Aquino gov’t vindictive against Arroyo, says EIAS

BRUSSELS – The Aquino administration is being vindictive in its treatment of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which could result in a damaged democracy, according to an executive of a policy think tank.

“It is a question of vindictiveness. It does not pay really to be vindictive against a previous government,” European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) vice chairman Dick Gupwell said when asked recently about his observation of political developments in the Philippines.

The EIAS, an independent and non-profit institution, provides information and expertise to European Union institutions, the academic world and business on EU-Asia relations as well as other developments in Asia.

“Politics is a dirty business. It was never squeaky clean and sometimes people bend the rules. But being really vindictive and really trying to bring (humiliation on) the other fellow… really makes it dirty. I do not think that is good for democracy in the long run,” he said.

“Otherwise when it is your turn to lose office the guy who takes over tries to teach you in the same way, dig up also the dirt that they could possibly find,” he added.

He said political vendetta begets retribution, especially if those feeling persecuted rise or return to power.

“She (Arroyo) is now taking the wrath, revenge in a way. If people committed crimes they must be brought to justice but not in a humiliating way,” Gupwell said.

He cited the country’s democratic achievements since the downfall of the Marcos regime, although “there was difficulty” during the administration of President Joseph Estrada “who behaved in a rather unusual way.”

“In a democracy politicians have to abide by the rules but multi-party democracy will not work if there is too much vindictiveness between parties so that if you win the election you certainly become vindictive against the people who lost,” he said.

Gupwell cited the political maelstrom that characterized the leadership change in Taiwan and Thailand, where outgoing leaders were accused of wrongdoing and humiliated.

“You have to give up power gracefully and let the other people come back from time to time. You can’t monopolize,” he said.

Arroyo is under arrest in her suite at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City as she awaits trial for electoral sabotage, a non-bailable offense punishable by life imprisonment. A Pasay City court ordered her arrest last Nov. 18 hours after finding probable cause to charge her and two others with electoral sabotage in connection with alleged massive cheating in the 2007 senatorial polls.

Earlier on Nov. 15 – after securing a Supreme Court temporary restraining order on a government travel ban – Arroyo and her entourage rushed to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to board a plane bound for Hong Kong where she purportedly was to see a specialist to treat her bone disorder.

Immigration officials, however, barred them from boarding their flight. –Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star)