Miriam Defensor-Santiago: Our modern day Pilosopo Tasyo

You might encounter the term Pilosopo Tasyo (Philosopher Tasyo) or simply pilosopo in a couple of typical Filipino conversations, and is generally taken to mean “someone who takes things literally in a sarcastic way,” usually thrown at people who can’t help but nitpick on people’s faulty sentence construction for fun. While the word has donned a more amusing definition, and is nothing more than an often-used colloquial term, quite a number of people still recall the exact origins of Pilosopo Tasyo; an actual character in Jose Rizal’s iconic novel Noli Me Tangere.

As the title suggests, Don Anastacio, or Tasyo, was a philosopher. He was an intelligent man who immersed himself in the ways of science, and gained insight far deeper than those of the people in his village. Despite his intelligence, however, Pilosopo Tasyo was often ridiculed as a madman by the townspeople. He was always made fun of, and no one ever paid attention to what he had to say. Suffice to say that they didn’t even bother trying to understand him. And being a widower to boot, one could say that he’s the ultimate “Forever Alone” guy.

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So why am I even bringing up a character from an old novel? That’s because the tension between those who are considered intellectuals and many Filipinos, something Rizal depicted through the proverbial philosopher, has not disappeared after all these years, and it still very much manifests in our daily lives. But to look at things in a larger scale, we can examine the events that transpired in the course of former Chief Justice Renato Corona’s impeachment trial.

A single individual in the trial, despite having a powerful legal mind and a strong personality, something preferable in the world of politics, was often derided as some sort of a crackpot by many Filipinos. The myriad of insightful ideas this senator could share with the Filipino society often get drowned amidst the myriad of insults Filipinos throw at her, making fun of her personage, instead of absorbing and evaluating her judgment. One of the three senators who voted for Corona’s acquittal, she was often accused of being in cahoots with the respondent when she only wanted the rule of law be upheld, and received a generous amount of ridicule and sick jokes. Yes, we’re talking about the modern-day Pilosopo Tasyo, senator-judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Miriam Santiago accurately represents the philosopher, who in turn, helped readers visualize the social “cancer” Rizal has allegorically depicted more than a hundred years ago; the aversion of the many from the “different” few, especially if those “few” have curious intellectual aptitude. In the same way Pilosopo Tasyo‘s lecture about the principle of a lightning rod being met with laughter, Miriam Santiago’s free lecture about how the Constitution works was met with derision from many spectators of the impeachment trial, supposedly because she uses too much jargon, because she’s too mean, and because she’s apparently crazy or something. The alibis never end.

And recently, the senator-judge expressed her pain and contempt towards journalists when faced with reports of a certain online petition urging her to undergo a psychological test before being promoted to a judge in the International Criminal Court.

“I appeal to you, will you please be fair to me. You know there is a black propaganda campaign against me. [So] please don’t ask me anymore ‘What do you say about this black propaganda against you and they are listing…what to them is your [bad] personal characteristics.’ Please do not ask me that anymore. I feel very insulted. Just in case you still do not know, it is very offensive. It’s very rude and discourteous to me,” Santiago told reporters covering the Senate beat on Tuesday.

(Source: Link)

Infamous, ear-covering private prosecutor Vitalliano Aguirre II was involved in the issue, as he personally stated that Miriam take a psychological test before coming to ICC.

“Alam ninyo binastos na ako ng tao na yun [Aguirre], eh, pagkatapos binabastos pa rin ako tapos na ang trial. Wala naman akong ginawa na sa kanya. Nag-apologize siya, tinanggap ko ang apology niya,” she said. “Ngayon meron pa siyang pahabol na paninira; alangan namang i-devote ko ang buhay ko sa mga ganyang paninira na yan.”

Yes, that’s your typical Filipino lawyer, resorting to underhanded tactics to get back at the person who put him in his place. Is this how the Filipino ego truly works? Responding to the ones who shared their insights with things like this, because apparently, the lessons were given the hard way, and your ego was hurt in the process?

Apparently, yes. Filipinos instead lauded Senator Lito Lapid’s rhetoric about a “high school graduate judging the chief magistrate of the land,” because it packs more drama; a perfect concoction for the Filipino psyche. A serious, intellectual lecture about the Constitution coupled with a feisty attitude just doesn’t mix well with most Filipinos’ soap opera mindset, and so they dismiss it as a vanity project, a scream-fest, or just plain madness.

The social “cancer” didn’t die. In fact, it continues to thrive in the Filipino conscious, as generously demonstrated by the persecution Miriam received for standing her ground. Many Filipinos derided her as mentally unstable for giving the prosecution the lecture that they deserve. Many Filipinos insulted her personage for providing the country with another perspective regarding Corona’s impeachment trial. This begs an important question; what did the Filipinos do next?

After feeling satisfied about being normal compared to Miriam, did they even bother to study what Miriam actually said, and not just how she said it? After letting out their anger over Miriam’s alleged trampling on their personalities, did they bother inquiring about what the ejusdem generis rule means? Did they even try to find out to understand why Miriam acquitted Corona? In other words, did the Filipino people, at least attempt to understand what Miriam had to say about this quasi-political, quasi-judicial process? Or were we like the townspeople Pilosopo Tasyo was with, who simply dismissed him as nothing more than a madman, undeserving of our time and attention?

In our desperation to keep our egos unharmed, we unwittingly relinquished our chance to know more. For the recuperation of our pride deeply hurt by an intimidating individual, we sacrificed knowledge for feelings. Just to show that we’re no pushovers (when there is absolutely no need to do so), we forgot what the likes of Miriam and Pilosopo Tasyo had to say. Because we’re hurt, what Miriam said is wrong.

Such is the beauty of argumentum ad hominem.

As I end this article, I appeal to those who claim that she’s insane, to those who claim that she’s a bully and to those who claim Miriam does not intend to reach out to us laymen:

Have we attempted to reach out to her in turn?

Have we attempted to bridge the gap between those we consider as intellectuals, and ourselves? Have we taken the time to temporarily set aside our egos and come to an understanding? Who knows, maybe Miriam, maybe Pilosopo Tasyo, maybe they have something truly worth our time and attention. Maybe, just maybe, we should consider listening to those we consider as crackpots. After all, Pilosopo Tasyo knew the importance of the lightning rod, and we all know how important it still is today.

Meanwhile, the social “cancer” lives on in our society. And the cure, the business of getting real, it’s still in the works. But we can help speed things up.

188 Replies to “Miriam Defensor-Santiago: Our modern day Pilosopo Tasyo”

        1. But rappler is referred to by many personalities unlike grp which is a “never-heard”, anti-government blog

        2. And who are those personalities maggot? The one who is overrated like your precious president?

        3. Any underrated like GRP are often credible as well. Ever wonder why The Artist, a movie never heard so much worldwide, won this year’s Academy Awards and not the latest transformers movie even though it got more than a billion dollars in the box office?

        4. @Fishball: Because GRP loves to discuss ideas than people. Why you should trust ABS-CBN which is a biased station?

          Cite reasons, please.

        5. @fishball

          ‘unlike grp which is a “never-heard”’

          so, how did you come across this site then?

        1. Credible pala ah? Hence why abs-cbn is called A Biased Network Controlled By Numbnuts. She, rappler and your precious network does nothing but black propaganda to destroy their enemies. And that is also what you are doing hostile.

        2. @Fishball: Still RIDICLUOUS since Rappler is also owned by the Yellow Media.

          You fail again, Yellowtard. 😛

        3. @Fishball So what? I have a degree in Computer Engineering, I can develop my own web page, I can create my own programs, but does that mean anything? No! So what if Maria Ressa is a former abscbn news head? Message me instead if she already heads the Technical Department of NASA. Geez, bilib ka na sa ganyan? Kababa naman ng standard mo, ABS-CBN lang.

      1. Kris, you quote and rely on Rappler. Enough said.
        BTW most of this country voted
        for a guy whose claim to fame was his mother died a month before he decided to run and a guy convicted of plunder. So numbers don’t mean much.

