BY TOOTS JIMENEZ JR.
DECADES ago, before YouTube and Facebook dominated conversations, Filipinos would recall that there were no frequent Senate or congressional hearings “in aid of legislation”.
As coffee enthusiasts gathered at a newly opened café, I joined a group that included a doctor, a teacher, a sugar planter, and a businessman.
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“I remember back in the ’70s, ’80s, and even the ’90s, there were no such hearings. If someone was allegedly involved in a crime, a case would be filed, and the matter would be handled by the courts. Today, it amuses me how these politicians seem addicted to hearings, but nothing substantial ever comes of them,” the doctor started the conversation, sipping on his cold coffee.
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“I completely agree. The hearings we now see on Facebook and YouTube often lead to nothing. I don’t believe they are all truly in aid of legislation. Rather, I see them as “pogi points” for the self-serving interests of these politicians. When Madame Alice G. disappeared and was later found, an endless barrage of questions followed, but for what? Is she a suspect in a crime? If so, a case should be filed against her. Amen to that,” added the sugar planter.
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“With the elections fast approaching, these politicians are simply trying to impress Filipinos by pretending their investigations are for the nation’s good. But I still think these hearings are political stunts,” said the businessman.
“Why don’t they just file a case against her if she’s done something wrong? If there’s an alleged crime, why is there no formal case?” echoed the doctor.
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“Exactly. It’s all about gaining pogi points for these politicians. The public may be aware of what’s happening, but the motives behind these hearings are far from sincere,” added the planter.
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“Take the case of VP Sara, for example. They’re questioning her budget allocations, grilling her about expenditures. But do the Senate or House also investigate the other departments for potential disallowances? It seems like the Commission on Audit is being pressured to scrutinize her office’s expenditures. What about the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Bureau of Customs, or other departments? There’s something fishy about the motives here,” added the planter.
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“Millions of Filipinos believe this is all just an effort to discredit VP Sara and paint her in a negative light. But how can you accuse her when she was elected by the people? Meanwhile, there are several senators who were also voted in but have done little to contribute to the country’s development. Senator Lito, for instance, has been unusually silent when it comes to matters of national interest,” remarked the dismayed doctor.
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“It’s becoming clearer that VP Sara is the real target here because she’s seen as a serious contender in the 2028 presidential election. She has the charm, the charisma, and the support of the masses. Who, from the current administration, could challenge her? It seems like the administration knows they don’t have anyone capable of beating Inday Sara. This government seems unfair,” quipped the planter.
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“I believe they’re scared of Sara leading the nation because she’s a tough leader, and they know she will hold them accountable when she gets into power. The political puppets in BBM’s camp are also afraid of Tatay Digong possibly becoming a senator. It’s even more surprising that this administration has been silent on the issue of illegal drugs. That’s very telling,” said the businessman.
“The revelation by VP Sara, where she exposed two House leaders as handlers of the country’s financial resources, was a bombshell for the administration. Many believe Inday Sara wouldn’t make such claims unless she had solid evidence. Now, the political elite are in a tough spot,” the doctor added.
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Many remain quiet, but there’s a widespread belief that the accusations against the nation’s second-highest official are simply political harassment aimed at breaking her spirit. Sara, known for her strength of character, comes from a unique blend of Filipino (Duterte, her father) and German (Zimmerman, her mother) heritage. While she doesn’t bear much physical resemblance to Digong, the bravado she inherited is undeniable./PN
