Hi Zhern thanks for the article
Collective Bargaining in 1988: Goals, Priorities, and Outcomes : Report of a Survey of Large Employers (Research and Current Issues)
Surely, it was an act of respect and politeness - of compliance, if you may - but never subservience or self-doubt as some people may say.
I am referring to the initiative taken by Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona when he approached President Benigno C. Aquino III and shook his hand, to the consternation and incredulity of the people around them.
The occasion was at the recent celebration of the "Red Mass" at the Manila Cathedral officiated by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
Goals and strategy in collective bargaining,
President Aquino had just read the "Prayer for the National Leaders" and was passing by near him when the Chief Justice offered to shake his hand and told him, "Mr. President, peace be unto you."
As related by the Chief Justice himself, the President smiled at him, and "pressed my hand."
Incidentally, the Red Mass is said to be celebrated in Catholic Churches primarily for persons on the Bench, justices and judges, lawyers, law professors and students, as well as public officials. Its purpose is to ask guidance from the Holy Spirit for all who seek justice, "and offers the opportunity to reflect on what Catholics believe is the God-given power and responsibility of all in the legal profession."
It is called Red Mass because in England where it originated, Justices of the High Court traditionally wore red vestments to symbolize tongues of fire that descended on the Apostles at Pentecost.
The first Red Mass, according to records, was celebrated in the Cathedral of Paris in 1245.
Well, it may have a different history here but the fact that it also concerns government officials and members of the judiciary, and with the recent differences between them, it may well be the guiding light towards reconciliation for national well-being.
And why not?
It is widely known that President Aquino on various occasions had openly expressed disdain over the appointment of Corona as Chief Justice, calling it a midnight appointment and, therefore, against the provision of the Constitution.
This view, however, was overruled by the Supreme Court itself when it voted 9-1, asserting that appointment to the High Court is not covered by the limitation imposed by the Charter.
Despite such assertion, however, Aquino continued to openly show his antipathy towards Corona to the point of ignoring his presence at his own proclamation as the new President at ceremonies at the Luneta.
It was, in fact, the very reason he had his oath-taking before an Associate Justice instead of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as customarily practiced.
It is for this that significance is at once attached to the show of cordiality between the President and the Chief Justice when they shook hands during the Red Mass at the Manila Cathedral the other day.
With such new attitude and responsiveness, maybe we could expect a more desirable effectiveness in the inter-relationships of the national leadership that reflects dynamism in our collective goals and purposes. (zhern_218@yahoo.com)