        1. It’s like quoting yourself in a public statement LOL. Mas masaya kasi yung mga masa, bilib na bilib kasi “english”

      2. Just read the article. SO WHAT? Another failed article without any logical arguments. Just another type that instead of shooting the message, it attacks the messenger. Rappler is just another site feeding the idiocy of the general Filipino public. I would rather have the straight-forward expose of GRP on what’s causing the nation to really stinks, than Rappler’s idea of hiding it under the bed.

        1. Pat Evangelista is overrated anyway. She’s just like Conrado de Quiros – all rhetorics, no substance. Magaling lang mag-English kaya bilib ang masa.

      3. “But rappler is referred to by many personalities”

        THAT line right there earns you the scorn of everyone with a properly operating brain

      4. Didn’t you notice the Mood/Feeling Test this site has, its mere feelings/subjective-base. This is just another form of ABS-CBN kind of journalism/broadcasting. New face but same tone. mere kind of unbalance journalism and broadcasting.

  1. In short, the Philippines is an INTELLECTUALLY BANKRUPT society; not the sort of place where intellectuals thrive, not an environment where innovation takes root, and certainly not a place where groundreaking change easily prospers.

    The national consciousness is captured more by the shallow spectacles, melodramatic populism, and reckless adventurism that appeal to the small minds of the poorly educated and ill-bred.

    And Pinoys wonder why the country remains the wretched laughingstock of the region that it is today.

    1. I couldn’t agree more. Philippines is that curious place where knowledge is often traded for ego. Philippines is that curious place where people refuse to “know” in order to “feel good.” 😛

      1. @straight path: Now you’re resorting to ad hominem attacks, huh? Typical spineless Yellowtard. 😛

      2. And you and your ilk deserve Panot.

        Enjoy your circle jerk with Pnoy, Llamas, Tupas, Quimbo, Lapid etc. with Valte, De Lima and Morales in the middle.

        Don’t forget to give an extra reach-around to Pnoy. 😛

      3. Oh yeah, and those who worship the Aquinos as demigods are not Brendas (brain damage). You never realize the fact that Noynoy has brain damage. Maybe you have one. 🙂

      4. And you deserve the stinking situation of the country! Kaso pati ako nadamay kahit nandito na nga sa abroad nagtratrabaho! Lugeeee!

      5. Hello @ straight path,

        Just some curious questions. And this is open to all who reads/follow GRP regardless of “political affiliations”.

        1. Do you condone traffic violations/violators?
        2. Do you think that with the “fixer” environment not being properly monitored and condoned by Filipinos promote a healthy and disciplined culture which can lead to the betterment of our nation?
        3. Do you think there is concrete economic improvement in our country to date?
        4. Do you think, we, Filipinos deserve the type of economy and government we have?

        Your sincere answers are greatly appreciated. 🙂

        1. @itchyBB

          We wouldn’t be faced with all your questions, to begin with, if we didn’t have the corrupt Coronas and Arroyos in our society.

          The Filipino people are thankful for Pnoy for leading the country awaout of a culture

        2. I would have appreciated a Yes or No answer on each question I posted. Rather I got a defensive and “blame game” one.
          It seems it is easier for you to point fingers than provide resolutions. Sabi nga ni Corona- MOVE ON.
          My questions are in present tense naman. Why always go back?

        3. I would have appreciated a Yes or No answer on each question I posted. Rather I got a defensive and “blame game” one.
          It seems it is easier for you to point fingers than provide resolutions. Sabi nga ni Corona- MOVE ON.
          My questions are in present tense naman. Why always go back?
          I guess the herd does not understand the concept “learn from the past”.
          If we keep blaming the past, it’s simply futile as it is over. We cannot rewind time. Sorry, I feel deeply disappointed with your answer.

        4. @crooked path:

          The root cause of the problem in our society is not corruption but the dysfunctional culture.

          Sorry, but we are thankful that GRP exists to educate people like you. You’re nothing but a delusional troll who loves to cling on mediocrity. THAT is what our culture is it needs to be taken out. And stop worshipping the Aquinos as demigods; it’s sos stupid.

        5. @itchyBB

          You will never get a straight answer out of straight path. Ironic, eh?

          @Daido

          Unfortunately, the yellow tards refuse to be educated by anyone who is not yellow. Best thing to do is round them up and send them to concentration ca- I mean, re-education happy fun camps.

    2. That would be the ultimate tragedy of this nation, to have everything around claimed by entropy and yet never question why it happened in the first place. Mediocrity is the keyword for today folks.

  2. Philippine society is the type where it would rather pull people down than push people up.

    So why are there certain people asking the ICC to reconsider her as a judge? Because she’ll make the Philippines a laughingstock? Hello? We don’t need her help in doing that; we’re perfectly fine showing the world just how laughable we are!

    Not the best delivery, always angry, etc., but if only Pinoys were more focused on substance instead of form, then they would see that MDS makes more sense than they think she does.

    Haaayz. Pinoys like being stupid and like being under a rock. THAT’s your social cancer for you.

    Just to relate this to something I wrote earlier, maybe MDS is “the final solution to Pinoy stupidity”. 😛

    1. If you want this country to turn around Elect MDS as Commander in Chief! It will be done and done quickly and by the rule of law

    2. “Not the best delivery, always angry, etc., but if only Pinoys were more focused on substance instead of form, then they would see that MDS makes more sense than they think she does.”

      The very essence of my article. In defending MDS, people automatically think I’m glorifying her manner of speaking, when it’s hardly even my point to begin with. If only Filipinos can see THROUGH her feisty attitude and try to understand what she’s actually trying to say… but then, I guess it’s too much to ask. 😛

      “Just to relate this to something I wrote earlier, maybe MDS is “the final solution to Pinoy stupidity”.”

      Heh heh, perhaps. 🙂

        1. Partly, yes. But what really got me going was that online petition urging Miriam to take a psychological test. 🙂

        2. Arche, by the way, mind if I use this write-up as a springboard for ideas, about the other side of the spectrum?

        3. Miriam represents extreme respect, even fanatical obsession with the law, even. On the other side of the spectrum, we have a senator who kept stressing just how much he/she doesn’t know. It’s the senator Noytards gravitated to. They claim that his/her speech vote was that of someone “humble”. If you know whom I’m talking about don’t mention it here yet 😛

        4. Arche, I admire your patience in rebutting every single one of those people who can’t seem to get the point here.

          As I always say, patience is a virtue, just not mine 😛

        5. Heh heh, well, it does help improve the way I express my thoughts. And they are also quite entertaining to talk to. 😛

          But yeah, I guess I’m just patient. XD

    3. Imagine if a typical Pinoy became an ICC judge, he/she would probably acquit the likes of Charles Taylor, Radovan Karadjic, and Matthew Brevik had they made a dramatic speech at the trial.

    4. “So why are there certain people asking the ICC to reconsider her as a judge? Because she’ll make the Philippines a laughingstock? Hello? We don’t need her help in doing that; we’re perfectly fine showing the world just how laughable we are!”

      Oh, I think she’ll make the Philippines a laughingstock. After all, one less sane man (woman, in this case) makes the rest of the batch more insane by comparison.

  3. How can Pinoy’s understand things much better if they want their lives to mirror a tele-novela?

    Whose responsibility is it to improve one’s life anyway?

    The rest of Filipinos may want change, but we maybe stuck with the political choices of Pinoys – forcing their actors, actresses and other what-have-yous on us…

    Hopefully, more people intellectuals and technocrats will win in next year’s elections.

  4. Our media is a reflection of us. The day noontime television and prime time over the air news changes is the day our society gets smarter . They will change to meet the better expectations of their audience. That day will probably come around the year 3462.

  5. I am a fan of your writings, but to dignify and justify the derranged mind of this creature called Santiago, through this article, is disappointing.

