Changing of guards

“All told, the interplay between the three branches of the Philippine Government is disguised but vibrant.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte flew to Japan to witness a historic moment in its nation’s history. Emperor Naruhito has proclaimed his enthronement in a centuries-old ceremony, witnessed personally by our President together with hundreds of other world leaders. This marks the ascension of a new Emperor set to lead the proud country of Japan and its people. Of course, our President had to be present with all the significant contributions Japan has made for our country.

Yet, President Duterte need not go far to witness similar changes of the guard — our country was filled with it in the past week alone. In fact, each branch of our government realized its own monumental change that we may have not realized its impact to politics and society and its interplay with other branches. Let me illustrate:

Legislative Branch — Former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel passed away.

Before his passing, he was recognized as one of the last remaining statesmen, among the ranks of fellow Senators Raul Roco, Joker Arroyo, Edgardo Angara and Miriam Defensor.

The founder of the ruling party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), Senate President Pimentel leaves behind a long-lasting legacy and his son, former Senate President Koko Pimentel, now with the heavy task of leading PDP beyond the shadow of his father.

I can only surmise the emotions of Sen. Koko right now. Prior his father’s passage, he announced the pregnancy of his wife, so it is a “congratulations” for his new child, a “condolence” for his father’s demise and a “good luck” in handling PDP.

We all know Senator Koko to be brilliant and sharp, but he may need political support from the old guards of PDP, most especially the head of the Executive Branch.

Judicial Branch — Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin retired and the President has the tough task of appointing a new CJ.

He has, on his plate, three very capable Justices (e.g., Diosdado Peralta, Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr.) and an announcement has not been made to this day despite rumors that a decision has been made already last Friday. However, it is the retirement of Justice Antonio Carpio that may cause a bigger change in the Judiciary, more than retirement of the past two CJs.

Justice Carpio is coined as the greatest CJ that our country never had. In fact, he has the retirement and pension to prove it, since he was allowed by his peers in the SC to receive the same emoluments as a CJ.

The influence of Justice Carpio on the SC is so prevalent, ever since the time of CJ Renato Corona, that some have said that the terms of Corona, Maria Lourdes Sereno, Teresita Leonardo-De Castro and Bersamin can come under the umbrella of the “Carpio Court.”

He was fearless in speaking his mind, sometimes too much already, considering that he was a sitting SC Justice, and will most certainly continue to do so now that he has retired.

One thing’s for sure, he must never make the mistake committed by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, and book a flight to Hong Kong.

Executive Branch — PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde stepped down amidst non-stop bickering on his alleged involvement in the “ninja cops” and drug recycling, particularly an incident that took place six years ago.

Albayalde was badgered in the Senate hearings, ganged-up on by fellow PNP officials, leading the supposed bullying done on his young son who reportedly convinced him to relinquish his position ahead of his scheduled retirement.

We all know the importance of the PNP to this Administration, known worldwide to be in a war against drugs. The next PNP Chief will play a vital role in the success of the Duterte Presidency, now in its final years.

His success can spell the victory of the Administration’s candidates in 2022 and probably his own candidacy as Senator as well. Case in point: Former PNP Chief, now Sen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa.

Nearly making this list is the almost-dismissal of the protest filed by former Senator Bongbong Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo. This chapter has not finished yet since a new one unfolded right before the retirement of CJ Bersamin. This is a decision that the new CJ will have to sternly rule on.

All told, the interplay between the three branches of the Philippine Government is disguised but vibrant, leaving a lot of decisions and policies to the President who, as of this writing, is alleged to be on his way home from Japan due to unbearable pain to the spinal column caused by his motorcycle accident. We pray for the strength of our President; there’s a lot more work to be done.