The redeeming factor

HEADING into a new year, things are getting to be quite polemic, as we see 2011 nearing its end with a succession of controversies.
Philippine politics seems to be turning into an impenetrable and tumultuous jungle, as the year closes.
The situation is ripe for a political savior to step on the scene. Redeeming a system that has been bruised over and over is not an easy task. But a sign of good news and a glimmer of hope may help.
Despite commendable efforts by the current administration to thwart irregularities in the government, the hubbub created by all the unfolding drama brings those who are involved on shaky ground. Every politician and anyone whose voice wants to be heard, are tainted.
On Monday, another twist unfurled in the country’s political drama, when the House of Representatives impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. The high magistrate was charged for alleged violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and favoritism toward Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Just last week, President Benigno Aquino III created noise when he made a wake-up call to the entire judiciary, and made a final appeal for change and reform in the government.
Aquino, who described Corona as a “wayward” magistrate and a crony of Arroyo, has endorsed the impeachment of the chief justice, to impede the Supreme Court from becoming a “haven of irregularities.”
Corona, who became the only known Philippine chief justice to be impeached, will be tried to face the charges against him when the impeachment trial starts in the Upper House next year.
Now that the integrity of the judiciary branch of the Philippines government has been compromised, Philippine politics becomes a more crucial arena in the battle of redemption.
The political drama that we all are witnessing represents not just those in power, but stands as an ardent testament of the nation and its people as well.
As we watch heroes and perpetrators grind themselves alive, Sen. Miriam Santiago, a controversial politician herself, maneuvers away from all the commotion and gives Filipinos something to celebrate about.
On Dec. 12, Sen. Miriam Santiago was overwhelmingly elected as Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in elections held in New York.
The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York reported that the feisty senator is the first judge to be a part of the very important and historic international tribunal.
Santiago bested 18 other candidates from different regions when she garnered 79 out of 104 votes, making her the first-ever female judge from a developing state in Asia to join the ICC.
“A victory for the Philippines in the international legal community,” said Santiago who also thanked President Aquino and foreign affairs officials for helping her get elected.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario, for his part, said Santiago’s inclusion into the ICC signals a new day for the Philippines.
“We are pleased that the international community has listened to us. Indeed, it is a new day for the Philippines, a day of pride for our country and a day of honor, knowing that this is a tremendous responsibility and mandate placed upon our compatriot,” Del Rosario said.
Santiago’s recent triumph puts a break from the stream political news. Her character as a guardian of law and a prominent politician is somewhat a saving grace to help Filipinos put things in check, and make sense of all the things they have witnessed so far.
Philippines politics have reached a remarkable extent. Our nation’s democratic ideals is still repelled by our apparently pluralist and conformist reality. Restoring honor in politics is constantly halted.
Redemption involves ordering the society’s political affairs in accordance the purported Filipino vision of leadership. Maybe Sen. Santiago’s latest accomplishment can help achieve it.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek Dec 14-16, 2011 Sec A pg.6)