People describe the current national events differently. Some call the legislature’s proceedings “chaotic and worrisome,” while others find them “exciting and interesting.”

Friends and colleagues in the local government sector have asked me how I see these events and how I plan to observe the succeeding developments. I said I will be viewing these events as an important “learning opportunity.”

I encourage our readers to do the same.

What is there to learn from such a noisy and emotion-filled “theater,” my friends asked me.

My reply was, “If one is able to rise above the noise and the emotions, one would find the events unfolding in the legislature as a virtual classroom from which one may gain much wisdom and insight.”

I shared with them the potentially valuable areas of learning these events present.

First, the opportunity to better understand our Constitution and related laws of the land.

Second, the opportunity to understand how the legislature works and how the special body called “Impeachment Court” conducts its business.

Third, the opportunity to appreciate the dynamics of human interaction, the intricacies of human behavior during stressful situations, and human nature in general.

I did the same during the previous impeachment trials. Watching and observing these developments with a sober, inquisitive mind, I remember having benefited from the intellectual acumen of the men and women who played significant roles in those events.

There were several standouts. Among them were the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and the late former Supreme Court Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas.

The performance of these two luminaries glued many of our countrymen to television screens and AM radio coverage. Many swore that after watching and listening to each of the many stormy sessions of the impeachment trials, they felt better “educated,” “wiser,” and more familiar with how the Constitution and the laws of the land work.

The two luminaries showed contrasting styles.

Senator Santiago would speak initially with the voice of a strict professor, graduate into that of a seasoned judge, and conclude her memorable stints at the floor with fiery oratory. Observers described her style and strategy as “direct and confrontational.” She reminded everyone that she had no patience for lying, evasion, and mediocrity (or, “stupidity,” as she would say). She did that with a booming voice and dramatic delivery.

Her presence and performance also reminded everyone that she had mastery of legal principles, the Rules of Court, constitutional law, and impeachment precedents. Her interventions were described by many as a “masterclass.”

Justice Cuevas was modest and consistently respectful.

When he stood up to question “witnesses,” he brought his well-established skills in cross-examination into full display. His questions were logical, rational, and difficult to evade. Without drama or fanfare, he invoked the Rules of Court and Rules of Evidence. Many said he masterfully slowed down the prosecution and forced them to lay proper foundations for evidence. Like a law professor conducting a graded oral recitation, he occasionally made the “other side” admit to their procedural lapses.

Justice Cuevas’ appearances in the impeachment trial were also a “masterclass in sartorial elegance.” He was an impeccable dresser. He carved an unforgettable image with his immaculate white suit. More importantly, he was a gentleman of the finest order. His choice of words and demeanor before the public eye proved that he belonged to a generation that valued respect even for those who espouse a different view or ideology.

Senator Santiago and Justice Cuevas struck awe and admiration even on the part of those who sat at the opposite end of the political spectrum. Others may not have agreed with the cause they stood for.

Despite that, most, if not all, of us would have to agree that they enriched the discourse on the floor, provided a contrast to and relief from the confusing noise in the political arena, and showed our countrymen that even the most chaotic political arena can be transformed into a productive classroom for learning.

As the events in the legislature unfold, we will be on the lookout for the participants in this process who will enrich our understanding of the constitution and the law and help us appreciate the process involved in this exercise.

We expect to discover a few. We pray we will not be disappointed.

The process will often be chaotic and confusing. Let us rise above the noise and chaos and observe the events soberly, with an intention to learn, to be wiser, and to be able to make better decisions that impact the future of our nation.