The Shadow of Doubt Probing the Supreme Court is a 267-page investigative book written by Marites Dañguilan Vitug. Ms. Vitug is a distinguished investigative journalist and has written various books which received local and international recognitions. She is also the editor-in-chief of the Newsbreak.
The book has become controversial because of the antagonism for its publication and release. Some members of the judiciary said that the book will shake the foundation of the Institution and it will create distrust and doubt among the people. Some said that the contents of the book are all hearsay because there were no hard proof and evidence presented to prove the same. Names of the reliable informants were withheld, thus, casting uncertainty on its credibility and veracity. All these roused anticipation among the readers so that even before its release reservations in bookstores nationwide were overwhelming. Media reports and exposure even heightened the hype.
I was one of the thousand or million readers who waited patiently for its release. When Ms. Vitug came to Cebu on April 14, 2010 for the Shadow of Doubt book launch, I never hesitated to grab a copy (with autograph and dedication from the author herself. P.S.:Thanks to Atty. John for the opportunity).
The blindfolded lady holding a scale on the left hand and a sword on the right on the background of huge pillars and intricately designed architecture and wall carvings on the cover page creates an inquisitive setting. The high and thick wall, the ancient-like design and the taciturn environment pushes you to open that page and discover what lies ahead, what do its contents say? Are all the criticisms true? Were all the information valid?
According to Supreme Court retired justice Angelina Sandoval-Guttierez, “the book covers an entirely novel and complex subject, an uncharted area no writer has ever sailed…” Indeed, Ms. Vitug displayed incomparable bravery and courage for coming up with this historical treasure. As a law student I have been awed by the judiciary. I have read cases decided by our Honorable justices. I have been an admirer of how our justices use the power of the word and of the pen to uphold the Constitution and the laws. I have studied (and will continue to study) the Rules of Court but we never had any idea on what happens inside the Court and on its people.
Honestly, I have not known Ms. Vitug until this book came. I have not read any article or editorial of her (in fact it is only upon writing this that I have opened newbreak.com.ph and read its contents). I admire the way she wrote the book. She conveys her story to the reader as if you were ordinarily talking inside a coffee shop but she did it in a way that maintains her firmness. She had as much as possible cited dates, names and events. She was one of the few persons I know who is able to see the interconnection of people, events and history. She was able to connect the present with the past--the present decisions and actions of the major role players mentioned in the book with their past and their connections. She was keen even on minute details, on names and dates (though some names were indeed not mentioned due to confidentiality).
As a whole, I do not consider the book as an “expose” on the judiciary nor an attack on the Institution. I expected a spectacular clash, a humungous cry, a devastating attack but I found it subtle more akin to presenting and introducing the not-so-open to the public branch of the government. I am not saying that it does not deserve its controversial status but I must say that some critics were over reacting. Some of the pieces of information are entertaining, some are interesting, some are shocking, some are revealing, some are terrifying, some are eye-opening, some are vague. At the end of the day, whether or not to believe all these is left to the sole discretion of the discerning mind of the reader.
My salute to ms. Vitug for coming up with this book. It provided a door for “ordinary mortals” to have a closer glimpse at the highly dignified judiciary. It personified our justices. It presented them as humans, not as the Honorable persons whose every move is based on strict rules and tradition. It showed how some faltered but able to gain control and momentum. As I closed its last page, I am hopeful that this book will serve as a continuous reminder for the Institution to be guided not by their personal call but by the Rule of Law and for the benefit of the sovereign people.
