Hello Garci... Are You Still There?

In the Senate, Senator Ping Lacson revived the “hello Garci” scandal. This, according to him, is to question the legality of PGMA’s administration. In the first round, the call for its continuation was rejected by the Congress, and now, few weeks after the opening session, here comes “hello Garci” round two.

The Filipinos have been known to have very short memory. After few days, any scandal, any national highlight is easily forgotten. Take the case of Ninoy assassination, EDSA I, EDSA II... all these have been placed in the abyss. But why revive “Hello Garci”? is it ‘in aid of legislation’ or ‘in aid of presidential election in 2010’?

It is to be noted that the country is in deep crisis economically and socially. There is too much work to be done at the congress and the poor are more agitated not because of scandals, but because their stomach grumbles. Hunger, jobs, basic needs need to be addressed. Crimes escalate by day. Illiteracy decreases. There is overpopulation. The gap between the poor and the rich widens. There is no use probing the scandal as the citizenry have lost interest in it.

Why re-open the scandal? Because of short memory, Juan dela Cruz must be reminded of presidentiable names such as Lacson, Legarda and Villar. Media coverage will be a tool to curve into the unsuspecting mind of Juan these names. But the voters have started learning their lessons. It is not enough that a would-be-president is popular or famous. One former president is still locked up. Year 2010 is still too far. Three yeaers will be enough for the Juan de la Cruzs to decide who will be the next president.

It is wise therefore for the Senate to stop re-opening the scandal. It is duty to enact laws for the betterment of the people. Not to investigate. That is the duty of NBI, and the Sandiganbayan. This carnival must cease. Why waste time and people’s money for this. Investigation will only divide the nation, and we don’t need that. At this time, what we need is unity... not telephone calls...