Much has been said about that critical moment on July 8, 2005 when the administration was about to cave-in. News reports have stated that the caving in was prevented by former President Fidel V. Ramos and Speaker Joe de Venecia when the two hurriedly made it to Malacanang to manifest their support for the incumbent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Actually what saved the day was the support given by the incumbent Vice President during the cabinet meeting. His appearance assured the incumbent president that no Edsa Dos scenario will occur.
The Erap pardon was a hurried pardon gave on the same day that JDV3 again spilled dung on the floor of the Senate on the corruption attendant to the ZTE Broadband deal. As early as the 19th of October, news have been circulating about a presidential pardon to be given by the end of the week of 22-26 October. Part of the political news circulating was that even Senator Jinggoy Estrada is assured of the VP slot for 2010 in KAMPI, the erstwhile party of President Arroyo. Most of those involved in politics were totally shocked at the developments but having been from one crisis to another, political consultants have taken the news with a grain of salt.
Days after the grant of pardon, news are again circulating about the division in the official cabinet of the PGMA with 8 cabinet secretaries saying no to a fastbreak pardon. It appears though that DILG Secretary and concurrent political advicer got the upper hand in the process. His stock has again been attractive sheperding the agreement between two presidents. It should also be noted that meetings went to overdrive among key stakeholders: a) Left and civil society, b) Military, c) FPJ group, d) Opposition, and e) Lakas and Kampi.
A petition is going around calling for a snap election. Chief Justice Reynato Puno has politely said "no" to the offer to lead a transition team, the conservatives in the CBCP appear to have gotten the upper hand in the debate within the church on what to do with PGMA. And the pardoned Erap seems to be media shy with UNO president, Mayor Jojo Binay, asking Erap about his plans.
Today, flashpoints remain. The Pulido-San Luis endorsed impeachment complaint is pending, the payola scandal covering both the local governments and members of the House of Representatives is hanging, the net on the ZTE scandal appears to have been thrown wide, the ethics case against the Speaker and the looming opening of Congress on November 5 with the Speakership at stake. Looks like the principal character in all the plays is Jose de Venecia. We shall see in the days ahead whether the Speaker will cross his rubicon.
No comments:
Post a Comment