    1. But to dignify and justify the deranged mind of this creature called Straight Path, through his post, is disappointing. 😛

      Don’t be such an EMO loser and use your brain for once. Keep on defending our dysfunctional culture and see who has the deranged mind. Am I right, Yellow Zombie. 😀

    2. @StraightPath, perhaps first dignify us with an explanation first of what specifically it is about MDS’s mind that you consider to be “deranged”.

      Can you cite specific examples and describe using precise terms what in all of what MDS has publicly said so far you could justifiably describe as “deranged”?

      Do that and you can consider yourself entitled to a dignified answer. 😀

    3. @Nutzi straight(and wide) path

      MDS is a deranged mind and a creature? Thank you for hanging yourself and validating the kind of evil character you have. Your evil master must be proud of you. MDS record as a brilliant lawyer, judge, official and senator shines through!

      1. @Der Fuhrer — (mahilig sa GERMAN HOTDOG) (

        I refuse to have an intellegent discussion with someone not truthful about his sexual orientation.

        1. @straight path: Right and those who worship the Aquinos as demigods equals intelligence. We are putting more facts in this discussion than your empty rhetorics. Please do us a favor and state facts for once, not conspiracy theories and crap.

        2. A deserving username for you: straight path to fall off the cliff with your incompetence. You just can’t provide obvious facts and continues to be a delusional lemming.

        3. Ah the Slur card has been played good for people who are being outmaneuvered intellectually. Seriously you are resorting to name calling? Mediocre…..

        4. @Nutzi straight(and wide) path.

          I love German sausage. The kind you boil. A culinary treat from one family friend of the Hahn clan. Unlike you my lewd friend… I do not have sexual abnormalities or a depraved mind. I am secure in the fact that I am a straight male.

  6. How I wish Patricia Evangelista would read this article right now. Her article about the “failed state of Miriam Santiago” is so much celebrated in Rappler. Very nice article Arche.

  7. Sometimes I can’t help but to ponder that Rizal himself contributed to the ‘ruin’ of the intellectual/philosopher archetype in the character of Pilisopo Tasyo. Well I think if he could write written off a character like Tasyo with utmost respect even for some few good men then I guess modern Filipinos would have the same degree of appreciating modern intellectuals. I could be wrong though.

    About MDS, we all know that she has been labelled “crackpot” in the guise of “Brenda (portmanteau for “brain damage”) almost two decades ago by the ancient yellow media then, thus resulting to a great impact on her public image. It is infuriating and disappointing to realize that the primeval ad hominem still exist today on a different degree. Even her son got himself killed because of the pressures of name callings to her mom.

    Aguirre is a coward.

  8. 1. Is “strong personality” a euphemism for arrogance, conceit, and unbecoming behavior?

    2. LOL Argumentum ad hominem. It’s like when Miriam calls everyone idiots and say that her fellow lawyer-senators only practiced law for just a short period of time compared to her being a trial judge.

    3. So kailan pa nagbubulyaw ang nagsasabi ng paulit-ulit na “kagaguhan” si Pilosopo Tasyo. Know your novels, first. Pilosopo Tasyo lives a meek life, and is highly observant and contemplative of the things around him. But, Miriam, well, she has “strong personality.” You have a false, stupid, and undeserving analogy right there. Even the intelligent Miriam Defensor-Santiago would call this a “kagaguhan” if she ever read this.

    1. Miriam owns one of the most expensive houses in Quezon City and her neighbor is Gloria. Shows why she sided with the corrupt.

      1. And Fishball have sided with the intellectually BANKRUPT, which is another form of corruption. It’s just more than just stealing.

        You’re too immature. It’s like saying “I don’t want to grow up! I want to cry like a baby just like PNoy!” Waaaaah!

    2. 1. No.

      2. Look up the definition of argumentum ad hominem. Miriam is committing argumentum ad hominem if she’s disproving an argument STRICTLY through attacking one’s personality (and that’s fallacious). On the contrary, she is actually giving her reasons (and from a legal perspective at that) why she disagrees. So, yeah. Your example is invalid.

      3. (I’m expecting this objection) Oh, thank you, but I know my novels quite well. You might as well point out that Pilosopo Tasyo is a man, while Miriam is a woman. Of course there are differences between the philosopher and the senator, but I have highlighted their striking similarity; they’re both smart but ridiculed. I’m quite satisfied with how I have explained the analogy I’ve established, thank you. Heh heh heh. 🙂

      Other than these points, you haven’t really addressed the point of my article: after all our hate-mongering towards Miriam, have we even bothered to understand what she’s saying?

      We Filipinos are so preoccupied with how she says things, that we forget what she actually said. I’m not dictating what people should feel. I only ask this important question: what do you do next? ^^

      1. You have much chance pleading with sun not rise that appealing to this people’s intellect. As the whole rotten dance called impeachment has shown most people care about the form not the substance of things.

  9. Yes, I get what she is saying; yes, I am overawed by her intellectual acumen; but could she say things more respectfully? I mean, it’s not that great a leap to develop tact; someone with her erudition and education should be able to figure out how to clothe that iron fist.

    1. When you’re surrounded by people who wouldn’t really choose to uphold the law, you’d be pretty pissed too. It’s the fact that she often makes a point is important.

      Think of her as a Senator version of Chef Gordon Ramsay.

    2. Guess what? Even the Lord Jesus Christ didn’t minced His words when he called the Pharisees and Sadducees HYPOCRITES in front of many people. He even showed His fury when He saw the people of Israel disrespecting the temple. And though the people of Israel saw the miracles and wisdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, they still chose to free the convicted thief! I’m not comparing MDS to the Lord, but the situation is eerily familiar.

      1. actually…. vexation caused by…. stubborn stupidity is withing the bounds of righteousness…. i think it’s covered under “righteous indignation”

  10. what rule of law is she talking about, it has already been served, we are a nation full of laws and we don’t know where to start implementing it, puro dak dak lang si miriam, shes a fuckin retard. Yes the impeachment may have started politically but corona is the first to be tried, naghahanap p sya ng lusot we should start somwhere, the path to redemption may be cloudy but it pays when we all see it through… miriam may have a good command of the language but she is blabbing words, she is a nuisance then and still is… the nation needs to move on and we can’t be delayed by backing the person who appears to be intellectual. Corona’s case is a question not of administrative in nature but of integrity… he lacks that part and it may have been politically purported, it still falls on the hot plate… kabish

    1. Like MDS, she suspects hypocrisy when the 20 senators voted for the guilty verdict. You said that Corona lacks integrity, but PNoy and his minions, do they have have integrity?

      Congratulations, you’re a total retard with what you wrote. 😀

    2. I bet all you can hear in your sleep is MDS calling you “an insult to the intelligence of Filipinos” and “gago”

      To the author, a quote from Oscar Wilde:
      “There is no sin except stupidity.”

      1. Author, quote is not directed towards you, but perhaps it relates in one way, shape, or form to MDS and what your article is trying to say about her 😛

      1. That’s very laughable. The fact is that the prosecution and senators like Drilon are the ones who are bullies. Oh, even PNoy is a bully.

        Any sane person should never be a defender of ‘selective’ justice. At least Miriam wasn’t like that.

        Fishball is a magnet for humiliation but what do you expect from a sadist? 😛

      2. Hirap siguro ng trabaho mo? Biruin mo, punta ka sa mga ganitong site, put up some emo arguments, then gets lambasted because of your failed logic! Buti at nababasa mo pa itong mga ito. Grabe ang lakas ng loob mo! Kakaiba ka! Siguro malaki sahod mo kaya tiis-tiis na lang. Kunsabagay, mahirap nga naman maghanap ng trabaho sa Pinas ngayon! Ipagpatuloy mo lang yan! Dalhin mo kasi yung mga kasama mo dito para may kakampi ka! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

    3. And may I ask Jeric what is your definition of integrity? And nuisance?

      Para calibrated ang lahat.

      Who are the people who have better integrity than Miriam in this impeachment trial Jeric?

    1. Incompetence and stupidity is also gago. You didn’t even realized the fact that corruption is not the government, but the PEOPLE.

