Indecisiveness on the Corona Impeachment Trial

The dilemma is that if one takes side one way or the other, there are grand repercussions that may not be easily corrected.

A full-blown impeachment trial is least likely to result in the removal of CJ Corona. If Corona remains CJ,  GMA will likely go scot-free. The Supreme Court will be an easily available court of resort for her. In the meantime, Corona becomes untouchable for one year because of the prohibition. PNoy and allies will be shamed and power reclaimed from them in 2013. The political balance changes and the politics of the past returns. This is rather scary.

It will work best if Corona resigns the earliest possible time but not just yet without convincing evidence from the prosecution panel. In other words, the drama has to unfold but deservingly through the hard work of the House team. Let this not happen so easily for the House. Why? My fear is that the impeachment instrument becomes very accessible and easily abused by our politicos to bully and harass a perceived obstacle. The way this was handled, it seems so easy for the House to gather the numbers they need to pressure an impeachable officer to resign without really intending to go the long haul. It's a bluff. Whoever blinks first loses.

I hope the prosecution does its job well - convincingly present evidence that shows how CJ Corona has betrayed the people's trust in him and his office. If not, we'll have to face the consequence of having another Arroyo back in the helm of power. Quite soon, don't you think?

Fearless Forecast on the Corona Impeachment Trial

This is going to last longer than expected.

The win solution could have been that Corona resign before end January. Then everything goes back to normalcy. This could have happened with a bombastic opening - a confidence-building speech for the public to be ensured that this process is a sure win. As it was executed though, it looks like the fight will be neck to neck and the people at the losing end of this tedious process.

If the trial drags on to February, Corona would be on a winning streak. The people would be losing every minute and resources used for this trial. Without an angry civil society on the side of prosecution and an apathetic public, Corona gains ground. It is less likely that the Senate (the impeachment court) gathers the votes needed to convict him.

If Corona is not convicted and removed from office, GMA will surely ride the wave of victory and go scott-free re the case of plunder. And whatever manipulation Corona makes in favor of GMA will not be ripe for another accountability mechanism because of the 1 year prohibition. And of course the political configuration changes in 2013. PNoy and allies will not win the elections and likely, the "return of the comeback" shall happen. This is not looking well.

So yes, if the gameplan is to pressure Corona to resign, I'm in. The alternative is rather scary.