Whenever I am asked why I decided to become a lawyer, my answer always is that I was inspired by the example of the late Haydee Yorac, Professor of Law at the University of the Philippines, Comelec Commissioner, and Chairperson on the Presidential Commission on Good Government. Prof. Haydee became one of my first mentors as a student and then later fellow law professor at the UP College of Law. Anticipating what will happen next in this pork barrel scam, I am reminded of Prof. Haydee. Because after yesterday’s global protest event directed at the abolition of the pork barrel, the focus will shift once again to the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the pork barrel scam. And in that process, starting with the Senate investigation that begins on Thursday, three women of the same substance and stature as Haydee Yorac will figure prominently in the unfolding political drama: Commission on Audit Chairperson Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, and Justice Secretary Leila De Lima. Because of their toughness and uncompromising stand against criminality and corruption, they can be aptly describes as iron ladies. In the days to come, we will see more of these iron ladies. As I have been telling my law students in Ateneo Law School and De La Salle College of Law, the majority of whom are women, they should watch these women in action. They will not disappoint and we will see justice done.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 03:34:53 +0000