Like a spoiled brat

WITH MALACAÑANG acting like a spoiled brat in trying to force the postponement of the ARMM elections set for August this year (Inquirer, 5/9/11), the Senate must stand its ground and not cave in to pressure. If only to show the Palace that it cannot always get what it wants, our senators should deny the administration the “lollipop” it has been crying out for like a child in a tantrum.

I find lacking in finesse Malacañang’s making a push for the proposed law, which seeks to postpone the polls in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao even before the upper chamber could resume its sessions after the Lenten season break. But I, nonetheless, was heartened by the statement of Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto that the bill would face “tough sailing” in the Senate as it highlights the stated opposition of many senators against the postponement.

I am thankful that while our congressmen have allowed their legislative chamber to become a rubber stamp of Malacañang after they railroaded the passage of House Bill 4146, which seeks to postpone the ARMM polls, our senators are showing independence of mind and spirit in going against Malacañang.

The senators have the full support not only of the people of the ARMM but of all Mindanao. No segment of Philippine society must be deprived of their right to choose their own leaders via the ballot. What Malacañang wants is an injustice to Muslim Filipinos and the Senate. The Supreme Court which is now hearing petitions against HB 4146 must step in to avert this travesty.

—MARJORIE GULANES,

jorie_majo@yahoo.com