Is GMA's Cha-Cha a blooper?

Analyzing the intent of thrusting charter change at this early stage of a new administration is viewed, apparently, a personal interest on the part of who is proposing the review and change of the Constitution.

Former President GMA startled not only President Noy Aquino, critics and the people for her blatant move, of course, with the exception of allies who share mutual interest, in proposing a House Bill to change the constitution right on the first session day of congress.

The action is viewed demonstrating an obvious challenge to the power of the incumbent president and congress in determining a top priority for the country, whether to give importance to change the form of government that is likely to bridge personal aggrandizement or into achieving personal ambition to catapult oneself again to the helm of national leadership.

Assuming there are antiquated provisions of the 1987 constitution that need revisions, it is, however, viewed by many as an untimely proposal. Changing it at this point in time is still immaterial, the fact that, there are other vital issues that should top the immediate concern of this administration and congress rather than calling for a constitutional convention or constitutional assembly that will blatantly pave way for personal ambition.

On the other hand, Congressman Teddy Casino, among others, has surmised that the proposal of her new colleague in congress to push for charter change is to eye the premiership of a federal government as planned. It is to be noted that the former president has tried several times during her administration to push for constitutional change but failed, because majority of the people did not like to dance her music.

Nonetheless, even before Congresswoman Arroyo pushed her bill, Casino et al already filed three graft cases against Arroyo before the Department of Justice, which is now a task seen to challenge and trigger DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima’s dilemma.

In a sense, it is not simply easy for de Lima to pin down a former president and now member of the House of Representatives, who still maintains powerful connections and influence with officials of the government.

Although President Aquino’s mandate on de Lima and the Truth Commission of former Justice Chief Hilario Davide to dig deep down the alleged graft and corruption perpetrated by the former president and cohorts, it is presumed adamant for the latter to prosecute a powerful figure like GMA unless proven otherwise.

However, because no one is above the law, anyone who has committed a crime proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a court of law has to face the consequence of his culpability. It is, therefore, no exception for any official, irrespective of position and influence not to serve the penalty of guilt if found culpable, just like former President Erap Estrada, who was put behind bars by the Arroyo government for plunder, if only to prove that judicial system works in the New Philippines.