Selective justice

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”

―Elie Wiesel

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WE are not against the the decision of the Ombudsman to file plunder case against loquacious Senator Rodante Marcoleta for we believe he, like any public official who violates the law, deserves his day in court.

What is perplexing is his case was expedited ahead of those involved in the irritating multi-billion pesos flood control project scam, the 60 congressmen and several senators in the 19th congress, who became multimillionaires if not billionaires at the expense of the taxpayers.

Before the Marcoleta donnybrook, there were reports investigators were reexamining anywhere from eight to 15 specific congressmen for direct involvement in illegal contracting and kickback schemes related to flood control projects, while up to 45 to 67 lawmakers across the 19th Congress have been broadly implicated or investigated for conflicts of interest in the scandal that rocked the Philippines the last time President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his SONA a year ago.

What happened to the cases of those crooks in the House of Representatives and the Senate?

 

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How about some subalterns of the President who had been implicated earlier in the testimonies of DPWH bigwigs who are also in hot water?

Was the Iglesia Ni Kristo (INK), which staged a tumultuous and wicked rally in EDSA recently, correct when they decried this administration’s “selective justice?”

The INK rally may have been unpopular due to the terrible inconvenience it created in public, but if we lend our ears to what this religious group has been bellyaching regarding selective justice, we can conclude they deserved attention from the government, especially the Department of Justice (DoJ).

Selective justice is really unfair, a biased application of the law because apparently in the cases of Marcoleta and other controversial political figures now in the dumps, authorities like the DoJ and the Office of the Ombudsman apparently enforce rules, prosecute crimes, or hand out punishments based on personal advantage, political motives, or discriminatory prejudices rather than true impartiality.

It will undermine the rule of law and create a system where the powerful, like Martin Romualdez, et al, evade accountability by virtue of their being presumed to be “inside the kulambo.”

 

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To successfully claim that a specific case involves this unequal treatment (often challenged in court as "selective prosecution"), legal professionals must prove that demonstrating that similar individuals outside the targeted group were not prosecuted for the same conduct.

Also showing that the selection was intentionally based on race, religion, gender, or political alignment, rather than the facts of the crime.

When laws are enforced disproportionately against vulnerable communities or political opposition, systems of impartial justice break down.

It transforms the legal system into a tool for oppression rather than an instrument of fairness.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

What we do on 4th of July

“What makes our revolution unique and so exciting, then, is that it changed the very concept of government. Here was a new nation telling the world that it was conceived in liberty; that all men are created equal with God-given rights, and that power ultimately resides in 'We the people.'”

—Ronald Reagan’s message on the observance of Independence Day, 1981

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

EVERYONE aspiring to become a US citizen will be asked in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) civics test and interview during the naturalization process what is the birthday of the United States.

Or, when do we celebrate Independence Day?

The answer is 4th of July or July 4, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring the original 13 colonies free from British rule.

On July 4, 2026 marks the American nation's semiquincentennial or 250th birthday.

For many Filipino-Americans, the 4th of July also serves as a poignant reminder of Philippine-American history.

Because the United States granted the Philippines its independence on July 4, 1946, many of us here use the holiday to also reflect on our dual heritage and the deep historical ties with the Americans.

 

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We share the historic milestone that honors the United States’ founding principles of liberty and self-government while also reflecting on how those ideals have evolved over two and a half centuries.

Through exhibitions, public programs, and community initiatives across the country, the semiquincentennial will serve as both a celebration of American history and an invitation to consider the nation’s continuing pursuit of a more perfect union.

Just like other Americans, we typically celebrate the 4th of July just by watching fireworks, enjoying days off, and gathering for BBQs. Some of us uniquely weave in our rich cultural traditions and history, blending standard American festivities with classic Filipino "fiesta" elements and a reflection on historic ties between the two nations.

The 4th of July holds dual significance for many Filipino diaspora.

The United States officially granted us independence on July 4, 1946, following the end of World War II.

 

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While we now celebrate our official Independence Day on June 12 (the date it declared independence from Spain), July 4th is still widely recognized in the community and historically observed in the Philippines as Philippine-American Friendship Day.

Families use the day to reflect on the shared history, military alliances, and journeys of migration.

Meanwhile, celebrations in Filipino communities are loud, lively, and joyful. They often feature large extended families, karaoke (videoke) sessions that last well into the night, and music.

It’s usually a time for community gathering ang bonding, where generations of immigrants and Filipino-Americans or Fil-Ams connect over shared heritage.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu ready for the big league

“Optimism is essential to achievement, and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.”

—Nicholas M. Butler

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

BASED on media accounts, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu performed so well in the recent 10th World Cities Summit in Singapore.