      Fishball just sold his soul to the god of dysfunction and mediocrity. Am I right? 😛

    2. Kris, shouldn’t you be out trolling for another married man? . I love your alias since you are as cheap as a Quiapo sidewalk fishball.

    3. @Nutzi Fishball

      LOL! For the first time you made me laugh! A contradiction in terms and an unproved judgement call. That shows how your defective mind works. Here is the real truth. YOU are the gago and you sold your soul to your dark, yellow master.

    4. binasa ko yung threads of argument… and frankly speaking you should read the article here GRP about learning how to shut up….

  11. Miriam had said in the past that she wants to be struck by lightning or shoot herself in the leg. But why not do it? Ika nga ni Sen.Jinggoy, “Sinungaling ka”

    1. Because God Himself didn’t want her do that since she’s doing the right thing. You fail again attention whore.

    2. @Nutzi Fishball

      You are a real attention nymphomaniac. Not the intellectual type. Most certainly not the logical type. Your mind satisfaction level seems to be insatiable. Can’t get it yet?

    3. Am I detecting a hint of desperation in your posts pathetic troll or you really just want some attention?

  12. nice article arche.
    it’s heart breaking. parang wala na talaga pagasa ang pinas umasenso kase mas nakikinig sa mga tsismis kaysa common sense, logic & facts. philippines outcast people who can actually change this country for the better.

    1. Thank you for the compliment! 🙂

      Yes, it saddens me, too. Watching Filipinos immerse themselves in cheap-o showbiz media tricks, watching them join the anti-intellectual bandwagon… it’s tragic, really. 🙁

  13. Gosh. When matched against the likes of Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Tito Sotto, and Trillanes (the kind that meeja love because of their “charms”), any intelligent person will definitely seem crazy.

    And since old Miriam definitely cannot suffer fools coming in buckets (i.e. Rappler, Lopez meeja), she just has to give back what they dish out.

  14. Sad to know that most of us (pinoy) keep on calling Sen. Santiago “insane”. Very good article Arche I almost cried while reading it.

    I just hope our voices will become majority for the sake of our nation. Having Arche, Ilda, Benigno and other bloggers and writers, we can assure that they will keep giving us information or situation on the other side of it. Thank you guys and keep it up. =D

    1. “Sad to know that most of us (pinoy) keep on calling Sen. Santiago “insane”.”

      It’s how it is in this country. You know too much, or prove to be smart? You’re considered weird at best, an affront to existence at worst.

      1. It’s like that situation where a person who is fluent in English is often picked by others who are that fluent.

  15. Arche

    Those who criticize Miriam seldom if ever find fault in the well-researched legal arguments she usually presents in her speech; and their criticisms are always merely directed instead at her open, brutally frank manner of delivering her message which, of course, do not in any way affect the validity of her arguments at all. Some of the more abusive critics even resort to infantile name-calling which, again, has no bearing whatsoever on the quality of Miriam’s reasoning.

    But Miriam’s childish detractors (those who find it difficult to even understand what she is talking about in the first place) should be reminded that, as a duly elected Senator of the Land, she is entitled to enjoy the immunity laid down in Section 11, Article VI:

    “No Member shall be questioned nor be held liable in any other place for any speech or debate in the Congress or in any committee thereof.”

    This immunity is derived from the very same “natural” immunity that We, the sovereign Filipino people, enjoy absolutely whenever a citizen criticizes government–“No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech …” (Article III, Section 4)

    1. Indeed, Mr. Domingo Arong. I have yet to see a detractor actually address the content–the essence of Miriam’s lectures. Instead, many haters resort to unadulterated insults to feel good about themselves, and to give themselves the illusion that they have in fact, disproved Miriam’s arguments.

      “Such is the beauty of argumentum ad hominem.”

      Thanks for your input! 🙂

        1. The horror really, to think he got away clean evading taxes from quarrying activities in Pampanga. This excludes the environmental impact his quarrying activities in the province has caused.

  16. The 20 senators who voted to convict anchored their decision on emotional populist appeal, not on solid legal ground, because the prosecution was unable to establish any. It is a bad precdent. Miriam is right, it was kagaguhan from the start.

  17. I’m not of legal mind, neither, I am an intellectual. However, I have good education that helped me judge things in proper perspective. Philosopong Tasio, was a character, Rizal observed on Filipinos, during his time. These people are still with us…along with the hypocrite: Padre Damaso…the Priest who have sexual relations, with Kapitan Tiago’s wife; resulting to a: Maria Clara…Can you see the hypocrisy, we still have in our times? Study the Theories of German Psychologist: Carl Jung, about the realm of the Unconscious Mind, on group of people…and you can comprehend, why we are, as we are…with the YelowTard Media always airing their propagandas: we have already degenerated to Wowoowee people…

  18. Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
    and listen to others,
    even to the dull and the ignorant;
    They too have their story.
    -Desiderata

    I think they (anti-bookish, anti-intellectual) took this in the wrong context.

  19. I was just wondering what if MDS really won the presidency during the 1992 elections, can you imagine how our lives as Filipinos today would be so much different perhaps better?

    I don’t really know much about what happened because I was just born during that time. I heard there was cheating along with blackouts during the counting of votes which if true would make it literally one of the darkest periods in our nation’s history and I would really like to hear the opinions of those who experienced that said election 20 years ago.

    I’m dead curious about this. Pretty please enlighten me dear GRP folks.

  20. Lito Lapid — the hero of our time. Even if he is just a highschool graduate, he is able to discern the truth and stand up for it.

    Brenda — the biggest joke in Philippine politics.

    1. I agree that more Lito Lapids must enter the senate so the truth will prevail and humility will remain. I disagree with Santiago for she is a hypocrite supporting a corrupt chief justice.

        1. I’m convinced not only that, but is being an idiot on purpose just to waste everyone’s breath and time. It’s best to just ignore the guy if that thing(I refuse to think of Fishball as a person) will just spam yellow statements all day and not listen.

      1. @ Fishcrap

        And you my retarded “friend” is also a hypocrite for supporting a hypocrite of a president.

        He can’t even sign a f*ckin waiver, how can you still trust him when he had promised that when he was campaigning for the presidential election?

        You clearly have too much yellow crap in your brain.

        1. They are still trying to hide the inaccuracies of their SALNs. Pusta ako after 2months mag sign na sila. LOL.

      2. Fact: Corona is corrupt because that is what the media tells you. We don’t need Lito Lapids in society because what he showed is idiocy, not humility becaause if he was that humble, then he should’ve voted for abstain, not the guilty verdict.

        Miriam has something to say to you: those who voted for the guilty verdict speaks hypocrisy. Sa tignin mo kaya, malinis ka? Well, you’ll never answer my question because it will be a stupid one. Very anti-intellectual at its worst. Astig, ‘no?

        Requesting for deletion of Fishball’s comments since he is spamming this website.

    2. @crooked path:

      Laughable, indeed. Will you trust an actor than a constitutional expert? The sad reality is that most Filipinos hate critically thinking SMART people.

      QFT: We will never move forward as a country if apelyidos, athletes and artistas always matter. They’re the ones who made the Philippines as a laughingstock 😀

  21. nice article and i enjoyed reading it… i watched the impeachment trial from day one up to the verdict… and among all the senators MDS was the one who gave clear and insightful statements… i laud MDS because she is someone who, in my opinion, every filipino should be proud of…. her achievement in ICC was not her only contribution to the country… but when she was younger she became the epitome of what good governance should be about… she was recognized internationally as the iron butterfly of Asia because of her excellent job in, as far as i can remember, the Bureau of Immigration (not really sure if this is the gov’t sector she worked with)…….. i got these information when i read her biography….

    1. Thanks for reading, juliancrax! Indeed, if only Filipinos would see through Miriam’s way of speaking which they’re soooo preoccupied with…

  22. First off, comparing Miriam with Pilosopo Tasyo is an exaggeration to the max. Pilosopo Tasyo as the character in the ‘Noli’ is known to aspire for reforms from the government which Miriam is not. Nobody sees her as a reformer.

