Will Cayetano ‘jump’ first?

By Herbert Vego

WAS Senator Alan Peter Cayetano serious when he challenged his fellow legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives to resign due to “declining public trust in political leaders?”

He proposed a “fresh start” through a snap election that would cover President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte and all senators and congressmen.

“Then let him resign first,” Malacañang Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reacted.

Cayetano’s “unconstitutional proposal invites instability,” to quote retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia agrees, since the 1987 Constitution provides a fixed term of office for all elective officials.

Anyway, why can’t Cayetano and his ilk of “worshippers” of former president Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte do it without dragging the unwilling others?

Sad to say, they have been trying hard to impose this kind of “patriotism” in a number of resolutions, such as Resolution No. 144 asking the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague to grant the former president “house arrest” on “humanitarian” grounds because “he is no longer fit to stand trial.”

Of course, the ICC would not listen.  Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity that resulted in the death of thousands of victims of extra-judicial killings. If the senators really believe he is not guilty, then they should have pushed for an immediate trial based on pieces of evidence already in ICC’s possession.

Without Cayetano and his ilk “drowning” the voice of the fewer “non-Digongistas” in the Senate, they could have constituted an impeachment court that would try Vice-President Sara Duterte due to misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, murder plots against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., et al., and betrayal of public trust.

But, as everybody knows, they archived the impeachment complaint instead.

However, Cayetano was correct in saying that the people have lost confidence in government officials.  He is one of those in whom we have lost confidence.

The growing public anger over corruption in multibillion-peso flood control projects springs from the greed of “most senators,” to quote Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who has just resigned from the chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon committee, probably to prevent them from replacing his ally, Sen. Tito Sotto, as Senate president.

In that scenario, Cayetano could be elected to the Senate presidency.

Alas, Cayetano is now on the receiving end of allegations that his turf, Taguig City, is the site of ₱869 million worth of substandard flood-control projects done by Waymaker, St. Timothy and Alpha and Omega construction firms – all owned by spouses Pacifico and Sarah Discaya.

Is that true, Madam Sarah?

-oOo-

MORE POWER WARNS ABOUT HANGING WIRES

THIS short reminder appears on the Facebook page of MORE Electric and Power Corporation:

“EXPOSED or hanging wires are serious hazards. They can cause electric shocks, short circuits, or even fires if left unattended.

“Never ignore open wires in your home. Call a licensed electrician to repair or replace them safely. Avoid makeshift fixes like tape or tying them together, as these can lead to bigger risks. A quick repair today can protect your family and your home tomorrow.”

For further information, this writer researched on how to minimize the risk from exposed wires.

Exposed wires occur when the insulation around electrical cords and cables is frayed or damaged, revealing the wires within; and when there is damage to the cord for an appliance.

When an electrical cord or cable is damaged to the extent that the wires are exposed, there is an increased risk of electrical burns, electric shock, and even death through electrocution.

Exposed wires of appliances can affect their efficiency as they may not receive the required power, thus resulting in short circuit, and even in power surge.

So, beware.