Word just arrived that Senator Manuel Villar just resigned from Senate presidency in the face of an insurmountable majority vote against him. With him went the Wednesday Club members Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, and Sen. Francis Pangilinan as Majority Floor Leader.
What essentially happened was a revolt of the presidentiables teaming up with erstwhile administration senators. The latter were also instrumental in placing Villar in this position before.
On one hand, presidentiables got nervous at Villar’s front-running this early in the presidential derby, particularly because of his rumored deep war chest and extensive provincial network. They fear that the Senate presidency will be used in “aid of Villar’s candidacy.”
On the other hand, both the opposition and administration senators fear that he will use his position (and that of Cayetano’s Blue Ribbon Committee) to further his campaign at their expense in the Senate hearings.
Of course, there is the opportunity for the GMA administration to pursue the Charter change agenda under Enrile’s watch. However, he is too much of a wild card at this time of an increasingly lameduck GMA presidency. It is more correct to say that anything may happen. What is more discernible is that the ruling coalition will try to make a play to stay on top of the increasingly unstable situation.
We must watch out for the agreements that underpin the majority’s support for an Enrile Senate presidency. There is more than meets the eye on this one.
Mon
“I’m an old man, ranked with years who has acquired some bad habits of sometimes being arrogant, rude, harsh with my words, insensitive and impatient. Yet you have kindly overlooked the shortcomings and generously chose me to be your leader.”Enrile
Bakit kaya?
EQ VIEW:I’m no Villar fan BUT why replace him with ENRILE???
It shows that all the presidentiables are willing to make FAUSTIAN bargains to advance their own ambitions.
[…] Mon Casiple says the the thing to watch is the farming out of committee chairmanships under the new Enrile regime: […]
[…] Mon Casiple says the the thing to watch is the farming out of committee chairmanships under the new Enrile regime: Of course, there is the opportunity for the GMA administration to pursue the Charter change agenda under Enrile’s watch. However, he is too much of a wild card at this time of an increasingly lameduck GMA presidency. It is more correct to say that anything may happen. What is more discernible is that the ruling coalition will try to make a play to stay on top of the increasingly unstable situation. […]
Another “milestone” in resurrecting the old relic of the Philippine ugly past…… the Philippines just turned full circle and wonders how they got back in the same place.
A prayer to grant President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the “forebearance” to lead the country “until 2010… and perhaps even beyond” spoiled the Chief Executive’s mood at the opening of the regular Cabinet meeting in Malacañang Tuesday.
Should Politicians Wear Their Religion On Their Sleeve?
One clear example is Gloria Arroyo.She encourages her photographers to take pictures of her when she is in deep prayer.
When I think of all the scandals and scams associated with her administration,I start wondering whether politics and religion can really mix in Malacanang.
Lansagin ang Senado, wala namang mapapala dito ang buong sambayanang Pilipino kundi pamumulitika ng mga nag-aambisyong maging Pangulo.