    As to the label, during her presidential campaign, Miriam was known as “Bren-da” (brain damage). Definitely, ‘pilosopo’ or sage is different from “bren-da”.

    The author above asked why the Filipinos did not even bother to inquire what the ejusdem generis rule means? And why they did not even try to find out to understand why Miriam acquitted Corona? He also asked why Filipinos not not even attempt to understand what Miriam had to say about this quasi-political, quasi-judicial process?

    Well, let me tell you why the Filipinos failed to do that. It was Miriam’s fault. She clearly emphasized and imparted on her message those you mentioned are not important and not really the meat of his speech. She opted to highlight the dramatics, the insults, braggadocio and arrogance in emotionally expressing the hatred in her heart because she did not agree with the majority decision. There is NOTHING Pilosopo Tasyo-like there.

    Why will you question the Filipino for not understanding Miriam if she herself do not wish to be understood? She buried the sensible, serious and relevant parts of her reason for voting otherwise by focusing on her on the pain she was feeling because people and circumstances happened to disagree with her. She opted to play before the camera emotion-laden and spewing offensive words meant to ridicule and hurt. And you asked why the Filipinos missed the best parts in her decision?

    Lastly, instead of Pilosopo Tasyo, for me, she should be compared with Annabelle Rama, instead.

    1. “First off, comparing Miriam with Pilosopo Tasyo is an exaggeration to the max. Pilosopo Tasyo as the character in the ‘Noli’ is known to aspire for reforms from the government which Miriam is not. Nobody sees her as a reformer.”

      You didn’t even acknowledge the reason I gave for comparing her to Pilosopo Tasyo? That’s just sad. 🙁

      As I have said:

      “Of course there are differences between the philosopher and the senator, but I have highlighted their striking similarity; they’re both smart but ridiculed.”

      “As to the label, during her presidential campaign, Miriam was known as “Bren-da” (brain damage). Definitely, ‘pilosopo’ or sage is different from “bren-da”.”

      You’re justifying your position by using a childish insult the Filipino people created to antagonize Miriam?

      “Well, let me tell you why the Filipinos failed to do that. It was Miriam’s fault. She clearly emphasized and imparted on her message those you mentioned are not important and not really the meat of his speech. She opted to highlight the dramatics, the insults, braggadocio and arrogance in emotionally expressing the hatred in her heart because she did not agree with the majority decision. There is NOTHING Pilosopo Tasyo-like there.”

      In other words, you just picked on the manner she spoke. That’s exactly what I was trying to say in my article. 🙂

      Most of us Filipinos are so absorbed by Miriam’s manner of speaking that we forget what she actually said. Basically, you’re trying to justify your position by arguing that the reason why Filipinos do not understand Miriam is because of the way she speaks. You’re a perfect example of my article! Thank you, thank you! 🙂

      This specific part of my article comes to mind:

      “As I end this article, I appeal to those who claim that she’s insane, to those who claim that she’s a bully and to those who claim Miriam does not intend to reach out to us laymen:

      Have we attempted to reach out to her in turn?”

      Why don’t you guys search for the answers yourselves, rather than bash Miriam for not giving you the satisfaction of readily having them? We’re not complaining. 😛

      This same comment also addresses the next paragraph of yours.

      “Lastly, instead of Pilosopo Tasyo, for me, she should be compared with Annabelle Rama, instead.”

      Uh, okay. You’re entitled to your opinion. 😛

      1. And this Jonas is Eddie Gutierrez!

        “Definitely, ‘pilosopo’ or sage is different from “bren-da”.”

        Pwe!!!

        The word pilosopo is in our vernacular but I still have to see bren-da to be among with them.

        Parang “kapulisan” (instead of pulis or pulisya),if that is the case, then “kamagsasakahan” or kakarpenterohan” is acceptable.

        Kabastusan is a part of our vernacular.

        For me, the best argument is if they can’t twist it around, hindi ka pwedeng pilosopohin, just like what MDS has been doing in the impeachment.

        And the best way to rebut an argument is to philosophize its context. And Miriam has been know with that.

        1. Me, Eddie Gutierrez? Thanks man! First time somebody complimented me for my looks and you have not even seen me! Fantastic!

          But seriously, if that’s the way you formulate your opinion on issues or people, I’m afraid that you’re going to have problems explaining them.

          Well, if you really think Miriam is a pilosopo, fine. I’m not going to argue with you on that. I just gave my two cents about it because her being an Annabelle Rama wannabe fits more likely than being a pilosopo.

  23. Talagang gago si Miriam
    dahil bilang isang batikang
    judge, hindi man lang n’ya
    naipakita kung gaano siya
    katindi mag-isip at
    bumitaw ng mga katagang karapat-dapat sa
    sitwasyon. “Gago” ang
    tanging salita ang naiburda
    ng mahusay na judge na si
    Miriam sa impeachment
    trial. Sayang, marami pa namang bilib sa ‘yo pero
    “gago” lang na salita ang
    pwede mong ipamahagi sa
    kanila bilang
    pagpapaliwanag ng iyong
    boto. Harinawa’y hindi maging
    mga gago rin ang mga
    umiidolo sa ‘yo. Gago.

    1. Si Fishball ang tunay na GAGO na sinasamba ang kasalukuyang presidente na GAGO ng mga GAGO. Bakit? dahil BOBO ka, WALA KANG ALAM at HINDI KA MARUNONG MAG-ISIP.

      We can never move forward as a country if most of Filipinos like you are INTELLECTUALLY BANKRUPT. Also, you’re comments are based on emotions rather than rational thinking. Si Fishball ang tunay na GAGO he wants to destroy this country and dragging it down in the mud. What a sadist. 😛

    2. Fishball – I agree when you said ‘maraming bilib’ kay Miriam and I’m one of those people. Until she went berserk.

  24. You didn’t even acknowledge the reason I gave for comparing her to Pilosopo Tasyo? That’s just sad.

    As I have said:

    “Of course there are differences between the philosopher and the senator, but I have highlighted their striking similarity; they’re both smart but ridiculed.”

    -I agree with on the above but still, Pilosopo Tasyo is different from Miriam in the sense that his objective is for the good of everyone. Miriam’s is for herself. She uses her knowledge and expertise in the law to show to everyone how good she is. How intelligent she is; how perfect she is. At least, that’s the impression she was sending.

    You’re justifying your position by using a childish insult the Filipino people created to antagonize Miriam?

    -It may be childish insult to you but remember the clue came from Miriam herself. Look, without those theatrics and O.A. antics (which was uncalled for) Miriam did and she just stuck on her reason based on legal principles (which was expected her being a judge), I’m very, very sure nobody will raise a howl against her decision or criticize her. “Gago” or “kagaguhan” did not come from the people watching her speak justifying her vote.

    In other words, you just picked on the manner she spoke. That’s exactly what I was trying to say in my article.

    -Not only on the manner she spoke but also how arrogantly and disrespectfully she conducted herself in front of everyone. She made a fool of herself actually. Imagine a judge, an RTC judge at that swagger with conrtempt before the Senate Hall acting as if he’s the most powerful person in the country. The rightful one. The intelligent one. A Lorenzo Ruiz-like one.

    Most of us Filipinos are so absorbed by Miriam’s manner of speaking that we forget what she actually said. Basically, you’re trying to justify your position by arguing that the reason why Filipinos do not understand Miriam is because of the way she speaks. You’re a perfect example of my article! Thank you, thank you!

    -I don’t remember saying the Filipinos do not understand Miriam. You misread my post. Actually, they understand her enough to see her lose her head on the proceedings by focusing on the scandalous and shameful expression of herself. She showed them the bad Miriam Defensor Santiago and they acknowledge it by pointing out the badness in her.

    This specific part of my article comes to mind:

    “As I end this article, I appeal to those who claim that she’s insane, to those who claim that she’s a bully and to those who claim Miriam does not intend to reach out to us laymen:

    Have we attempted to reach out to her in turn?”

