The decision on the bogus People's Initiative will finally be deliberated by the Supreme Court today. The future of our country is now in the hands of 15 Justices.
This forthcoming decision from the Justices is being viewed very closely by all sides. Today, the nation waits with bated breath, relying on the collective wisdom of the Supreme Court to do the right thing. Prior to today, at no other point in our nation's recent history has a decision by the Supreme Court been so ardently expected by the people.
Various sectors have weighed in on the issue, such as the Association of Concerned Teachers. It has seen through the alleged deception and is against participation in a Plebiscite should the Initiative pass the Court's muster. A recent survey shows that swaths of people from across social classes view with reluctance the independence of the Supreme Court as the last bastion of democracy to preserve the constitutional principle of checks and balances.
It is clear that people are suspicious about recent news on lobbying efforts by pro Cha-Cha forces, and cannot discount the declarations of the Chief Justice regarding pressure. One only has to read the newspapers and notice the recent plethora of articles and ads sponsored by petitioner Sigaw ng Bayan.
The Black & White Movement has always maintained that this initiative is the engine of a Cha-Cha train seemingly piloted by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, while the caboose is her version of Charter Change as championed by Rep. Pichay. The route of this railroad ends with her perpetual protection from accountability.
But the decision to derail this railroading is out of our hands. All we can do is reaffirm our faith in the justice system and express our unequivocal trust that the Supreme Court will be true to their calling: to uphold the rule of law and defend our democracy against those who wish to pervert it for their personal, evil ends.
We continue to believe that the present Supreme Court will arrive at the right decision because they are mindful not only of their rightful legacy in our nation's history but because their primary obligation is to see that justice be done though the heavens fall, pressures notwithstanding.
It's in God's hands now, and we pray that the Court be blessed with discernment, clarity of thought, and the courage to do the right thing at this critical point in our nation's history.
“We all have to link and expand our ranks till the entire country is bound together with the strength and the ardor of our resolve. I do not exaggerate when I say this could be our last chance to save democracy in the Philippines. The darkness thickens and we have to move.” - Joaquin "Chino" Roces, 1985
