G-U-I-L-TY...... maybe not......

The trial of deposed President Joseph "Erap" Estrada has been a circus. It has been a source of contradictions or I would rather say it has been an oxyMORON. The prosecutor claims that victory is within their sights, but the evidences suggest otherwise. On the other hand, Erap was supposed to be in prison but instead he manages to attend most of his outside endeavors. Now that the verdict is about to be served, a lot of people are still thinking if our justice system can be objective and fair.

The nation is divided when it comes to the guilt of Erap. Here are the reason why Erap might be convicted and at the same time acquitted.

He will be convicted because:

• The government will place its hand on the case. Of course President GMA will have her opinion heard.
• It took 6 years to end the case. The prosecutors will be favored because they can pile up their evidences.
• The Philippines is known for breaking records. This will be a classic proof of that statement.
• The judges will be pressured by the possible repercussions of Erap's acquittal. It has to be remembers that these judges have ambitions that wrest on the administration.
• Convicting Erap is easier because he can be reprieved in the future. Acquitting Erap, however, is a different story.

He will be acquitted because:

• The evidence of the government is weak.
• Having Chavit Singson testifying against Erap is a blessing for the former President.
• The judges have no testicular fortitude to pull the trigger.
• Erap will no longer regain the power that he had once.
• The former President's legal team is just that good.

It is hard to predict the exact events that will transpire in relation to this case. Guilty or not, life will still go on for most of us. But isn't it better when our lives are lived in a soceity that promotes justice and equity. Sweet!!!

To vote of not to vote.....

After a temporary hiatus, the legal two-time is back in business. This time, I have decided to make the posts more organized. At least readers can expect something for the day instead of the usual unpredictable discussions.

Since its Monday, I would like to discuss politics. The midterm election is approaching and I will provide reasons why I will and I will not vote.

I will not vote because.....

• I am registered in a place miles away where I am currently residing. Technically, I will never be able to cast my vote.
• There is a possibility that the election will be rigged. Wait a minute, the election will definitely be rigged.
• The election has become highly commercialized. Since the campaign period, money has been flowing to create all election paraphernalia.
• Based on the list of candidates provided by the COMELEC, it appears that the quality of candidates continue to dwindle. Just imagine choosing among entertainers, clowns, and traditional politicians.
• Elections have passed and nothing significant has happened. This is why several voters have decided not to vote again.

I will vote because.....

• I am a taxpayer. My payslip suggests that more than 2,000 Php goes to the government and a portion of it will be used for the elections.
• Some of the candidates deserve the position they are aspiring for. Indeed, my vote will serve as an affirmation.
• It is hard to imagine that the one vote I will contribute will affect the results. But weird things happen during such exercise.
• The Philippine Constitution states that the right to suffrage is a privilege. Exercising such option is an act of conformity to state norms.
• Perhaps the only legitimate way to promote change is through an election. Street protests will never push for change and other mechanisms will only make the situation worse.

Since I am not voting, my right to complain against the government is curtailed. To all voters, I have a suggestion that you can consider. Allow the past to affect you reflection, consider the present in making a manifestation, and weigh the future before making a decision.

Broad Sheets = Bored Shits?

I started reading dailies when I was 7 and I liked the idea of browsing through one of the most powerful tools mass media produced. But as my enjoyment for such activity increased, I slowly realized that the quality of newspapers was destined for deterioration. Definitely, there are several explanations to such observation and below is the list that justifies my vivid claim.

10. The swarming advertisements in newspapers are downright sickening. On Sundays, for instance, commercials instantly dominate the pages.

9. It appears that newspaper owners have started to learn the value of Economics. As the demand increases, prices will definitely follow.

8. Balance is an important aspect in delivering facts. Unfortunately, balance is a word that newspapers fail to recognize.

7. Among the different instruments that media hold, broad sheets continue to be hounded by bad marketing. It appears that the trend will continue for an undetermined period.

6. Distribution is always a key to succeed in the newspaper industry. Too bad places where airports are inexistent fail to read the headlines.

5. Most of the articles, based on my observation have become more partisan. Favorable news were auctioned and the highest bidder gets the nod.

4. Incompetent writers have become residents of newspapers. Even simple grammatical errors are left unchecked.

3. Newspapers tend to focus on several useless sections. The number of pages dedicated to entertainment greatly exceeds the pages allocated for more important aspects.

2. The existence of the Internet as a powerful substitute is evident. This easily explain the reasons why newspapers have shifted to the business side of media.

1. Since nothing interesting is happening, it is unimaginable to read any of the dailies. Indeed, it is a waste of effort and money.