One of the key qualities of a good leader is his or her ability to form productive connections and networks. They aren’t threatened and tantalized by their more experienced counterparts in other countries.

Instead of guarding their territory, they’re constantly building bridges with others. Attendance and active involvement and participation in mammoth conclaves like the World Cities Summit is one huge step toward building bridges and international networks.

Good leaders are aware of the value of mutually beneficial relationships and actively seek them out.

Before they carved a niche as outstanding mayors in the Philippines, all the previous local chief executives in the country who became assets and pride of the Philippines also historically obtained accolades at the highly regarded World Mayor Project.

 

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They were now DILG Undersecretary Jed Patrick Mabilog, Treñas-Chu’s kasimanwa who was ranked 5th globally in the 2014 World Mayor Awards and honored for governance and community development; Oscar Rodriguez (San Fernando, Pampanga), who was ranked 4th globally in the 2005 World Mayor Awards.

Jejomar Binay (Makati City), who was ranked 4th globally in the 2006 World Mayor Awards; Marides Fernando (Marikina City), who was ranked 7th globally in the 2008 World Mayor Awards; Edgardo Pamintuan (Angeles City), who was ranked 8th globally in the 2012 World Mayor Awards.

Maria Isabelle "Beng" Climaco (Zamboanga City), who received special commendation in the 2018 World Mayor Prize; Jesse Robredo (Naga City), who reached the prestigious finals of the 2010 World Mayor Awards.

In addition to the City Mayors Foundation, modern Philippine local chief executives represented the country in global sustainability and urban innovation forums.

They were Joy Belmonte (Quezon City), who is a prominent voice in the C40 World Mayors Summit, focusing on climate action, food security, and clean cities; Vico Sotto (Pasig City), who represented the country at Bloomberg CityLab to share initiatives on urban greening, public plazas, and budget transparency.

 

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And now Raisa Treñas-Chu (Iloilo City), who showcased the city's gains in disaster preparedness and socialized housing development at the World Cities Summit.

The neophyte Iloilo City mayor appeared in an interview with Channel NewsAsia (CNA) during the Singapore World Cities Summit.

The daughter of former Iloilo City Representative and Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas highlighted how Iloilo City continues to strengthen disaster preparedness through earthquake resilience programs, regular training initiatives, and clear community guidelines designed to keep residents informed, prepared, and safe.

She showcased the metropolis’ ongoing redevelopment of its five public markets, a flagship initiative aimed at improving accessibility, supporting local livelihoods, and creating more people-centered spaces for vendors, farmers, and consumers.

Treñas-Chu underscored Iloilo’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities, ensuring that more families can secure safe and dignified homes while supporting the city’s vision of sustainable and inclusive urban growth beyond infrastructure.

 

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As cities around the world exchange ideas on building stronger communities, Iloilo City’s experience stood out as an example of balancing disaster resilience, economic development, and social inclusion.

The goal remains clear for Treñas-Chu: to build a city that listens, cares, and serves—one that continues to create opportunities and improve the quality of life for every Ilonggo.

Being given the opportunity to hobnob with the best among the best city mayors in the world is a dream of every Filipino leader in the local government with constituency and framework of rules, practices, and processes.

It’s the jumping board for higher purpose and recognition and more importantly the bigger league.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

The best father, the best husband

“I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”

—Alexander the Great

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHO is the best father? How do we determine if he is best or worst?

The best father should also be the best husband who continues to adore and love his wife even if she has gained weight, wrinkles, and is “no longer sexually attractive.”

He can’t be “the best father” without being “the best husband.” He should be the provider-in-chief for both his children and wife.

He is best who, despite having cavorted with a 20-something nymphet, does not abandon his children and obligation to his family.

It’s much better, of course, if he doesn’t have that 20-something, his main skeleton in the closet.

A “good father” should also be a “good husband.” As much as possible, no man should claim that “l may be a bad husband, but I am a good father.”

Meaning he (admitted to having) betrayed his wife but was never remiss in his duties and obligations to his children.

It should be, “I am doing my best to be both a good husband and a good father.”

 

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Relationship with our family isn’t 5-6; it’s not an eat-all-you-can meal; not a study-now-pay-later plan; not a chicken and egg debate; not a choice between wholesale and retail.

Family is a home, the altar of concrete union and fountain of unconditional love, not a plate of pizza that can be sliced according to our appetite.

A father should act as a primary role model by demonstrating healthy relationships, emotional resilience, and moral integrity in everyday life.

Children observe how heads of the family handle stress, solve problems, and treat others. The most impactful role modeling requires consistency, authenticity, and active presence rather than perfection.

Happy Father’s Day.

 

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IF I were an innocent celebrity and among those constantly mentioned in the series of press conferences by the 18 or more bodyguards of fugitive Zaldy Co as allegedly recipient of maleta (suitcases) or supot (bag) containing millions of pesos, I would go straight to the court and file cases for cyberlibel, libel and moral damages.

