Toward a counter-consciousness vs corruption

While reviewing the record of protest movements in the country, I came across the story of the "Hyatt 10."

- SONNY COLOMA

On July 8, 2005, eight Cabinet secretaries and two bureau heads tendered their irrevocable resignation and urged then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to emulate their example, during a press conference at the Pasay City hotel that became the name tag of their cohort.

The Hyatt 10 was composed of Education Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, National Anti-Poverty Commission Sec. Imelda Nicolas, Trade and Industry Sec. Juan Santos, Budget and Management Sec. Emilia Boncodin, Finance Sec. Cesar Purisima, Social Welfare and Development Sec. Dinky Soliman, Agrarian Reform Sec. Rene Villa, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, and Internal Revenue Commissioner Guillermo Parayno.

Explaining their unprecedented move, they declared that by voluntarily stepping down from office, the President "can swiftly restore normalcy and eventually bring us to prosperity." They observed that she was deeply embroiled in the "Hello Garci" controversy that eroded public confidence and undercut her effectiveness as Chief Executive. In their view, allowing the constitutional successor, then Vice President Noli de Castro, to take over would help rebuild credibility to governance at the highest level.

That same evening, then Speaker Jose de Venecia convened leaders of the ruling Lakas party at Sulo Hotel in Quezon City. Their declaration of support encouraged President Arroyo to shrug off the demand to resign. She weathered the storm and went on to complete her term in 2010.

At this time of turmoil in our national life, it is well to reflect and consider options for restoring political stability in our land.