‘Incomprehensible’ Conrad de Quiros

I simply cannot understand why columnist Conrado de Quiros keeps repeating the same tired arguments against resigned Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (Opinion, “Arrogance,” 6/10/13).

While Enrile may have implemented martial law decrees, he redeemed himself by leading, along with then- Philippine Constabulary chief Fidel V. Ramos, the military revolt that led to the bloodless 1986 Edsa People Power that eventually toppled the Marcos dictatorship and restored democracy. Without the Enrile-Ramos defection that triggered Edsa I, would we have the press freedom that allows journalists, including De Quiros, to write pretty much what they please? I don’t think so.

Enrile’s leadership of the Senate, capped by his skillful handling of the impeachment trial of Renato Corona, demonstrated his fairness and adherence to the due process of law, a cardinal principle of democratic governance. Should we forget that, just because three senators complained that they were not given the same amount of maintenance and other operating expenses which up to now they still have to liquidate per Commission on Audit rules?

Following De Quiros’ logic, there’s nothing that Enrile can do now that will erase his role as the chief implementor of martial law, despite Enrile’s crucial role in Edsa. But I distinctly remember that De Quiros consistently attacked Cory Aquino at every opportunity from the moment she sat as president until her dying days, then made a sudden about-face in 2009, when he began singing hosannas to Noynoy Aquino, which he does with much fervor until now. For what reason?

—GINA MABINI,

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