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Desperation

EO 464, basically a gag order for officials in the executive branch as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to ask Malacañang’s permission before appearing in hearings conducted by Congress and the Senate, is a desperate attempt of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to cover up the anomalous deals entered into by the government and to dislodge the investigation of the Senate on wiretapping.

At first glance, GMA’s EO 464 is noble and justified. Firstly, details of sensitive government projects or policies, particularly on national security will not be publicly divulged. Secondly, to prevent cases such that of Norberto Gonzales whose health was greatly affected by the ‘grilling’ of some senators and is scheduled to undergo heart operation.

But are the ongoing investigations by the Senate — like the wiretapping/Garci tapes, Venable contract, and the upcoming North Rail project — detrimental to national security? Do these issues have details that will greatly affect the security of the Philippines and the Filipinos?

As for another Norberto Gonzales case, though his health drastically deteriorated during the Senate hearing, the blame can only be on Gonzales himself for conceptualizing and signing a very controversial contract that infringes on the sovereignty of the Philippines aside from its financial implications. Furthermore, Gonzales did this not on his own initiative otherwise he would have been sacked by GMA for at least violating the government’s belt-tightening measures. The P4.2 million for a month for a contract means a lot in a crisis-laden economy.

Senate hearings as for other investigations should be seen as a check and balance in government and should be welcome. The only ones that are worried of these investigations are those involved in irregular deals and if exposed are subject to public distrust. It is a standard procedure for our legislators to conduct investigations so that they could do their job of enacting laws. How can they (legislators) enact laws that would ensure that controversial projects and deals will not happen in the future if they don’t know how these materialized?

Certainly, GMA is cowed by the Senate looking into the Venable contract, Garci tapes, and the North Rail project simply because these will reveal irregularities detrimental to the highest executive office.

And if GMA believes that repressing the truth is the key to political unity, she is traversing the wrong path as it will only create additional rift between the administration and the opposition.

Finally, political bickering will intensify and will further contribute to instability of the GMA regime. On the other hand, GMA is taking a hard line stance to protect her administration and preserve the status quo. In a more desperate situation, GMA will use drastic measures. Martial is always a possibility especially since she can muster sufficient support from congress as shown in the impeachment votes last September. #

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