The Impeachment That was - That's Entertainment

Image courtesy of www.truthonair.com

The recently-concluded impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona was one for the books, an ultimate spectacle, depending on whose side you took. Truly, it's only in the Philippines that something as serious would still elicit entertainment from both the trial participants and the audience that religiously followed them. The 40-day teleserye had it both - drama and comedy - with all its attendant stars and villains.

Whose heart would not melt at the sight of the embattled Renato Corona narrating his family's very humble "no aircon and no househelp" lifestyle. Oh, that's so very Ripley's believe it or not. Come on, Mr. Corona, your fabulous wife would have beaten you to death long ago had you subjected her to these. You think your crocodile tears which fall at whim would work magic just like that? Remember that even the "unscripted" reconciliation with the Basa's did not impact as expected...yes, inspite of Mrs. Corona and the sisters's facebook smiles.

The ex-Chief Justice looked so pathetic while justifying his financial genius in a tearful three-hour monologue which he capped with a walkout. His refusal to be cross-examined led him to ask to be "excused" as the Chief Justice - the nerve. And why would the sweet sugar be the culprit, I just don't get it. Is that a mountain on a molehill? But still, I admire the guy for coming to his senses, thanks to his sugar-coated excuse. He regrettably returned riding in the most abused vehicle of the decade - the wheelchair.

And what about Corona's surprise nemesis for the day that did a litany of his many "palusot?" No other than bar topnotcher and deputy lead prosecutor Congressman Rudy Farinas. He definitely brought the house down with his brilliantly crafted revelations, matched with his sterling delivery and "maka-masa" Pinoy talk. Move over, Bong, Jinggoy and Erap - while you probably have the acting talent to boot, you can never have his skill. Farinas asked Corona how on earth would he think of buying dollars in 1949 when he was in Grade 4? Wow, that's Ripley's take two for me and you. And ohmaygas, there were so many countless Ripley's that followed thereafter. Farinas did savor his moment before his very approving audience. For his 15-minute fame, people have suddenly forgotten his Velez and Carlson love chapters. Uh oh, have we?

And oh Miriam, the unforgettable Senator Miriam Defensor "unlimited talk" Santiago? Her funny pick-up lines would have saved the day for the mostly impatient and irritated public. For the nth time, the feisty senator was mean to her audience - as she ruthlessly tortured them to listen to her scream, err -- speech. It was to her great advantage that her good friend, Atty. Vitaliano "hear no evil" Aguirre chose to behave that day. Otherwise, there would have been more angry bubbles floating in the air. And so, she did it again, her shameless self-promotion she had mastered to the hilt, making everyone, even the original Muhammad Ali cringed: I AM THE GREATEST AND ALL OF YOU ARE FOOLS!! Haha!

On the other hand, Senator Lito "picha pie" Lapid probably had the best moment of all, more than enough to gather admirers for his unparalled humility to admit his intellectual and scholastic limitations. A high school graduate judging a sitting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was an ultimate nightmare he didn't think was coming, "Whew, pinagpawisan ako dun," was his reaction after explaining his vote.

Makes you want to think - MIRIAM and LAPID are senate seatmates. What do they talk about? But certainly, Miriam can learn a thing from Lapid on how to effortlessly trend on twitter worldwide. And for that helluva feat - he deserves the recognition. Bravo Leon Guerero!

And as one reader asked, what about the BAD senators - Bongbong, Arroyo and Defensor? Well, can others do the answering, pls? Kidding aside, I commend the three for standing up to their principles. Mr. Corona owes them big really. At least, he was not orphaned.

Finally, the impeachment presiding officer and defense lead cousel Juan Ponce Enrile and retired Justice Serafin Cuevas, respectively - what can I say? I'm stoned and speechless. If all 80 plus gentlemen have their briliant memory, Gingko Bilova will definitely run out of business. Eat your heart out, kuya Kim! Pray that these two legends will not decide to screw you up, or you, too, would be out of business.

That's it, folks. That's entertainment for you. Impeachment style. Only from our beloved Philippines.