The Department of Justice is set to use the Supreme Court decision in People vs. Jalosjos, where convicted rapist and pedophile Romeo Jalosjos used the “disenfranchisement” card to try to wiggle out of his jail term, in opposing Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ bid to be released from a military jail. Jalosjos was not successful and it remains to be seen whether this would suffice to keep Trillanes in detention.

The argument is that if Sen. Trillanes is not given over to the custody of the Senate, it would effectively disenfranchise the 11 million Filipinos who voted for him.

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The proposed U.S. immigration bill, seen as a way to deal with the growing tide of illegal immigrants, now estimated at around 12 million and rising, was shelved in Congress despite bi-partisan support. Members of both parties were wary of what may be perceived as “amnesty” for illegal immigrants. The bill would have facilitated the issuance of up to 440,000 visas annually and aims to introduce a new points system for admissions based on job skills, education, English ability and other factors which would have favored Pinoys, given our affinity for U.S. culture.

Illegal aliens who arrived before January 7, 2007 would be eligible to apply for “Z”-visas, which would allow them to work legally and, eventually, apply for permanent status. They would have to return to their home country though, after their Z-visas expire and before it can be renewed. For many Pinoys, going back too soon is not a feasible option. After they enter the U.S. , they will find creative ways to stay.
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Senator Antonio Trillanes IV (they apparently keep track of the male names in their family much like European royalty), erstwhile coup plotter and Oakwood loudmouth, has been testing the political waters and found much to his liking. He looked a bit dazed and unbelieving at his proclamation two weeks ago. But the implications of his sudden reversal of fortune has meanwhile sunk in and he has been exhibiting his usual bluster. Apparently he expects the Senate “to amend its rules to accommodate his peculiar situation”. Translation: He expects to be released from the military stockade soon and given over to the custody of the Senate.

He has threatened to renew initiatives for Madame Arroyo’s impeachment and at his his recent oath-taking, called Migs Zubiri a “cheat” whom he would not deign to share the hallowed walls of the Senate with. His chest-thumping and shrill self-righteousness is nothing new and is in fact a common trait among PMAyers whom I know well, not a few from my own family. I can usually take their messianic pronouncements in good humor but the good senator has the makings of a boor and a major bore, and his near-hysterical persona has become tiresome. And to think I voted for him, in sympathy for his lost cause and as a weak protest against the Gloria administration.

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