Convicted Corona

Convicted Corona (May 29, 2012)

A couple of hours ago, the Senate Impeachment trial finally convicted the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of culpable violation of the constitution.  With 23 senators present and with the final tally of 20 conviction votes against 3 acquittal votes, the historic vote signals the start of the new day for the republic where the new bar of transparency is raised to a new high.

Anyone caught lying or some form of misleading entries in the statement of assets and liabilities will now be considered a grave offense which could cost someone his government post or job.

As expected, Senators Bongbong Marcos, Mirriam Santiago and Joker Arroyo voted to acquit while the rest of the senators voted to convict.

What is now the implication of this conviction?  This is an open declaration to all that there is a new standard of transparency and if there is any deviation or violation to such a standard, such is interpreted as being evasive.

The defense lawyers are now contending that it will take at least 10 to 15 days before the Chief Justice finally steps down, but this is personally absurd since the senate specifically ordered an immediate removal from office.  Again, the defense lawyers are starting to muddy the issue and prolong the unbearable reign of the convicted chief justice.  And I wonder, suppose the reverse is true, where the chief justice is acquitted and somebody tells them that it would still take 10 to 15 days before the acquittal takes effect?  Stupid reasoning really…

Today is a historical day.  Today we open a new page in governance where transparency is the new element and accountability is the new and renewed battlecry for government service.  This is really a new opportunity for the country to change gear and take reforms seriously, the status quo is no longer tolerated and for once, excellence is called into production in terms of public service.

The challenge is being called; I hope that we are all brave enough to answer the challenge.