The Supreme Court’s decision granting bail to Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile affirms what we believe all along: That when members of the elite are involved, Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s “daang matuwid” program and the country’s justice system in general are just for show.
Enrile was imprisoned to show that Aquino’s anti-corruption campaign is working and to weaken possible opposition to his government. The granting of bail to Enrile shows that Aquino’s “straight path” campaign is a sham aimed at deceiving the Filipino people.
We cannot help but think that a deal between Aquino and Enrile was hatched in exchange for the granting of bail to the latter. We have every reason to believe that Enrile’s release from prison is part of Aquino’s moves aimed at strengthening Mar Roxas’ campaign for the 2016 elections, railroading more anti-worker and anti-people measures before his term ends, and securing his immunity from cases and imprisonment.
We recall that Enrile is a prime suspect in the abduction, torture and killing of labor leader and KMU chairperson Rolando “Ka Lando” Olalia in 1986 and his aide Leonor Alay-ay. We are revolted that he is able to continue to evade accountability for his crime even as labor advocates like Adelberto Silva, a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in its peace talks with the government and a staff member and speechwriter for Olalia, continues to be illegally detained by the Aquino government.
We have every reason to believe that former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada, and perhaps some convicted criminals belonging to ruling-class families would also be set free before Aquino’s term ends.
Posted By: Lynne Pingoy
