Today Newspaper
Letter to the Editor
June 29, 2004

Pimentel’s critics should understand what drives him
By Alex C. Paurom
Bangkal, Makati City
alexpaurom@sni.ph

Among lawyers and politicians, the most abused words are ‘legal’ and ‘constitutional’. Administration and opposition politicians are so enamored with these words that during the congressional canvass they made long recitations and exasperating statements on ‘legal’ and ‘constitutional’ grounds.

The infuriating tirades of a congressman from Maguindanao and the inaction of the majority to heed the plea of the minority to open the statements of votes and election returns give us ample idea how politicians demean these words.

Our senator from Cagayan de Oro City, Nene Pimentel, is misunderstood by some in the media who label him as another Dilangalen. They ought to dig deeper to know the man called Mr. Filibuster.

Nene was one of the few men who stood their grounds against Marcos. He was imprisoned many times and denied access to public office by the late dictator. He was under house arrest when elected mayor in Cagayan de Oro and started the first people power in the country during the late ‘80s. His vision and unwavering support for the people, especially the poorest sectors of our society, are clearly manifested in his landmark legislations: ARMM, Local Government Code, Total Lob Ban, Cooperative, Small Mining and many others. He was instrumental to Cory Aquino’s endorsement for the presidency and eventual ouster of Marcos.

Veritas Liberabit Vos, “The truth shall set us free,” his alma matter’s insignia, resonates in him. We tend to forget the critical decision he made during the impeachment trial of Erap when he strongly fought for the opening of the Velarde envelope that led to the walkout from the Senate floor and then EDSA 2. Thus Mrs. Arroyo is also indebted to Nene’s fight for truth. His lonely search for truth, when he was a victim of dagdag-bawas, made him a subject of ridicule on his own person – until he proved himself correct.

Nene may not be a good politician or a good friend for all, but I am always a believer of his unyielding attitude for the truth. As Plato said, “The secret to finding something is knowing where it is.”