Iglesia super-bullying (?) and the rule of law

Where do the guys and dolls with a moist eye case on the presidency stand on the current reportedly disruptive Iglesia ni Cristo demo?

Who is for the Rule of Law? Prudent.
     
Who seems to be for a trapo stance? This may or may not be prudent.
     
I am often Pusong Mamon but on this one I find it hard to cave in to the seeming or arguable super-bullying by the Iglesia, which does not want a criminal complaint probed at all. For crying out loud!
     
Everybody else charged with a crime, presents his side before some prosecutor, who may file a case or dismiss the case as totally unfounded and even recommend a case for malicious prosecution.
    
The Iglesia seems to scare the bejesus out of anyone caring for its support. But, not Justice Sec. Leila de Lima, who has my vote for the Senate in 2016, assuming I'd still be around then.
     
The Iglesia is one reason I didn't run for reelection for the Senate or election (for Makati Cong, despite Jojobama's entreaties) after my stint in the Senate. I have lived in Makati since 1979 as my Dulce's star boarder and I had attended Makati Elem. So, I'd josh Jojobama, that should I run for Cong, he didn't have to cheat more than absolutely necessary. Pero talaga pong walang hilig. I am simply not cut out for public life in government.
     
To be sure, I don't want to make mano again to the Iglesia as I was advised to do; I did in 1987, and went on to win without spending a single centavo of my own. When our ticket was launched publicly in early 1987 in the Palace, the applause for me was the loudest and longest, as I recall it.
     
But, much as I am grateful for the 1987 support, I don't want any of my children having to do the same - make mano - for the Iglesia's command vote, much sought for.

The thinking or decision is made at the highest and its members are not allowed to think for themselves, for unity, I am told. I think it goes against the grain of each citizen being a particle of popular sovereignty. Even a family may be divided - on principle.
     
The Iglesia is said to support perceived sure winners. I was No. 2 in Metro Manila in 1987, behind Orly Mercado.
     
Now, the Iglesia is again - not the first time - inconveniencing the public not for kapakanang pambayan, but for kapakanang pansarili, here, to stop Leila from doing her duty. It used to be scary to hear "the First Lady wants this," now, it is "the Iglesia wants this."
     
From where I sit, no matter what happens, the winner is Leila, the losers, the trapos, throwbacks to the time of Macoy and Imelda. She's on the right side of history here.
     
Anyone who kowtows to the Iglesia on its current abusive stance, I cannot support in 2016 with my one vote. No more separation between church and state, if the Palace backs down. The INC will become the State.
     
Niratrat ang kapihan ni Kapanalig Tunying Taberna. Who had the motive, opportunity and means to do so? He is supposed to be related to a current nemesis of the INC, which would rally against any probe.
     
We cannot have this, or the Rule of Law is really gone. I hope my responsible less emotionalized friends in the INC will ask it to review and reconsider its position, for the greater good for the greater number. Rule of Law, not the Hooting Throng.

Rene Saguisag is a former senator who authored RA 6713, The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees.





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