THERE are facets of life that need even more attention than the impeachment of a Chief Justice whom I believe to be utterly unworthy to be the chief symbol of justice, of integrity and transparency.

There are other cancers that have to be addressed, great challenges that should be welcomed, great opportunities that have to be embraced. Life goes on with or without Renato Corona in the Supreme Court.

In the past few months, all economic forecasts and ratings on the Philippines have been very upbeat, not from the pronouncements of P-Noy’s finance and trade people, but from international agencies and economic experts. When I had been reading about modest growth rates, I had also thought that the Philippines will not be rated so highly. The opposite is true, however, and the doomsday soothsayers who cry, “It’s the economy, stupid!” must be so disappointed that reputable international economic agencies and experts who owe P-Noy nothing are so optimistic about the immediate and longterm future of the Philippines.

And why else would volunteerism remain on such a high plane if Filipinos are not themselves feeling more hopeful – whatever difficulties they face today.

There is an initiative called Pilipinas Natin that springs from Malacanang. It is not an organisation, it is not recruiting members, it is seeking out all Filipinos with a desire to help the country, and it is being received enthusiastically especially by the youth.

Of course, there is, or will be, a strong political colour that could arise. But it is the kind of politics that ideologues wish for, the kind of politics that seek to contribute, to build.