The Fall of "JDV, The Omnipotent"

Malacanang and its cohorts in the KAMPI (GMA's party) recently affirmed in a precedented breakthrough in the Lower House what I called and even public opinion suggested, 'controlled eventualities' under the current regime. In the limelight is no less than the Lakas kingpin and self-confessed statesman, ex-Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. JDV who used to be an alter ego and a definite close ally of Mrs Arroyo, finally has secured a seat in the political purgatory, a place for the abandoned and rejected politicians. Worst, JDV suffered the brunt of politics in the hands of his former comrades and good to be friends, now bitter enemies. But the circus and downplayings all boil down to the issue of the ZTE scandal late last year.

Following the Senate inquiry into the multi-million dollar NBN Contract where JDV's son served as the whistle blower and then key witness, rumors of JDV's fate being at risk heightened, at least his speakership post. It was only late January where strong indications suggestive of an eventual deposition in the House leadership was apparent after GMA's ''spoiled brats"* (Reps. Mikey and Dato Arroyo) took a leave of absence from Lakas and later resgined for obvious reasons. Less than a week later, the definitive moment of a 'collateral damage' has, materialized in the floors/halls of Congress. JDV was unseated by and before his partymates and coalition allies.

An internal purge in the ruling administration coalition was initiated by the KAMPI led by DILG's Puno* and 'Burlesque King'* Rep. Nograles to grab the 4th highest post in the land with Nograles as the ideal and potent man. With so much of brouhaha before the Monday session, Nograles was eventually sworn in as the new speaker of the House. Malacanang who previously is dumb on the issue now sided the change of leadership, and consistent to Nograles statements, it vowed to remain independent. Really, the deathly shyness of Palace personalities is in play.

A bitter lesson: JDV deserves this fate. He would never have believed that it would really happen, until it happened. Wisdomful as he is, yet he's old enought to remember the story of the sacrificial lamb and the tower of Babel (would later fall) in the Bible. The House was filled with bitterness such that in his privelege cum valedictory and redundant speech, all regrets, misgivings and tirades on the GMA reverberated the August chamber. But the rest they say is history.

Truly it was a historic moment, not for anyone else but for JDV. That may suggest his graceful but bitter exit from the hands of a greater evil and master in the Palace. But his actuations at present is also indicative of a continued chapter of politics, the JDV way. But this time maybe, his on the other side of the fence under the allegory of 'moral revolution'. Good to hear from a repentant sin, but until it is reflected in his actions, no amount of trust and confidence could he get from the people. But with hopes that until the ZTE, Garci Issue and all the scandals that hound this government are resolved, JDV is there to stay. After all, he may not be God, he is all knowing.

Good luck, Philippines!


*Puno is groomed to take the post as Executive Secretary this year
*Burlesque King was coined by a Davao mediaman (now jailed (5 years) for libel) refering to Nograles, for his series of expose regarding the latter's involvement in a sex scandal in Manila Hotel
*Spoiled Brats, as described by Gina de Venecia (their Ninang) after JDV's fall