Last Sunday we had the greatest Sinulog Grand Parade that was witnessed by about 3.8 million people along the route, and even more around the Philippines and the rest of the world. The peace and order situation during the festival was impressive just like the cooperative weather that allowed the parade to go on smoothly. Many were so thankful to the Sto. Niño for the good weather. The parade lasted until 9 p.m. and ended with a grand finale produced by the Cebu city government.
Surprisingly, a newcomer and a multi-awarded Sinulog champion from outside Cebu were judged as the best dance contingents for the 2012 Sinulog Festival. Tribu Lingganay of the Municipality of Alang-Alang of the Province of Leyte won the Free Interpretation category while Placer, Masbate Province won in the Sinulog-based category.
Many of us who have seen the Sinulog Festival and the same ritual dances over the years yet more and more people came to watch the parade. Apparently many still look to the Sinulog for surprises. While we have favorite contingents, there are dark horses like Tribu Lingganay from Leyte. Congratulations are in order to the winners and all participants for making the 2012 Sinulog Festival a great success.
Thanks also to the Sinulog Foundation headed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and executive director Ricky Ballesteros. The Philippine National Police should also be congratulated for keeping peace and order during Sinulog week. Above all, I would like to thank the people of Cebu for shwoing hospitality and cooperation.
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Yesterday was the start of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. All eyes are on the so-called trial of the century in the Senate. As I looked at lawyers from the prosecution and defense panels, some familiar names came to the fore. Lawyer Dindo delos Angeles was dean of the Ateneo Law School when I graduated in 1984. He was also my professor in the subjects of special proceedings and remedial law. Lawyer Jack Jimenez was my professor in the review of constitutional law. Both are very good teaches and I learned much from them. They come from the Romulo, Mabanta law firm. Lawyer from both sides are from premier law schools like Ateneo de Manila, the University of the Phillipines and San Beda.
I was asked to predict of the outcome of the impeachment trial but begged off. The result depends on political affiliations and sentiments of the senator-jurors and it’s difficult to read the minds of these independent legislators, though they may have their own biases. One must remember that many of the senators were oppositionists to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who appointed Corona as Chief Justice in the last days of her presidency.
Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Antonio Trillanes, Panfilo Lacson, Aquilino Pimentel III, Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Manuel Villar, Serge Osmeña, Tito Sotto, Kiko Pangilinan, Bongbong Marcos, Chiz Escudero, Frank Drilon, Ralph Recto and TG Guingona belong to the opposition.
The supporters of GMA are Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Joker Arroyo, Ramon Revilla III and Lito Lapid. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile may be considered independent minded. Many can’t predict his vote. Sen. Ed Angara is someone that no one can read because his son is part of the prosecuting team of the House of Representatives.
Of the 24 senators at least 17 once opposed or continue to oppose GMA. But again this cannot guarantee a conviction of Corona. It is very difficult to predict the outcome of the trial though many may be hostile to Corona because of their bitter experience during Arroyo’s term.
Suffice it to say that Chief Justice Corona shall have his day in court. It won’t be easy for him and his family especially that his wife and children will be dragged into the impeachment trial. Luckily for him, we have a President who still believes in due process and observes the provisions of the Constitution.