Intelligent discussion, not partisan politics

This refers to Cathy Yamsuan’s news article “DSWD chief bears brunt of Miriam’s fury” (Inquirer, 12/15/11).

We take exception to the tendency of biased reporters like Yamsuan of insisting that Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s actions and statements are partisan rather than stemming out of her convictions. Connecting the senator’s opposition to the confirmation of Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman to the Black and White Movement’s call for the resignation of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona is tangential at best.

Furthermore, it is a disservice to Inquirer readers to read paranoid conspiracy theories in the senator’s scholarly arguments during the Commission on Appointments hearing. The Inquirer ultimately turned what should have been an intelligent discussion of issues into a cynical accusation of personality politics.—TOM TOLIBAS, public affairs officer, Office of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, mdsmedia@miriam.com.ph

My account of the story was based on the dialogue that transpired at the Commission on Appointments hearing of Soliman’s confirmation as social welfare secretary, as well as the ambush interview that Senator Santiago later gave to Senate reporters. Video and audio recordings will bear me out.—CATHY YAMSUAN, reporter, Inquirer