By Alex P. Vidal
It is sad that just when Mrs. Arroyo needs them most, two of the prominent national leaders who are both Ilonggos, are not in good speaking terms politically.
We refer to Senate President Franklin Drilon of Molo, Iloilo City and Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Raul Gonzalez of Jaro, Iloilo City. The two political titans, both brilliant lawyers, figured prominently in a recent debate regarding the coming out of several witnesses against jueteng operations in Luzon who linked Pres. Arroyo’s son, Rep. Mickey and brother-in-law, Rep. Ignacio.
Their clash started when Gonzalez warned witnesses they could be charged with perjury if they could not substantiate their allegations against the family of the President. Gonzalez’s statement did not sit well with Drilon who scored the former congressman of the lone district of Iloilo City for “scaring away” potential witnesses.
Drilon’s criticism of Gonzalez’s opinion triggered an avalanche of condemnation from the opposition which chided Gonzalez and demanded for his resignation as DOJ secretary.
But before Gonzalez could fire back at Drilon and the Gonzalez bashers, a more nerve-tingling issue cropped up: the “Hello Garci” scandal featuring Pres. Arroyo herself and Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano (assuming that they are the phone pals in the taped conversation, Pres. GMA has apologized but did not confirm if it was Garcillano who’s in the tape).
Both Drilon and Gonzalez are actually political rivals in Iloilo City. Drilon backed former Mayor Mansueto Malabor for congressman against Gonzalez’s son, Raul, Jr., in the May 10, 2004 elections.
Although Raul, Jr. edged Malabor by the skin of the teeth, Drilon continues to show his displeasure toward the father Gonzalez. In the Commission on Appointments (CA), it is rumored that Drilon intentionally placed Sen. Panfilo Lacson, an arch critic of the DOJ secretary, as the chairman in order “to make life difficult” for Gonzalez who has been bypassed twice in a row.
If Pres. Arroyo will not reappoint Gonzalez owing to the repeated rejection by the CA, Gonzalez will certainly take it against his fellow Ilonggo Drilon, who is reportedly rooting for another appointee from another region just in case Gonzalez will be ousted.
The power play between the two powerful political figures in the country has, in one way or the other, also affected Pres. Arroyo, who is now facing the most difficult battle in her quest to keep her presidency amid calls from different sectors for her to step down.
If both gentlemen are united, they could gather their strengths and minds together and best protect Mrs. Arroyo. Sadly, they have become part of the excess baggage rather than part of the president’s defense walls. /MP
We refer to Senate President Franklin Drilon of Molo, Iloilo City and Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Raul Gonzalez of Jaro, Iloilo City. The two political titans, both brilliant lawyers, figured prominently in a recent debate regarding the coming out of several witnesses against jueteng operations in Luzon who linked Pres. Arroyo’s son, Rep. Mickey and brother-in-law, Rep. Ignacio.
Their clash started when Gonzalez warned witnesses they could be charged with perjury if they could not substantiate their allegations against the family of the President. Gonzalez’s statement did not sit well with Drilon who scored the former congressman of the lone district of Iloilo City for “scaring away” potential witnesses.
Drilon’s criticism of Gonzalez’s opinion triggered an avalanche of condemnation from the opposition which chided Gonzalez and demanded for his resignation as DOJ secretary.
But before Gonzalez could fire back at Drilon and the Gonzalez bashers, a more nerve-tingling issue cropped up: the “Hello Garci” scandal featuring Pres. Arroyo herself and Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano (assuming that they are the phone pals in the taped conversation, Pres. GMA has apologized but did not confirm if it was Garcillano who’s in the tape).
Both Drilon and Gonzalez are actually political rivals in Iloilo City. Drilon backed former Mayor Mansueto Malabor for congressman against Gonzalez’s son, Raul, Jr., in the May 10, 2004 elections.
Although Raul, Jr. edged Malabor by the skin of the teeth, Drilon continues to show his displeasure toward the father Gonzalez. In the Commission on Appointments (CA), it is rumored that Drilon intentionally placed Sen. Panfilo Lacson, an arch critic of the DOJ secretary, as the chairman in order “to make life difficult” for Gonzalez who has been bypassed twice in a row.
If Pres. Arroyo will not reappoint Gonzalez owing to the repeated rejection by the CA, Gonzalez will certainly take it against his fellow Ilonggo Drilon, who is reportedly rooting for another appointee from another region just in case Gonzalez will be ousted.
The power play between the two powerful political figures in the country has, in one way or the other, also affected Pres. Arroyo, who is now facing the most difficult battle in her quest to keep her presidency amid calls from different sectors for her to step down.
If both gentlemen are united, they could gather their strengths and minds together and best protect Mrs. Arroyo. Sadly, they have become part of the excess baggage rather than part of the president’s defense walls. /MP
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