By Gonzalo Duque

 

IF there was one blessing in disguise during the martial law days from 1972, it was the establishment of the Batasang Pambansa following the dissolution of Congress several years back.

But it seems we cannot say the same things today in light of what is happening in Congress. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives appear to be using their privileges in the unbridled persecution of their detractors.

Let us take the case of Vice President Sara Duterte. She had been the focus of tyranny in Congress, especially the Lower House.

When they could not pin her down during the deliberation of the Office of the Vice President’s budget, a congressman, Verediano, delivered a privilege speech accusing the Vice President of alleged “malfeasance, misfeasance and non-feasance”.

That was not a good way to treat an invited resource speaker, whose wisdom she could share, can be used in crafting laws.

As expected, a ‘kangaroo’ court committee was immediately formed in an obvious move to embarrass the VP.

All the while, the majority party led by Benny Abante and Stephen Paduano, with the cooperation of all congressmen comprising the committee, except Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Rodante Marcoleta, went to town, ready to crucify Vice President Sara.

They demanded that she be placed under oath. But she refused because she was invited as a resource speaker and not a witness, and rightly so. Congressman Gloria Arroyo defended her tough stance by pointing out that when a person is accused of a crime, she cannot be forced to be a witness against herself, citing a Supreme Court decision.

This was followed up by Congressman Marcoleta’s manifestation that the committee’s rules provide that there should be a determination of probable guilt first before they can proceed with the said hearing.

The VP, for her part, castigated the committee, arguing that the said hearing was just a preliminary step to a grand scheme, which is her impeachment. Then she bade goodbye to the committee.

Like many admirers of Congressman Marcoleta, I initially endorsed him to run for senator but I think he should run instead as Vice President to Sara Duterte in 2028.

With that tandem, they will be unbeatable.

Anong say mo, Brian? Puede siguro tayo mag-usap tungkol dito.

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The flooding season is with us again. 

 Redford Erfe-Mejia is praying to high heavens that Dagupan sinks when a super storm hits us.

 When this happens, the blame game will operate and roll on. 

 But Mayor Belen is surely sending prayers — while continuing to do her job — to negate those of Redford and the other members of the majority seven in the Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod.

 I was informed that the reconstruction of the road in front of the YMCA to Nazareth has begun and it will to go up to Nazareth so that the water coming from the area surrounding the YMCA and Perez Boulevard will be drained to the  Pantal River.

 This is a good idea. Congrats to Congressman Toff, Mayor Belen and DPWH for the concerted efforts to address the perennial flooding problem of Dagupan.

 Mayor Belen has just announced in her Facebook account that the DPWH, with Engr. Rommel Tan as regional director, agreed to undertake more flood mitigation projects, other than the ones now being constructed and about to be constructed, to finally solve the city’s flooding problem. 

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Through this column, may I extend my sincerest greetings in heaven to my late brother Salvador or Kuya Ado, who celebrated his birthday on September 18.

Ditto to my son Mandoy who celebrated his birthday on September 16 and my other son Nikoy last September 5.

And to my Akaresta friends Chito Samson, Botong Aguinaldo and Teng Miranda, who will all celebrate their natal days this week. May you guys all have longer lives and more blessings in your respective endeavors.

Lest I forget, I would also like to greet my late father, Dr. Francisco Q. Duque Jr., a happy birthday in heaven on September 24.  Dr. Duque, founder of Lyceum Northwestern University, was former secretary of health and governor of Pangasinan.

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