Media sought expert’s opinion

This refers to Sharlene Diaz’s letter which appeared in the

Inquirer’s Dec. 3 issue. (“Is Miriam paying back Gloria for past favors?”) Diaz’s disclaimer that she is not a lawyer is precisely why news media sought Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s legal opinion on the case of electoral sabotage filed against Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Because she is a former Regional Trial Court judge and is an acknowledged expert in international law, Senator Santiago’s views explaining and pointing out the legal intricacies and dilemmas that arise in national issues are considered authoritative. Explaining and pointing out these legal issues to the Filipinos outside the law profession is part of Senator Santiago’s commitment to champion the rule of law.

There are two sides to every legal debate. However, to put malice in Senator Santiago’s opinion was unfair and uncalled for. Diaz would have had a more informed opinion if she appreciates what Senator Santiago is trying to explain. It is the senator’s humble opinion that it is the Sandiganbayan that should have jurisdiction over Representative Arroyo since she is a member of the House of Representatives, and that the law provides that all anti-graft cases against public officials must be filed before this office. This opinion actually helps government prosecutors in fulfilling their duties.

—TOM M. TOLIBAS, public affairs and media relations officer, Office of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago

mdsmedia@miriam.com.ph