WHAT’S THE RUSH?

In a country where court decisions, including Temporary Restraining Orders, are routinely challenged with Motions for Reconsideration, and the words "final and executory" are only as good as the last appeal, we are not at all surprised that the Department of Justice stood pat in keeping the former first couple under a Watch List Order. After all, the DOJ has not received the official copy of the Supreme Court ruling and therefore it cannot be considered in effect. And DOJ has the right to exhaust all remedies, particularly the filing of an MR.

But the bigger question, to echo DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima, is "why the rush?"

Certainly, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's condition is not life-threatening. Even her doctors tacitly admit it. Are the Arroyos so afraid that their window of opportunity to leave the country may close when the sun rises tomorrow? It is becoming more evident that their reasons for leaving the country in such haste may be other than getting medical treatment.

For sure, the legal and constitutional ramifications of this standoff between the executive and the judiciary will be debated as nauseam by legal luminaries and regular folk. Whichever way these arguments go, the Black and White Movement hopes that in the end, justice prevails and the Arroyos will be held accountable. -- END

Payback?

As one of her final acts as President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hastily appointed Renato Corona as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. We wondered why she blatantly ignored the possibility that this midnight appointment would be legally questionable. Could this TRO be an act of “utang na loob”?

Against national interest, the Philippine medical community, and the Aquino administration, eight justices of the Supreme Court, a majority of GMA appointees led by the Chief Justice, has allowed GMA to leave the country at any time. Will she return?

Since 2005, the Black and White Movement has demanded accountability and transparency from Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. We want to believe that she will return to face her accusers and prove her innocence. But her track record is splotched with too many instances of evasion. She has credibility issues with the Filipino people.

In the event she decides to remain abroad, the Filipino people may never know the truth behind so many issues that require redress – cheating in the 2004 and 2007 elections, the Fertilizer Scam, the NBN-ZTE Deal, among others.

We hope that we will be proven wrong. However, if our assertions are proven right, then can we expect the justices that voted in GMA’s favor to resign?

A MATTER OF NATIONAL INTEREST

President Aquino is right. He speaks for many Filipinos who are concerned over the possibility that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may not return after seeking medical treatment abroad. Seeking closure on the issue of cheating in the 2004 elections is a national interest. To lose the opportunity for the state to exercise justice would be a national tragedy.

There are quarters that question the soundness of DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima's decision to deny GMA's request to travel. It is ironic that MC 41 was the same used against GMA detractors. At the time, her allies were fully convinced of its legal basis, but they now find MC 41 unconstitutional when applied to GMA and her family.

That legal matter aside, the Black and White Movement believes that the concern for GMA's return to good health is also a matter of national interest. The offer of the President to assist in getting Mrs. Arroyo the excellent medical care she deserves by flying in a specialist in hypoparathyroidism is evidence of compassion. In truth, do we all not share this hope - that her welfare be seen to so she will be well enough to refute all claims against her?

Now, the Arroyos have made this a matter for the Supreme Court to decide. Should they stay or should they go? By your leave, your Honors, the ball is in your court.

Justice Over Compassion

The Black & White Movement lauds the courage of Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to rule not out of compassion but from deep discernment. Her decision, supported by President Benigno Aquino III, to disallow the former president from exiting the country was not made in haste.

It must have been a difficult decision to make. Filipinos are a naturally compassionate people. Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo must have been hoping that sympathy would cause the government to allow her to travel abroad for medical reasons.

We are glad that the Aquino administration continues to live up to its commitment to fight for justice and accountability. -- END