Issue is conviction under 1977 Tax Code

We share Carmela Noblejas’ lament (“Terrible miscalculation in DQ case,” 3/30/2022) regarding the almost foregone conclusion that the Marcoses will be back in Malacañang in light of recent surveys demonstrating the sheer stupidity of most Filipino voters. How could they, in conscience, consider voting for a candidate whose family had ruled this country for decades with nothing but plunder and pillage in mind?

Noblejas decried there was a wrong focus in the disqualification cases. She is apparently no lawyer. From what we know of practicing lawyers, they throw in every possible argument in support of their pleadings and see what sticks on the wall. The real problem is the Commission on Elections (Comelec), whose members are either secretly in the tank for the Marcoses or just playing dumb. Amidst all the allegations put forth, could they not winnow the shaft from the grain?

The meat of the issue is Marcos Jr.’s conviction under the Tax Code of 1977 which nowhere requires “moral turpitude” in the convictions under its provisions, pure and simple. Kung hangad ay rule of law, may malinaw na daan. Kung katarantaduhan ang naiisip, napakaraming palusot. It is, however, this country’s great misfortune that the Comelec has been controlled by appointees of President Duterte who has shown fondness for the Marcoses despite hating kuno just a “whiff of corruption”!

Eventually, the case will end up in the Supreme Court, which is again dominated by appointees of Mr. Duterte who, from all indications, put them there for their loyalty, not to the country, but to him. We have yet to see any one of them decide cases in a manner that really got Mr. Duterte’s goat! Indeed, this country needs heaven’s help desperately!

MELISSA SY-QUIATAN
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