LIKE many Filipinos here and abroad, I too am stuck watching the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
While not every day is engaging or gripping-in fact, most days can be downright boring (especially when one listens to the defense lawyers repeatedly trying to wear down the prosecution’s witnesses in the hope the latter slip up, or, worse, lose their cool)-as taxpayers and patriotic citizens of this great land, watching the impeachment trial is a duty.
Should we all be affected that the country’s second-highest elected official has allegedly issued threats against the President, his wife, and the former’s cousin who used to be Speaker of the House? Why should we care about these people who aren’t even distantly related to us and the possible threats to their lives?
Regardless of who we voted for in the last presidential election, ordinary citizens should be disturbed that there is trouble among the highest officials of the land. Any disagreements reverberate to the overall conduct of government.
What’s more, if such threats can be issued and, heaven forbid, carried out, that leads to chaos that will likely disrupt our lives and jobs. We are a poor country as it is, no matter what the World Bank claims, and any disruptions herein lead to less foreign direct investment and the creation of fewer jobs.
What’s more, if a killing of that nature is actually carried out, how easily can it happen to regular folk like you and me? The power that a handful of people wield is truly terrifying, and when even the highest elected official of the land can be felled by an assassin allegedly hired by another government official, it unleashes the mentality that anyone is fair game. And the rule of law against such threats and killings can be disregarded.
Now, why should we care about the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and graft, corruption, and the unexplained wealth of the Vice President? There is nothing new about these issues. As a nation, we’ve dealt with these concerns since the Marcos Sr. administration. What makes these allegations against Duterte any different?
It is exactly because these issues have repeatedly come up over the years and have involved a long string of government officials, is one huge reason to put a stop to them. Misused or stolen government funds are our monies; these are what we pay to the state in the promise that it will implement vital projects that will make our lives easier.
From roads, ports, and bridges, the lighting and paving of our streets, the digitalization of government services such as passport issuance and easy access through airports, to picking up our trash, keeping order in our streets, and giving us affordable healthcare-these are projects the government has been sworn to do in exchange for our taxes.
At the end of the day, this impeachment trial is bigger than the Vice President. It is about whether our institutions still work the way they were intended to. It is about whether those entrusted with our taxes and confidence are held to the same standards they expect of us, ordinary citizens.
Of course, Duterte deserves a fair hearing and every opportunity to answer the allegations against her. That is how the law should work. But we, the Filipino people, also deserve clear answers. We deserve to know whether our taxes were spent as intended, whether she has exercised her public office with integrity, and whether the accusations that have divided many of us have any basis in fact.
Whatever the Senator-Judges ultimately decide, we hope their verdict is guided not by politics, popularity, or perhaps pressure from their respective camps, but by the evidence presented before them.
Frankly, we’ve had enough of our leaders treating their public office as a prize to be won rather than a responsibility to be honored.
So, yes, we will continue to watch this impeachment trial-not because we relish political drama or just because we are Marites by nature, but because I know many of us still believe that accountability matters.
In a country where too many scandals have simply faded into memory without consequences, perhaps this is our chance to show that no one, regardless of name or position, is above the law. If this trial accomplishes nothing else, we all hope it reminds every public official that the highest office they hold is that of public servant.
Witnessing history, one forkful at a time
WHILE watching the impeachment trial, there is an often urge to munch away at snacks and imbibe certain libations (alcoholic or otherwise).
Here are some of my personal favorites and suggestions for the home- or office-bound TV/YouTube audience, who can order most of these treats online for delivery:
A great cup of coffee and cheesecake. After lunch, I often Nespresso my own Arabica-Robusta blend, these days over ice, then mix in coconut milk for a creamy lift. I recently tasted Chef Tatung’s Bibingka Cheesecake, which was nutty from the freshly grated coconut, and salty with the use of salted eggs. This helps pull back on the sweet note, even if it is dusted with muscovado sugar. So creamy and sinful, and a perfect match with a strong cup of coffee taken hot or iced. (You can order from Tatung’s at Gateway Mall 2 via Grab Pabili.)
A slice of pie. Another perfect complement to a strong cup of coffee is the Calamansi Cream Pie from Wildflour or its sister restaurant, George and Onnie’s. The citrusy dessert is bright and refreshing and will help power the impeachment trial audience through those long, boring recitations of the law or the repetitive playback of Duterte’s alleged threats versus President Marcos Jr.
Popcorn or fries. For an attack of the munchies, I would go for a Family Pack of Superpop from Tater’s. I’m personally addicted to the popcorn flavor of Texan Barbeque with two scoops of melted butter-smoky, spicy, and sweet. More yum when sipping the sugar-free Lemonade on the side. For French fries, my family’s go-to is what else but Potato Corner! Whether it’s a Mega, Giga, or Tera size, my favorite flavors are Sour Cream, Truffle, and Wasabi. Pair these fries with a Lemonade pop cooler or your favorite soft drink, and you’re on your way to digesting the testimonies of our now-favorite NBI agents.
Iced tea and pancakes. By 4 pm, I’m pretty sure many of us are already hankering for a light merienda to get us through the rest of the afternoon’s cross-examinations. Ordering an Iced Matcha Latte and a single regular Soufflé Pancake from Hoshino Coffee is what I’d suggest. Although it feels a little bitin-only one size is available-the latte drink still provides the perfect foil for the hot weather we’re having. And because it has some bitter undertones, the matcha drink does help counter the sweetness of the soufflé pancake, which I would slather with the whipped butter and syrup provided. (For a more sinful take, order the Strawberry Soufflé Pancake, but get the Hoshino Blend hot coffee.)
Whatever our snack of choice, one thing’s for sure: we’re likely in for many more months of legal arguments, objections, and perhaps a hoped-for occasional bombshell revelation. We might as well make the experience a little more palatable and comfortable.