    -Why will you appeal for Miriam? She’s intelligent; she’s not dumb. She knows what she’s doing. She’s better than everyone. Let her do the right thing.

    Me, personally, I’m not going to reach out to someone who showed me with contempt that she’s better than the institution she represent by disrespecting it.

    Why don’t you guys search for the answers yourselves, rather than bash Miriam for not giving you the satisfaction of readily having them? We’re not complaining.

    -Search for answers? There is no answer to search because there was no question posed. Everything Miriam did was very clear. She was arrogant, scornful, disrespectful, derisive, very negative and absolutely abusive.

    This same comment also addresses the next paragraph of yours.

    “Lastly, instead of Pilosopo Tasyo, for me, she should be compared with Annabelle Rama, instead.”

    Uh, okay. You’re entitled to your opinion.

    -I’m sorry but the resemblance with Annabelle Rama is crystal clear.

    1. @Jonas Ungas:

      I’m very sorry but you just got blinded by showbiz tsismis and because of your EMONESS. I’m very sorry but the fact is you’re INTELLECTUALLY BANKRUPT.

      Fact is that the likes of you, who are vindictive, malicious and those who cry for blood like the angry mob, are those who can be considered as ‘BRENDA’.

      BOBO ka lang. 😛 We are stating facts here are all of your spouting are all rhetorics.

    2. I have read everything you had to say, and I was right in expecting that you would argue from her personality and manner of speaking alone. 😛

      “-I agree with on the above but still, Pilosopo Tasyo is different from Miriam in the sense that his objective is for the good of everyone. Miriam’s is for herself. She uses her knowledge and expertise in the law to show to everyone how good she is. How intelligent she is; how perfect she is. At least, that’s the impression she was sending.”

      If we’re talking about impressions, then I’d rather not argue with you on such grounds, as we’re not dealing with facts anymore. 🙂

      Your next three replies speak well of my article’s message. You did nothing but pick on Miriam’s way of speaking and her conduct as you see them. But will you believe me if I told you that I didn’t even try justifying her manners? Read my article again. 🙂

      I’m expounding on the fact that people miss the gold in her words because they’re preoccupied with their damaged egos as Miriam basically berated the vindictiveness of many Filipinos, disregarding due process of law.

      Can’t you see? This is a constant problem in the country. When we see or hear someone that does not agree with our “values” or “ego,” we start bashing that person. Forget what she’s actually trying to say, she hurt us, and that’s reason enough not to listen to her! 😛

      No wonder our society is riddled with intellectual bankruptcy.

      “-I don’t remember saying the Filipinos do not understand Miriam. You misread my post. Actually, they understand her enough to see her lose her head on the proceedings by focusing on the scandalous and shameful expression of herself. She showed them the bad Miriam Defensor Santiago and they acknowledge it by pointing out the badness in her.”

      Actually, you just showed how many Filipinos understood NOTHING, as they only concerned themselves with the form of Miriam’s speech, and not its substance, which is far more important. I read your post just fine. 🙂

      “-Why will you appeal for Miriam? She’s intelligent; she’s not dumb. She knows what she’s doing. She’s better than everyone. Let her do the right thing.”

      You make it sound like that Miriam actually thinks she’s better than everyone, when you have nothing more than your “impression” to guide your reasoning. 😛

      “Me, personally, I’m not going to reach out to someone who showed me with contempt that she’s better than the institution she represent by disrespecting it.”

      Are Filipinos actually this spoiled? 🙁

      Miriam hurt me, so I don’t give a hoot about what she said. Miriam hurt me, so she is contemptible and arrogant… because she hurt me! She should approach me and say sorry, and maybe I’ll forgive her. Also, she should just give us her knowledge, since she’s in power. It’s not our job to think for ourselves so we can understand Miriam outright.

      Honestly, must people really conform to your standards to warrant your full attention? 🙁

      “-Search for answers? There is no answer to search because there was no question posed. Everything Miriam did was very clear. She was arrogant, scornful, disrespectful, derisive, very negative and absolutely abusive.”

      Perfect example of my article. Again, I thank you. 🙂

      “-I’m sorry but the resemblance with Annabelle Rama is crystal clear.”

      As I said, you’re entitled to your opinion. 😛

      1. Arche – I have read everything you had to say, and I was right in expecting that you would argue from her personality and manner of speaking alone.

        *But isn’t those (personality/manner/speech) relevant and important especially on Miriam’s status? Public officials need to be seen as good examples for their people. Don’t tell me I was wrong in arguing based on that principle.
        =======================================

        If we’re talking about impressions, then I’d rather not argue with you on such grounds, as we’re not dealing with facts anymore.

        *You cannot separate the two (impression & facts). The fact was Miriam used offensive words and going ballistic. And it created a negative impression on her. So how can you say we’re not dealing with facts anymore? Impressions more often are borne out from facts.
        =======================================

        But will you believe me if I told you that I didn’t even try justifying her manners? Read my article again.

        *You may not have justified Miriam’s manners but subsequently you did.
        =======================================

        I’m expounding on the fact that people miss the gold in her words because they’re preoccupied with their damaged egos as Miriam basically berated the vindictiveness of many Filipinos, disregarding due process of law.

        *I disagree. People did not miss anything in her speech. And the reason why I said that was they listened to her. They listened to all senators/judges in fact. But Miriam, on her part, chose to highlight rusts in her speech instead of the gold and the saw that. They did not miss it. I didn’t.

        And why would Miriam focus on berating the ‘vindictiveness of many Filipinos’ on a moment wherein her expertise and knowledge in the law was highly expected. Why, as a former RTC judge, would she instead choose to be very negative on a moment wherein she should be been sharing knowledge with everyone in terms of legal technicalities, sound and practical reasoning and basic wisdom? Why did she stooped that low?
        =======================================

        Miriam hurt me, so I don’t give a hoot about what she said. Miriam hurt me, so she is contemptible and arrogant… because she hurt me! She should approach me and say sorry, and maybe I’ll forgive her. Also, she should just give us her knowledge, since she’s in power. It’s not our job to think for ourselves so we can understand Miriam outright.

        Honestly, must people really conform to your standards to warrant your full attention?

        *Actually, Miriam hurt herself. Anything she did in the impeachment trial hurt her. She didn’t hurt me but I must admit she disappointed me. Maybe I was expecting too much from her. Among the senators/judges, I expect more from those with legal backgrounds/lawyers. Impeachment trial, even if they say it’s half-half, political & legal, still requires more or less legal knowlege. And for Miriam, a former judge, she’s already way, way out in front compared with the other judges in terms of broadmindedness and coverage of the law. And then, kaboom! What happened?

        It’s like watching Kobe Bryant play in a championship game and fouled out in the first quarter. What was that? Where’s the experience? The savvy? The common sense? The wisdom?

        So you see, it really stinks.

        1. I like how you separated your replies with equal signs. Thanks. 🙂

          “But isn’t those (personality/manner/speech) relevant and important especially on Miriam’s status? Public officials need to be seen as good examples for their people. Don’t tell me I was wrong in arguing based on that principle.”

          You seem to miss my point. I am not justifying Miriam’s way of speaking. I repeat: I am NOT justifying Miriam’s way of speaking. Her style is a matter of preference on our part; some may like her way of speaking, some may not. That’s it.

          What I’m concerned about (and I’ve pointed this out in my article) is how most Filipinos get stuck on that side of Miriam’s; they don’t bother trying to figure out what she ACTUALLY said. They were hurt… and they were hurt. Nothing follows. I’m pretty sure I’ve said this line a couple of times already.

          And since you, once again, argued solely on the basis of Miriam’s manners, I had to say the following:

          “I have read everything you had to say, and I was right in expecting that you would argue from her personality and manner of speaking alone.”

          “You cannot separate the two (impression & facts). The fact was Miriam used offensive words and going ballistic. And it created a negative impression on her. So how can you say we’re not dealing with facts anymore? Impressions more often are borne out from facts.”