It’s useless to deny their lies and innuendos in public. The bagmen would never recant their accusations especially if they were under duress or were allegedly paid P5 million each for the hatchet job.

If I go to court, there is a chance I would be able to redeem my reputation and be indemnified once they were prosecuted.

Denying their falsehoods in public is what they wished for those accused celebrity politicians and media personalities to do.

The backers, led by the disgraced political spin doctor Mike Defensor and his fellow troublemakers, wanted to engage the accused politicians and media personalities in a mudslinging contest because that’s the primary purpose of all these ruckuses.

 

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Because they are the ones throwing the darts and mud, they have nothing to lose but everything to gain.

The zarzuela could be part of the destabilization plot against the government.

Some of the bags may have been delivered to some corrupt politicians and “partners” in crime like former Speaker Martin Romualdez, etcetera, but undoubtedly not all the names they mentioned partook dirty windfall.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious the bagmen and their bosses may be doing the character assassinations and wholesale dirty job to annoy them.

They know their lousy script stands no chance if deeply scrutinized in the bar of public opinion.  

If you allow yourself to be vexed and irritated, you lose and they succeed.  

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

Why it’s useless to celebrate with thugs

“The drops of rain make a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by oft falling.”

—Lucretius

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

THERE was supposed to be a good reason for many Filipino basketball fans to rush to Midtown Manhattan, a 15-minute ride via subway away from our place in Queens on June 13.

The razzle-dazzle borough was the epicenter of wild celebrations when the New York Knicks bagged the NBA championship against San Antonio Spurs, 4-1, after a nail biter 94-90 win in Texas earlier.

After all, the night was comfortable and dry in the “city that never sleeps,” featuring mostly clear skies that transitioned to partly cloudy later in the evening.

We checked the weather and overnight temperatures dropped to the upper 60s (around 68°F to 71°F) and wind speeds tapered off to a light breeze of about 5 mph.

The itch to join the celebration was tempting. The pleasant, low-humidity evening provided a clear break from the heavy thunderstorms and heat advisories the city experienced earlier that week.

But the cheerful mood suddenly transformed into worry (for our security, first and foremost) and frustration for many excited and non-violent fans when the celebration turned into vandalism and violent clashes of thugs and sports hooligans.

We thought it was useless to celebrate with thugs.

 

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Celebrations that blasted in the Big Apple turned ugly and violent overnight as massive, jubilant crowds, especially in the glitzy Times Square devolved into destructive mobs.

When the smoke was cleared, the chaos resulted in 63 arrests, at least four stabbings, one shooting, and significant property damage, including five school buses set ablaze.

The situation escalated into violence as the hours wore on and rowdy crowds focused their energy on public property.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested 63 people on charges ranging from assault on a police officer and weapons possession to criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

At least 10 NYPD officers were injured, including one who was punched and another hit with a glass bottle. A 17-year-old was shot in the foot near Times Square at 2 o’clock in the morning.

Police also responded to four separate stabbings/slashings throughout the festivities even as rampaging fans used baseball bats to smash the windshields and windows of at least five police cruisers and multiple civilian vehicles.

Crowds climbed onto a row of school buses parked near Times Square (which were being used as shuttles for the World Cup), smashed the windows, and set five of them on fire.

While the vast majority of New Yorkers celebrated the franchise's first title peacefully, the severe destruction and violence required the NYPD to don riot gear and deploy batons and zip ties to disperse the crowds.

 

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As of press time, New York Daily News reported that New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani defended his decision to schedule the NBA champion Knicks ticker-tape parade for June 18, even though NYC students would be taking their Regents exams.

The date, which was selected in partnership with a coalition that included the Knicks organization, the NYPD and other city agencies and departments, likely means thousands of local school kids will be unable to attend the celebratory event, the first canyon of heroes' parade in the history of the franchise, according to a report by Cayla Bamberger.

“I know that many New Yorkers have built their entire lives around this team,” Mamdani said June 15 at a news conference in the Maspeth neighborhood of Queens. “Not just for the course of these last few weeks and months and years, but frankly for decades.”

“For our students, I will still encourage them to be studying hard for the Regents exam. There will always be any number of people who will not be able to make it, no matter what day that we choose.”

The parade is scheduled to kick off at 10 o’clock in the morning, traveling north along Broadway through the “Canyon of Heroes” before concluding at City Hall.

Immediately after the parade, Mamdani will reportedly host a championship celebration and ceremony to provide the Knicks with a “Key to the City.” It is the first championship parade in the team’s history; the 1970 and 1973 teams were honored in ceremonies at City Hall.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)