed by complex procedural appeals.
The problem is not merely the perceived dishonesty of some Filipino politicians. The pork barrel scandal has degenerated the political situation in the country.
Perhaps it is the Filipinos’ penchant for drama in telenovelas that makes this dragging saga bearable. Telenovelas have proven more affective to regular households than the evening news. The recognition and relevance that a Filipino audience accords to the narratives they follow reveal a meaningful social, cultural and even political function that can be attributed to telenovelas.
Analogous to a telenovela, the much-awaited scenes of the pork barrel drama invoke a crucial, and well-documented cultural and social role from Filipinos. Because at the end of it all, citizens only seek retribution—to put those who will be found guilty behind bars.
In its recent episode, the Office of the Ombudsman have filed non-bailable plunder charges against Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ramon Revilla Jr. before the Sandiganbayan. Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind, several senior staff of the senators and other names involved in the controversy were also included in the plunder cases.
“It is a step forward in the determination of the truth which will be the basis for exacting accountability under our justice system,” declared Malacañang on this latest development.
Refusing to comment further, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the administration acknowledges this as a major step in its mission to find out the truth about these anomalies.
“In the midst of recent misinformation brought about by dishonesty and politicking, the administration remains firmly committed to unearthing the facts,” Valte said.
Ahead of a possible arrest, Sen. Revilla used his privilege speech on June 9 to reiterate his innocence. He also thanked his family, colleagues, political allies and supporters.
The embattled senator said he is ready to face charges against him in court and even imprisonment. To his co-accused senators, Revilla said this is not the end for them.
“God is just preparing us for something better,” Revilla said. He ended his speech with a video presentation with a background song entitled, “Salamat, kaibigan” (Thank you, friend), which he composed.
Meanwhile, prelates from Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ask Filipinos not to condemn those accused.
“For those among us who are not accused, let us remember that the offenses with which those who now stand accused are charged could very well be the offense of any of us as well. Who are we to condemn? Let the one who has no sin be the first to cast a stone,” reminded CBCP President Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.
Villegas said that those accused, whatever their political affiliations may be, should be investigated and, if so warranted, indicted. He also lauded the government for its efforts in finding the truth behind the pork barrel scam.
From here on out, the Philippine government and its members stand in a parlous position. Every riveting detail of the pork barrel saga will further bring consciousness to the nation that has been subjected to this hullabaloo.
It might still be too early to tell its outcome. And the vagaries of its process are inevitable. But as taxing as the endless hearings are, this is one drama that Filipinos will not miss an episode of.
Because one thing remains certain—this series is far from over.
(AJPress)