Conjecture replaced analysis in Doronila piece

Since when did pure conjecture replace incisive analysis in the respectable and well-read newspaper Inquirer?

I was terribly disappointed to read Amando Doronila’s Jan. 23 commentary, “Integrity of trial raises US concern.” His main point there – that the United States is “concerned” over how the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona – is bereft of solid proof.

“It is not farfetched to say that the visit of the US congressional delegation, led by former Republican Party presidential candidate John McCain and Joe Lieberman, was prompted mainly by concerns over critical reports on the controversial methods employed by Mr. Aquino and his allies in Congress in pushing the impeachment of Corona and cases of plunder and electoral sabotage against Arroyo, who has been detained without bail while awaiting trial,” Doronila wrote.

So what proof did Doronila offer to back his claim that the American legislators are concerned with the fairness of the Corona impeachment trial?

None. Absolutely none. Zilch.

It’s just Doronila hallucinating, and calling it “analysis.”

—SAMUEL SANTIAGO,

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