A day gone to the dogs
Did Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson seriously think that Faeldon and company would just roll over and die? Judging from what was shown on TV even Senator Ping Lacson did not second guess how Faeldon would get back at him through his son “Panfilo Jr.” and from the looks of it, things have become very personal and will get darker before some people black out or settle scores. Given how his morning started out in a bad way, Senator Lacson soon had to do a balancing act as chairman of the committee investigating the sensational “killing of Kian.”
That was already a herculean task as the Senator had to protect the rights of the suspected policemen while deftly moderating his colleagues. Unfortunately, in doing so Lacson inadvertently stole the thunder from Senator Grace Poe who was one sentence away from making Kian’s killer admit in public that he shot Kian!
While Senator Lacson may have drawn first blood by accusing Faeldon and company of receiving millions in bribe money, I would guess that Faeldon and his team might decide to take every one down with them in terms of accusations of corruption and making money through the Bureau of Customs. Generally, guilty people simply issue denials or keep silent on the matter, but when “innocent” people are falsely accused, chances are they will speak out, they will fight back and they will damn sure get even.
My guess is several lists will start flying out of windows naming legislators who have meddled in the appointments and promotions at the BOC including religious organizations and influence peddlers. As mentioned, a list of money making politicians taking advantage of their BOC appointees will also come out and that might include the 1,500 brokers and businesses on the hit list of the Faeldon team who were suppose to be charged criminally by end of September.
So what does one make out of this belated comeback or response from ex-Comm. Faeldon? Objectively speaking, it is truly unfair for anyone to make sweeping accusations that are not based on real and legitimate investigations and documentation, especially not one based on testimonies of self-serving witnesses faced with possible contempt and detention. As Faeldon pointed out, Senator Lacson should not have made the accusation behind the safety and immunity of a privilege speech, especially not by a PMAer or “military man.” I have always said that all this “investigation in aid of legislation” does nothing but circumvent the need for “due process” which is replaced with trial by publicity of a body that acts as “accuser – judge – jury.” I can understand making a privilege speech to criticize government policy, politics etc. but not a sweeping charge without the benefit of a real investigation, not done by my enemies instead of my peers.
No one, not even a Senator or Congressman, should have the special privilege of accusing others without any legal liability or burden of proof. As journalists, my colleagues and I are constantly aware if not reminded of the parameters and penalties for libel. Merely repeating a libelous statement publicly said by someone we interviewed can already end up as grounds for filing a case against us. Whether it prospers or not is another thing, but in the meantime we have to go through the motions, anxiety, expense and harassment just because of our work or repeating someone’s words offended someone. In the mean time, any member of Congress can go up the podium, curse and accuse a dozen people and he answers to no one, because of a right and a privilege they gave exclusively to themselves.
For now, Faeldon may be licking his wounds, but exsoldiers like him and his team don’t enjoy long layovers. They are no longer idealists, they now believe they are victims, and they clearly have a fresh list of enemies. The problem is they are not alone. There are many people out there who are fed up and angry at the abuse, the mockery of justice and politicians with too many privileges and self-entitlements. We have come to a point of anger and discontent where people have embraced “strong man” personalities like President Rodrigo Duterte. When Faeldon decided to go public with his attack on Senator Ping Lacson, he did something unconventional, unexpected and dangerous. Faeldon bucked the status quo and basically said, “damn the torpedoes.” He fought back and by doing so he set an example that others will now study, prepare and ultimately copy in the future. That is how the cookie crumbles. We are either men of laws or we become men of war.
* * * Thank You President Duterte. I have not heard or read anything or anyone saying thank you to the President for drawing the line and acting immediately against policemen who abuse their powers, plant evidence, or kill innocent people in the war against illegal drugs. I express my thanks because I believe that we should all do so especially when our leaders show political will, wisdom, and abide by the tenets of the law.
Our leaders are just like parents who listen and act on problems but they also need to see our appreciation, hear or read our thanks, and most especially our encouragement. It is more important for me that people like the President receive praise for doing the right thing rather than be conscious of being called a “suck-up” or “sipsip.” We have inherited or been infected by too many diseases of democracy to the point that we have become ingrates specializing on criticism but making no efforts for praise. This perhaps is one reason why our leaders find themselves forced or pressured to do things because they act because of criticism. But after doing the right thing – doing what we want them to do, WE never say thank you. That’s what educated – well brought up people do. While you’re at it, say a prayer for them as well. Thank you.