YPS

As a layman, Im entitled to certain things. One my favorite things that Im entitled to is the ability assume that the law and the rules that govern the implementation of the law must be understood by laymen and not just by lawyers. Senator Biazon expressed this sentiment most adequately when he branded Senate legal discourse as “gobbledygook” when lawyers tried to steal the show during the ERAP impeachment trial.

Lets face it…I’m a guy. I don’t always want to admit it, mainly because it subjects me to stereotype animal comparisons ( PIG!) and it bars me from entry into the ladies locker rooms. But I’ll admit it…I’m a guy. And as a guy there is one thing I will never do; it’s read instruction manuals.

As published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Opinion section, 2 December 2011

When Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings released its 2011 results, it indicated that the University of the Philippines and several other leading Philippine universities such as the Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University and the University of Sto. Tomas fell from previous rankings. Given this drop in ratings of both private and publicly funded higher education institutions, the question on funding and quality becomes a critical issue.

The actions against the Justice Corona and, most recently, a retired General Palaparan have drawn a lot of negative attention to the President. Accusations of a dictatorship in the making included, much of the criticism involves the idea that because a government agency does something then it must be on the orders of the President.

A: Because the members of the legal community have no choice but to (outwardly at least) defend the Supreme Court.

Let me explain.

I think some lawyers have selfish reasons for becoming members of the legal community.

Before joining the legal community, many an ambulance chaser starts with one thing in mind, the power of the law and the benefits it will bring him. The brass ring is the dream of becoming a Supreme Court (if not Chief) Justice and be part of the body that is tasked to define what is ultimately right or wrong. Kaaa-ching!

Over the last few days Ive (weve all) been speculating about how the Supreme Court is beholden to GMA and how it will impact the cases GMA faces today. As proof I offered that if one were to look at the SCs decisions since Noy took over, you would notice a definite quid-pro-quo i.e. the bartering of SC decisions for political favors from the executive branch. Well happily the Supreme Court has made our suspicions that much closer to being confirmed.

Once again the Supreme Court continues to emphasize its lack of independence from the political gamesmanship that comes with being a compromised institution but does so in such a ham handed way it might as well change its from SC to SB. Not SB Sonny Belmonte but Style Bulok. It seems like one big joke doesn’t it? But a friend of mine finds absolutely no humor in their shenanigans and as we speak that whirring I hear is the sound of my father spinning in his grave.

For Supreme Court Chief Justice Corona, being in Gloria Arroyo’s pocket must be a miserable feeling. I mean, being in anyone’s pocket is a miserable feeling as it is a constant reminder of how ones has compromised ,and from that point on, can no longer redeem himself. But being in Gloria Arroyo’s pocket is even worse.

This was a quick fire chat-versation I had with an aquaintance in Sri Langka lasting no more than a few minutes. These are stream of thought questions and answers and for all intents and purposes all statements are reason for possible arguement or debate. Still in its totality I thought it was interesting enough to share.

Friend: Hi! Greetings... from Sri Lanka. Why do you think the poor are poor?
J...aime Garch: because there will always be poor.
Jaime Garch: life is inherently hierarchical
Jaime Garch: in the past it was solely genetically determined

President Aquino just recently announce with conviction that Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator of the Philippines, would not be given state honors and not be buried in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani, stating that having no apologies nor material reparations made it could not happen “under my watch”.

Bong Bong Marcos on the other hand, countered with well-worn patter, saying that The President had missed a great opportunity to bring Filipinos together and this decision would cause a greater division within the Filipino people.

Well I have to say it, but I agree with Mr. Marcos.