By Siesta-friendly
Alas, his appointment has been confirmed. Guess we’re in for more of these uncaring, insensitive, politically incorrect, imprudent, inappropriate (we could go on you know) pronouncements from a government official and, arguably, unethical assertions from someone in the law profession and a Justice Secretary to boot.
Now, let’s go through some of his ‘words no wisdom’ –
No career as a diplomat
Below are some examples of why he should not be allowed to speak at all (at least on the job).
On the significance of the report by Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Philip Alston, re extra-judicial killings in the country -
“What I am complaining [about] is the headline of our newspapers. Why do they say that Alston is the UN? Headline nyo yan. Alston is not the UN nor a bishop the CBCP. Why would you attribute the UN here? We are magnifying something coming from somebody who is nothing. He is just a rapporteur sent here but he is not the UN. His report may not even reach the UN General Assembly. He’s just a muchacho there. He is just a small fry.”[1]
He actually expected the entire UN General Assembly to conduct the investigations?
Threatening potential protesters at the ASEAN Summit in Cebu -
that they will be thrown “into the Mactan Straits and let the sharks eat them there”[2]
Together with the fundamental principles on free speech and freedom of assembly, right?
No wonder that, when Theresa Pangilinan heckled GMA during her commencement speech, and protesters held banners calling for GMA to step down, at the graduation rites of the Cavite State University, he declared –
“As far as I’m concerned, a crime was committed”. He said the protesters violated Article 153 [Tumults and other disturbance of public orders; Tumultuous disturbance or interruption liable to cause disturbance] and Article 154 [Unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances] of the Revised Penal Code. … Gonzalez also said the presence of GMA aggravated any criminal liability pursuant to Article 14 [RPC].[3]
Really, his card should read Secretary of Justice for the Government.
On petitions filed and criticisms against the Human Security Act that the latter is unconstitutional and against international human rights standards -
“Until we can test the effectiveness of the law, I don’t think it’s wise for us to talk about amending it. Therefore, let us wait for the full implementation of the law, then find out whether there is ground for the criticism that right now is being announced.”[4]
And how many abuses would be required to determine the law isn’t effective? 1 … 100 … 1,000?
Explaining the high incidence of murdered journalists –
“There are media men killed in drinking sprees or because of a woman”.[5]
Ah, so that’s what it was about all along! Does the UN Commission on Human Rights already know?
On slain Peace Corps volunteer, Julia Campbell’s, actions prior to her death, and in addition to claiming that she was “a little irresponsible”, -
“Why would she walk alone in this remote mountain? … She was careless that she took a lonely walk in this deserted area.”[6]
Of course, blame the innocent victim. And, while you’re at it, completely ignore her work and dedication to help Filipinos and do so much for public service than certain government officials combined.
And, continuing his theory of victims deserving their fate -
“Threats and killings constitute a threat to press freedom … In the case of journalists, it is uncalled for because it is the media’s job to expose and to offer suggestions, but people may not have the patience to tolerate it.”
It takes special skill to uphold journalists’ right to press freedom and, at the same time, blame their exercise of the same for their deaths.
Flip-flops
On the pending Cuenco bill which includes within Philippine territory the Scarborough Shoal and the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratlys -
“the country faces war with China if the Cuenco Bill is passed.”[7]
Who needs Chinese diplomats? We’ve already got their mouthpieces in our midst, within our own government no less.
Yet, he says to the Inter Parliamentary Union for passing a resolution calling for the release of then detained later Rep. Crispin Beltran -
“If you don’t want to accept my explanation you can go home and tell the whole world what you want … I don’t want foreigners dictating on us.”
Unless it’s the U.S. or China, right sir?
On the DOJ’s refusal to summon First Gentleman Mike Arroyo in its inquiry into the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal scandal despite being identified as one of the proponents of the deal -
“It’s unfair to call on people [whose involvement cannot be proven]“.[8]
Uhmm, isn’t that what investigations are for - to prove or disprove allegations? If it’s already proven, what’s the inquiry for?
On being pressed for justification on the declaration of a state of national emergency –
“We will offer proof at the proper time. This is not the time for proving…You are not the court.”
Yes, this time, require proof only after court action is filed.
When the press asked whether Malacañang expects the public to swallow its statements justifying its declaration of a state of national emergency hook, line and sinker, he said –
“Why not? You are not the public.”[9]
Because the public is incurious, eh?
Of pettiness and non-sequiturs
Upon the arrest of Joma Sison (and apparently recalling earlier photos of Mr. Sison dancing with Ara Mina at a Philippine community celebration in the Netherlands) –
“What is clear is that the dancing days of Mr. Sison with actress Ara Mina are over… He cannot be in the Netherlands dancing with Ara Mina all the time.”[10]
Ah, yes, what better reason to arrest him than to prevent him from further boogieying.
To the 5 party-list representatives then staying at the Batasan seeking refuge against arrest for alleged rebellion (which were eventually dropped) -
“I hope they will go back to the mountains (because) that is where they belong”.[11]
Ah, if you, sir, only knew where we think you belong.
On television evangelist and former presidential candidate Eddie Villanueva’s fighting off the arrest warrant against him –
“Just tell Bro. Eddie Villanueva that even Jesus Christ was arrested. Maybe Eddie Villanueva thought that because he is Eddie Villanueva, he can never be arrested, whatever crime he committed. But Jesus Christ, he allowed himself to be arrested. He was arrested and he followed the law during his time.”[12]
And Judas hanged himself for allowing that to happen … Your move, sir.
About an unidentified church leader known to criticize GMA -
“There are tongues that can be transplanted to the high priest.”[13]
And how about brain transplants for certain Cabinet secretaries? Although we would prefer total body transplants … to another country.
In claiming a decline in the quality of education of the University of the Philippines –
“That school breeds the destabilizers that haunt the country every year …It is the people’s taxes that is keeping UP alive …It is the State that is paying for their schooling …I think some degree of gratitude should be there also.”[14]
Unless you can prove that GMA and her administration are the State or that protesters have no legitimate grudge, maybe you can ask UST for a refund of the tuition you paid for Logic 101. Lessons were clearly not learned.
Continuing his attack on the UP system and it’s UP alumni –
“In every storm that takes place, UP students are in the forefront … As a matter of fact, our history will show that since the martial law years, students from UP were the ones who went underground and fought the government. In fact, many of them went to China and never came back.”[15]
We’re lost for words on this one.
Motivations
On calls for the Cabinet to resign –
“People who abandon friends are traitors. You agree to be the President’s alter ego and then you will leave her?”[16]
Political patron over country. So admirable.
And, on criticisms against the return to U.S. custody of detained Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith pending his rape trial -
“You have to bite the bullet sometimes. I was listening to Boy Abunda [who said] that sometimes you have to make difficult decisions.”[17]
And what did Madame Auring say?
That’s all (for now) folks!
[1] http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb27/edjesus.htm
[2] http://www.iidnet.org/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=136.
[3] http://www.peyups.com/posts.khtml?mode=viewtopic&topic=27098&forum=5&start=0
[4] http://egypt.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/85068/index.html
[5] http://www.focusweb.org/philippines/content/view/99/.
[6] http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/22/news/phil.php
[7] http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080428hed1.html.
[8] http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=108488
[9] http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl103767.htm
[10] http://www.pinoyspy.com/2007/09/01/raul-gonzalez-tells-joma-sison-that-was-your-last-dance-with-ara-mina/.
[11] http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl104102.htm.
[12] http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/ht/ht005529.htm
[13] http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=127721
[14] http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=18693
[15] http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=17434
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