Protest Rally, Makati Business District and SC decision on airing of 'Hello Garci' tape

(photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer)

A first step on the road to remove corruption and abuses in governance; got tired in the protest but truly fulfilling. Let us not all fall back into the illusion that because we were there that we can now forget the coming responsibilities and further steps to take. Darkness may withdraw for a moment but when they think it is "all clear", they go back to their old foul habits.

On another note, a decision was late in the coming but it came nonetheless, from the Inquire.net dated today Feb. 15, 2007;

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Excerpt:

SC allows airing of 'Garci tapes'
High Court votes 10-5
by Tech Torres

Manila Philippines - The Supreme Court has voided and order by the National Telecommunications Commission prohibiting the airing of a wiretapped conversation between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a former elections commissioner over alleged plans to rig the elections in 2004.

Voting 5-10, the high court favored the playing of the "Hello Garci" tapes that recorded Arroyo talking to a male voice, who reports have identified as former Commission on Elections Chairman Virgilio Garcillano, but which the poll official had denied...

...Concurring with Chief Justice Reynato Puno in granting the petition were Senior Justice Leonardo Quisumbing, Justices Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez, Antonio T. Carpio, Ma. Alicia Austria-Martinez, Conchita Carpio Morales, Adolfo S. Azcuna, and Ruben T. Reyes.

Those who dissented were Justices Renato C. Corona, Minita V. Chica-Nazario, Antonio Eduardo B. Nachura, and Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro.

Justices Gutierrez, Carpio, Azcuna, Nazario, and Nachura wrote seperate opinions.

Justice Dante O. Tinga, voted to grant Chavez's petition insofar as Gonzalez's warning was concerned, saying it constitutes 'prior restraint'.

However, Tinga voted to dismiss the petition insofar as the NTC's warning was concerned because the commission has the authority to issue such warnings, being a regulatory body.

Justice Presbiterio V. Velasco Jr., voted to grant Chavez's petition as far as the NTC warning was concerned but voted to dismiss the petition on Gonzalez's statement.

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Let us list down, put on file, study and remember the Justices who voted for or against the decision and see what their reasons are.

Civil-society should be more pro-active nowadays and monitor the Justices themselves whether they are properly doing their job or not; or if they have become biased like the DOI (Department of Injustice). Are there villains or are there heroes; or are there shades of gray?

Many Filipinos have become lazy, taking things as they come; wanting things to fall on their lap in this age of instant gratification. It is time to critically analyze the events and the people involved.

This is our nation, we live in it; we as a people are responsible for what it is now and what it will become in the future. Be pro-active, be vigilant, support and spread the light and rail against the coming of the night. Your future, your children's, your grandchildren's, is in your hands.

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"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."