RedBlueThoughts

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales’ recent “pilgrimage” to Erap looks just like what happened in 2001. It was a classic case of “Mam, your slip is showing”. Obviously, the Palace already knows the Sandiganbayan verdict even though its still some few days away. And we’re right—its a conviction.

Everyone knows that Malacanan intends to convict and prolong Erap’s illegal detention. They want to keep the ex-leader detained because he’s the legitimate Philippine president. It would definitely be a bigger problem if he’s acquitted, because it would further fuel accusations that this administration’s claim to power is flawed. An acquittal will open the floodgates of protests from all sectors, including those closely aligned with this administration. A conviction however, will be manageable since its too blatant to see that Erap does not have enough forces to topple this administration.

Erap’s camps threaten to stage another May 1 should the former leader be convicted. Its manageable. Even though there are generals closely allied with the ex-president turn high-profile convict, their forces are not enough against those from the administration.

The main problem is Erap’s stance against presidential pardon.

A presidential pardon looms in the horizon and Erap is being forced to accept such an eventuality. Gonzales’ visit is an example. It’s a sign that Malacanan wants to isolate Erap and weaken him, since he still remains influential and powerful among the people. Obviously, this is a ploy which Erap should not take. Or even consider.

If Erap really believes in fighting injustice, then, he should take all measures to protect his own hide from being meted an injustice. Erap always say that he believes in justice. If he does, then, now is the time to prove it.

If Erap believes that he’s innocent and was just framed by the counter-elite, then, he should struggle against those who put him in jail. Struggle means fighting them even to his last breath.

This struggle is not to be interpreted as a struggle to regain power. No. This is a struggle for restoration of justice and the rule of law. Now is the time for Erap to do such a thing, just to prove to the people that he, indeed, is their champion against these evil men. How can Erap be credible in the eyes of those who want his protection, when he, himself, can’t parry the blows of the people’s enemies?

Erap says in an interview over TV Patrol that should he be acquitted, he will just be a Carter or simply put, he’ll just be a statesman. That’s honorable.

However, it would be a very bad example for Erap to just “forgive and forget” those who put him in such a situation. There was injustice committed. And its more honorable for him to fight or struggle against them should he be acquitted. He must do that not just for himself, but for the people. Why?

Because this issue goes beyond Erap. Erap remains the symbol of the ages-old intra-class conflict. If Erap would just “fade away” should he be acquitted, then, it sets a very bad example to the people. It will mean that the people should silently suffer like him despite being put in dire situations not their own doing. Mr. President, you should not do it. It would be a disservice to the people.

Some of my sources say that since being in jail, Erap and his family has really stayed away from politics. Erap really just wants to live in peace. He’s not anymore concerned with power politics.

However, Mr. President, now is the time to be a genuine hero. Be not the meek one at this point. The people looks at you as an honest caudillo. You are more credible and more trustworthy than even former president Ramos. Now is the time to struggle. If you struggle for the restoration of justice, you’ll leave a legacy far valuable than what other presidents have done.

Should you continue the struggle, you’ll be meted not just a Famas, but the people’s Nobel for peace.

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