          “Don’t judge the book by its cover.”

          Impressions do matter (it is an innate survival mechanism), but they are at times unfounded or imprecise. Impressions aren’t facts: they are personal opinions patterned to our personal preferences. 🙂

          “You may not have justified Miriam’s manners but subsequently you did.”

          Oh. Would you be so kind as to quote a statement of mine that blatantly justifies this claim of yours? 🙂

          “I disagree. People did not miss anything in her speech. And the reason why I said that was they listened to her. They listened to all senators/judges in fact. But Miriam, on her part, chose to highlight rusts in her speech instead of the gold and the saw that. They did not miss it. I didn’t.”

          Yes, you guys really saw the “rust” you speak of, I can clearly see that. But have you dug your way to find the gold in Miriam’s speech, which is a free lecture on due process of law?

          You yourself said it: you said the people noticed the “rust” you claim Miriam “highlighted.” You also said that you didn’t miss the “rust.” So what about the “gold”? 🙂

          See, this is what I was trying to say. Repeatedly. You only see the way Miriam spoke, but you refuse to see WHAT she spoke.

          Talk about arguing in circles. 🙁

          “And why would Miriam focus on berating the ‘vindictiveness of many Filipinos’ on a moment wherein her expertise and knowledge in the law was highly expected. Why, as a former RTC judge, would she instead choose to be very negative on a moment wherein she should be been sharing knowledge with everyone in terms of legal technicalities, sound and practical reasoning and basic wisdom? Why did she stooped that low?”

          Because “vindictiveness,” first and foremost, is unlawful. Filipinos who supported the prosecution’s dirty tactics just to have Corona convicted, in utter disregard of the law, should be reminded of what due process of law means. You may not like her style, but the fact that she berated the people to begin with is fine. In berating the people for their mishaps, she is actually giving them the legal knowledge they need. 🙂

          “Actually, Miriam hurt herself. Anything she did in the impeachment trial hurt her. She didn’t hurt me but I must admit she disappointed me. Maybe I was expecting too much from her. Among the senators/judges, I expect more from those with legal backgrounds/lawyers. Impeachment trial, even if they say it’s half-half, political & legal, still requires more or less legal knowlege. And for Miriam, a former judge, she’s already way, way out in front compared with the other judges in terms of broadmindedness and coverage of the law. And then, kaboom! What happened?”

          Many people were too onion-skinned to separate their ego from their thinking. Kaboom! That’s what happened.

          “So you see, it really stinks.”

          Yes, it really stinks that you merely reworded your sentiments about Miriam’s way of speaking, while still avoiding the point which I actually raised: did we Filipinos exert efforts to understand the essence of her lecture, the importance of due process, despite being “hurt” by her intimidating demeanor?

          Summary:

          1. I never justified Miriam’s way of speaking. I can’t tell people what to feel, and we’re entitled to our emotions.

          2. My ACTUAL point is that many Filipinos don’t bother to understand the essence of Miriam’s speech, the importance of due process, because they’re too busy caressing their damaged egos.

          Is this clear enough? ^^

        2. Arche – What I’m concerned about (and I’ve pointed this out in my article) is how most Filipinos get stuck on that side of Miriam’s; they don’t bother trying to figure out what she ACTUALLY said. They were hurt… and they were hurt.

          *Let me just clarify my position. I’m speaking against Miriam on how she handled herself during the impeachment trial. And what I’m saying are all from me. Not from Filipinos. I only included them to the discussion because you talked about them. It’s as if there was a conspiracy among them, including me, to put down Miriam.

          Overall, what I’m getting from you is the idea of why not give Miriam a chance to be understood. To let her mistakes pass and focus on the correct things she said. That’s no problem with me so long as those who understood or who saw the gold in her speech acknowledge also her error and mistakes.

          And contrary to what you said, Miriam was not judged like a cover of a book. In the impeachment trial, Miriam hid nothing; her self-control was off; her modesty was non-existent and I suspect that even the Senate Code of Conduct is useless to her. In short, she was an open book. You don’t have to guess what and who she was at the time. So you see, there’s no reason to focus on the cover because everything is already out in the open.

          Like most people, I saw the gold in her speech but it was quickly diluted by the acerbic power of the rust that followed. It’s like a joke that was funny but the delivery was off. Hence, the audience did not get the punchline.

          Like they said, timing is everything. But I guess it does not apply to Miriam.
          —–

          Arche – See, this is what I was trying to say. Repeatedly. You only see the way Miriam spoke, but you refuse to see WHAT she spoke.

          *Do you really expect the speech of Miriam to appear on the book of great speeches? Remove the negative, the dramatics and the hullabaloo, it was a decent one. Should have been.
          —–

          Arche – Because “vindictiveness,” first and foremost, is unlawful. Filipinos who supported the prosecution’s dirty tactics just to have Corona convicted, in utter disregard of the law, should be reminded of what due process of law means.

          *Whoa, slow down now! I don’t think there’s vindictiveness there and let me tell you why. Corona was given his day in court. Due process was accorded to him. The score was 20-3. There were more lawyers in the 20 than in the 3. The defense panel never mouthed as a defense the things that I have been reading here and in other blogs/forum. Lastly, Corona, himself, accepted the decision of the court.
          —–

          Arche – You may not like her style, but the fact that she berated the people to begin with is fine. In berating the people for their mishaps, she is actually giving them the legal knowledge they need.

          *It’s not about her style my friend. It’s about her attitude. And why will she berate the people? That I really don’t get the point. Before she berates the people she should berate first the other judges first.

        3. @Jonas: Fact is that you’re actually TROLLING. 😀

          What Arche said is very true. There IS vindictiveness in the impeachment court. Those who voted for Corona’s conviction are more like politicians than lawyers. Only 3 of them are REAL lawyers and they never used politics after all. Bongbong Marcos has a point: the senators should voted with knowledge and w/o fear or favor. In fact, the 20 senators voted for conviction to save their asses from the angry mob, which you are part of. 😀 Corona following the decision of the IC proves that he is a man of virtue unlike PNoy and his allies who defies the rule of law yet many idiots (including yourself) have alluded to them thanks to the media. Yes, it’s all POLITICS and you got manipulated after all.

          “It’s not about her style my friend. It’s about her attitude.”

          And what kind of attitude you want for her? Actually, it’s laughable if someone prefer Lito Lapid since he is ‘humble’ but will you believe a high school graduate than a constitutional expert? There is a reason why never put artistas into politics. Also, onion-skinned people are annoying. 😛

        4. “Let me just clarify my position. I’m speaking against Miriam on how she handled herself during the impeachment trial.”

          Unfortunately, that’s exactly my problem. I am not here to debate the legitimacy of Miriam’s conduct, because how you receive Miriam’s way of speaking is a matter of “personal preference” or “emotional stability.” 🙂

          “I only included them to the discussion because you talked about them. It’s as if there was a conspiracy among them, including me, to put down Miriam.”

          Way to go, our intrepid conspiracy theorist. And no, you started the conduct thing, not me. 😛

          “Overall, what I’m getting from you is the idea of why not give Miriam a chance to be understood. To let her mistakes pass and focus on the correct things she said. That’s no problem with me so long as those who understood or who saw the gold in her speech acknowledge also her error and mistakes.”

          You’re striking a deal? Understanding someone is now conditional? 🙂

          Anyway, you’re completely free to interpret Miriam’s conduct as good or bad. It doesn’t matter to me, as we’re entitled to our feelings. But you can’t force others to comply with your own views. This is why I dislike debating about what one should FEEL. 🙂

          “So you see, there’s no reason to focus on the cover because everything is already out in the open.”

          Tell me more about how you personally know her. 🙂

          “Like most people, I saw the gold in her speech but it was quickly diluted by the acerbic power of the rust that followed. It’s like a joke that was funny but the delivery was off. Hence, the audience did not get the punchline.”

          But it’s the same thing. You may have seen the gold, but then all you remember was the rust. You still paid no attention to the gold, as you seem to be too preoccupied with your feelings.

