Category Archives: Columns

MY COLUMN LAST SUNDAY, BATTING for transparency in energizing the leadership of the Commission on Elections to enable it to “finally reform and automate our archaic election system, and conduct credible, speedy and peaceful elections,” has elicited some interesting questions that deserve immediate answers. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines–THE RESIGNATION of Benjamin Abalos Sr. highlights the need for a new credible head of the Commission on Elections. Aside from the chair, however, there is another vacancy in the seven-member commission. And come Feb. 2, 2008, two more commissioners (Resurreccion Borra and Florentino Tuason) will retire, thereby presaging a full leadership change. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — My Aug. 12 column, titled “GMA’s legacy,” continues to draw reactions. One was quite pointed, even sarcastic, “After the Supreme Court—under your leadership last year—dealt successive blows to GMA [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo], how can you say that, as a Filipino, you still “want the President to succeed and foster democracy and development; freedom and food; nay, liberty and prosperity for all.” I thought all along that you have joined us in the anti-GMA movement.” Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — One of the perennial complaints of litigants is the long delay in the resolution of cases. There are many causes for this malady, like the humongous number of pending cases, the dilatory tactics of lawyers, the laziness of some judges, and yes, the large number of vacant judgeship positions. Today, I will focus on this last item, the huge judicial vacancy. Continue reading →

LAST SUNDAY, I DISCUSSED THE ROLE OF THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) in assuring a credible judiciary. Because of deficiencies in the JBC’s structure, and alleged defects in its nomination process, some critics have proposed its abolition and a return to the old system of confirming judicial appointments by the Commission on Appointments (CA). Continue reading →

CONGRESS MAKES THE LAWS AND THE president enforces them. Sometimes, these laws collide with the fundamental rights of our people, either in the way they are crafted by Congress or in the manner the President and other officials enforce or “apply” them. Continue reading →

SUBDUED IN ELEGANCE BUT RICH IN CATHOLIC liturgy, the wedding of Andre Mananzan and Liza Castillo at the Manila Cathedral last Aug. 18 was conceived on earth but blessed in heaven. The principal sponsors, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Ms Charo Santos-Concio, Dr. Eduardo R. Gatchalian, Dr. Angela Halili-Jao, Justice Jose A.R. Melo, Mrs. Veronica D. T. Hosseinzadeh, Jess C. Dilao, Dr. Beda C. Lacap, Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman and I, stood in rapt attention as the couple said their “I do’s” before Msgr. Nestor C. Cerbo and Fr. Rex M. Mananzan. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — Last aug. 16, The Foundation for Economic Freedom launched the interesting, provocative and highly educative book titled “We Must Level the Playing Field” authored by former National Security Adviser Jose T. Almonte. Together with President Fidel V. Ramos, I was invited to speak “about the book and the author.” Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate President Jovito R. Salonga, the country’s oldest living statesman and my personal guru for more than 50 years, launched last Aug. 14 another illuminating, persuasive and life-changing masterpiece. The book’s title, “Not by Power or Wealth Alone,” is its best summation. As an exemplary public servant and brilliant lawyer, he has had a generous share of power and access to wealth in this material world. But in characteristic humility, he declares them thoroughly inadequate to satisfy life and to reform society. Continue reading →

MANILA, Philippines—How will President Macapagal-Arroyo be remembered in history? Will the Philippines be better off on June 30, 2010 when she ends her term than on Jan. 20, 2001 when she began it? The President?s State of Nation Address gives her own answer. But is her hoped-for legacy doable?

Continue reading →