Don't cry for Garci

The ghost of Comelec's Infant Terrible Virgilio Garcillano continues to haunt the country even if he is supposed to have been freed already by the failure of the impeachment case against the President. At least that is what Malacañang spokespersons seems to say whenever they suspect moves of congress to mean a revival of the case. But the Hello Garci calls will continue to echo in the land until Garci himself shows up - or his body is found.

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But don't believe that last statement - the latest reports say that the slippery fellow is very much alive in Latin America and probably kicking up his heels in some exotic dance out there. Congressman Gilbert Remulla says he has information that Garci, after pausing for a while in Singapore, had hopped off to Brazil, or was that Argentina? The stories about his being in London or New Jersey were probably just decoys to ward off pursuers, floated by those who are protecting the ones who can be damaged by his presence. So, don't cry for Garci, he is where he can be happy.

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I said that he is still haunting this country, because, with the revelations of General Francisco Gudani, portions of the accursed tapes were again replayed in the media, especially that part where he tells his phone pal that Gudani is not on their side. And as events later proved, it was Garciallno who had ordered Gudani pulled out of Mindanao and moved to Metro Manila where he was allegedly told to go on R & R, maybe to Boracay, or wherever he can stop thinking of the Mindanao election and what he saw there.

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Now the other Comelec officials, like its chairman Benjamin Abalos and Commissioner Mehol Sudain are confirming that it was Garcillano, indeed, who had taken it upon himself and transferred Gudani - an act that is considered a violation of the Election Code, and a serious crime. But will Garci come and explain himself to the Senate? Ha! Executive Order No. 464 will shut up his mouth. So, as earlier said, don't cry for Garci. He must now be dancing an endless tango, or preparing for the mardi gras.

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As for Gudani, the Philippine Military Academy, of which he is the assistant superintendent, has cancelled the parade scheduled in his honor today in view of his retirement on Oct. 4. Instead, the guy is threatened with court martial because he dared to come to the Senate against the dictates of his commander-in-Chief. But Gudani has champions in the Legislative body, particularly Senator Rodolfo Biazon, himself a former general.

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As Biazon has stated before the media and his colleagues, Gudani was already under Senate custody when the notice of the order was delivered. In fact, it was done in the presence of Biazon. There was therefore no more time for him to backtrack from the investigation. I recall, too, that Senate President Frank Drilon said there was need for 15 days notice or publication of the order before it can take effect. What is most sensible of all, though, is the statement of constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas that E.O. 464 blocks the principles of check and balance among the three branches of government.

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Meanwhile, President Arroyo appeared on TV yesterday saying angrily that she has to put foot down for the sake of the people. Oh be careful what you say, Ma'am. That can be interpreted to mean that you are trampling on the people's rights already. In fact, some are saying that you are beginning to sound like Marcos and that's not nice at all. That's unsolicited advice only, take it or leave it.

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Funny. Retired generals are grouping and throwing their support behind Gudani and Col. Alexander Balutan. Gen. Ramon Montano said he feels there is no more honor in the AFP. Gen. Mariano Santiago said that if there has to be court martial proceedings for the two, the President must herself appear and declare that they disobeyed her. On the other hand, those who are not yet retired are falling all over themselves pledging their eternal devotion and loyalty to GMA. Of course the retired ones are no longer hoping for promotions, or even appointments as ambassadors, heads of government corporations, or executive secretaries.*

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