          And I don’t think a joke is a plausible analogy to a legal lecture, as a joke, to be efficient, must be understood the first time it’s said. Legal lectures can take a while to be understood, but their essence can’t be diminished by time. 🙂

          And what’s with her “timing”? What are you talking about?

          “Do you really expect the speech of Miriam to appear on the book of great speeches? Remove the negative, the dramatics and the hullabaloo, it was a decent one. Should have been.”

          Sigh… as I said, Miriam’s style is a matter of personal preference. 🙂

          “Whoa, slow down now! I don’t think there’s vindictiveness there and let me tell you why. Corona was given his day in court. Due process was accorded to him. The score was 20-3. There were more lawyers in the 20 than in the 3. The defense panel never mouthed as a defense the things that I have been reading here and in other blogs/forum. Lastly, Corona, himself, accepted the decision of the court.”

          Same old argument. 🙁

          Apparently, the complaint against Corona that the 188 congressmen hardly read, Corona’s trial by publicity, the gross misconduct of the prosecution panel, the bloated figures of the evidences laid against the ex-Chief Justice… they’re all lawful processes to you. 🙂

          You can check all of these out in the articles here. So where’s the vindictiveness again, you might ask? Everywhere. In fact, it seems PNoy is not even done yet with Corona as he personally hounds him beyond the halls of the Supreme Court, when he should have just shut up and let the government agencies do their jobs. Just to show you that vindictiveness very well exists in Corona’s ordeal.

          I also giggled at your last “reason.” Has it occurred to you that Corona simply refused to combat a political enemy? Personally, I am okay with Corona’s acceptance of his guilty verdict, as his appeal to the SC will just earn him the ire of the Executive and many vindictive Filipinos. Just because he accepted his verdict, doesn’t mean that the trial was “lawful.”

          This is why I told you to listen to what Miriam had to say. 😛

          “It’s not about her style my friend. It’s about her attitude. And why will she berate the people? That I really don’t get the point. Before she berates the people she should berate first the other judges first.”

          Which is why you’re free to think what you think about her conduct. I don’t care. But know that this is not the message of my article to begin with.

          Oh, and so berating the judges first THEN the people will make a difference? How so?

          Lastly, while I can’t fully speak on Miriam’s behalf, I’d say the reason why she berated the people was because many of them supported PNoy’s vanity project in cooperation with the prosecution, disregarding the orderly manner of impeachment trials and its rules, the most important of which is the “presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.”

          You know, if you have nothing new to say, please let me know, okay? It’s kind of tiring when you keep on saying the same thing, when that’s not even the point of this debate to begin with.

          Have a nice day. 🙂

        5. “Like most people, I saw the gold in her speech but it was quickly diluted by the acerbic power of the rust that followed.”

          It’s your fault for simply letting the “rust” get in the way of the “gold”. Baka pekeng ginto nakita mo, ang tunay na ginto hindi kinakalawang.

          Just like the essence of Miriam’s speech.

        6. One last thing.

          When faced with the prospect of finding gold in a sea of dirt, the idiot will complain about the dirt, the smart person will excited about the prospect of finding gold.

    3. Oh yeah, just accept the fact that you hate critically SMART people and that includes Miriam. Your comparison of her and Anabelle Rama is ridiculous. Anti-INTELLECTUAL to be exact. And you also have deep hatred for people like Gordon Ramsay

      Ang sarap pala ng Showbiz Government, ‘no? 😀 Kaya pala lubog ang Pinas sa mga bobong tulad mo e.

      1. DaSuperSolder – Ang puso mo! Lol! You said I “hate critically SMART people” like Miriam without specifying why. Just because I do not agree with you on something does not mean we’re different on everything. I do not agree with you on Miriam being arrogant and abusive. Of making herself the political version of Annabelle Rama. You think otherwise and alluded about her, as a defense, as being smart and intelligent.

        And that’s the main problem with most pro-Miriam like. You are putting up a defense that is agreeable with her critics and not the main issue why she was criticized. I agree with you, Miriam is smart and intelligent but that is not the issue.

        No problem with her educational and professional background. The problem lies with her wasting those qualifies and experience for acting like a spoiled brat. Get the point?

        1. @Jonas:

          Dapat ako ang magsabi ng ‘Ang puso mo!’ because your EMO is showing full force thru your comments.

          Just because someone using harsh words doesn’t mean they are arrogant and abusive; only emo pricks, defeatists, and cowards would say words like ‘Miriam hurt me!’ or ‘This guy is scornful, disrespectful, derisive, very negative, aand abusive!’ Please tell that to the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Knight, even Margaret Thatcher and let’s see if those people will agree with you.

          If someone who acts as a spoiled brat, it was Noynoy because he was infamous for his childish whining. Also, point f*cking missed since you’re just here to TROLL lol! Please stop being an EMO prick and look at the bigger picture. 🙂

        2. DaSuperSolder – Like I said, hypertension kills. Chill, calm down and go back on the discussion table. Right now you are going ballistic like Miriam.

          Limit your self to the topic of the board and control your temper, dude. It’s hard to argue from a position of defeat.

        3. @jonas: Control your temper? Heck, only people who appeal to EMOTION will always say that.

          And you are going ballistic with your crappy EMO posts. Still missing the point. 😛

  25. In a way, yes Miriam is comparable to Pilosopo Tasyo; that is viewing it from another angle.

    Me, I think Miriam has more similarity to the character of Gene Hackman in the film CRIMSON TIDE. One of his most memorable line in the said movie was:

    “We are here to defend democracy, not practice it”

    Some people find his character worth emulating while others find him offensive in the same way some Filipinos abhor Miriam while others see her as a role model.

    Another example also is the case of erring priests using the pulpit to preach the Good Word. Some people find it in themselves the gumption to question not the Word but the preacher while the others simply shrug it off and says to themselves “who cares just get on with the Mass anyway so we can go home”.

    IMHO, the problem with Miriam is that her character or her intentions are suspect.

    Even the devil can quote the Scripture.

    1. Aba Professor X, anong nabasa mong kahina-hinala sa isip ni Santiago? Nandyan ka na rin lang, pagalingin mo na ang sira sa utak niya.

      1. Natutulog siguro sa pansitan ito. Napanood mo ba yung interview ng Channel 7 kay Miriam.

        LOL, gusto nya raw mamatay nung araw na yun kasi kahiya-hiya yung 3:20 kahit daw man lang sana 5:17 pwede na kaya ginagalit nya sarili nya para mag-collapse na sya dun sa podium. Hahaha.

        Di na kaya ng science yung kaso nya 🙂

  26. Hey Arche.
    Like you, I hate talking about feelings as much as possible. They are complicated, subjective and sometimes, very one-sided. They are often hard to understand because I have my own view and feelings on the matter while others have theirs. Its’ not so easily explained as an argument (which why may people I know consider me very much aloof or out of touch).
    I am living my life within reason but I do have feelings. I just do not let them rule over me. I do not throw everything to feelings. I don’t think I can recover from that. But yes, I do understand the feelings of others by also using reason (kinda weird but true).
    Feelings aren’t bad but sometimes, you need to see past them to see the whole picture.
    Keep on writing.

    1. I couldn’t have said it better. Debating about how one should feel about someone is a dead-end; fruitless and divisive.

      And yup, I shall keep on writing. Thanks for your patronage! 🙂

  27. Speed what up, the remission or the cancer to Stage 4?

    Because I figure since the country is so hostile to the former, only the latter will do to cause the get-realing.

    As it were.

  28. if she did not have health issues, miriam should run again for prez. but her window of opportunity is over

    and i dont care how miriam says it or what her motivations are. Even if she says it in a sarcastic tone or if she does so to make her appear intellectually superior, the point is, is she right and will it benefit the country? So whats more important, salvage your pride or swallow it for the good of the country?

    The trope of the cranky old kungfu master comes to mind. The kungfu master gives the young student demeaning and harsh tasks to do. But in the end those tasks actually help train the student.

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