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Open letter to every Filipino: An Injustice to Robredo and the Filipino people
Just this week the company Anos Research Manufacturing (ARM), the sole local manufacturer of firetrucks in our country,came out with a full page ad in several major newspapers expressing their disappointment on the alleged decision by DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to purchase firetrucks from foreign companies. Apparently, for the past several years they haven’t undergone any bidding process and have been the sole supplier of firetrucks that are being purchased by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) thus, they are now wondering why Robredo suddenly decided to accept other bidders from other countries. I don’t really understand why they are questioning this move by Robredo since there is really nothing wrong given that all government procurement of equipment should really undergo transparent and accountable public bidding wherein different suppliers can take part in. If ARM is very confident about the quality of its product then it should be more than willing to comply with the bidding process and not bring the battle to the level of public opinion which it is doing now.
As for supporting Filipino-made products, I am all for that but if a locally made firetruck is more inferior and more expensive than a foreign made one, does that still mean that I have no choice but to procure the locally made one even if it could mean costing our government millions more or even risking the lives of many because it is of lesser quality? Wouldn’t it be a graver injustice to every Filipino if we have to pay more for a firetruck that we all know is of lesser quality compared to a much better firetruck which would cost less but is made abroad? Given our government’s lack of resources to support the BFP, the millions of pesos that the BFP and the DILG will save through a proper and transparent bidding process could easily be used to procure additional fire prevention equipment that would eventually benefit the general public. I hope that ARM would be professional enough to accept the decision made by the DILG and the BFP and not act like a spoiled brat or sore loser who is trying to gain sympathy by bringing this issue to the court of public opinion.
There is no injustice committed by the DILG to ARM, the only injustice here is how ARM is now trying to tarnish the name of a good, upright leader because he decided against a few vested interests by making the right decision that will ultimately benefit the Filipino people.
Harvey S. Keh
Lead Convenor, Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership
Email: harveykeh@gmail.com
What are you hiding, Gov. LRay?
Gov. LRay Villafuerte of Camarines Sur
During his 18 years as mayor of Naga City, current Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo was always known as a champion of transparency, accountability and people participation. One just has to visit their city’s official website to see that all financial transactions, biddings and purchases made by the city government are posted for the general public to see and scrutinize.
Gov. LRay blocks transparency and full disclosure policy
While different national organizations such as the League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, League of Provinces and the Transparency and Accountability Network strongly supported and hailed this move by the DILG, one of Robredo’s long-time political rivals in Camarines Sur, Governor LRay Villafuerte, submitted a petition to the Supreme Court (SC) asking the SC to declare this memorandum as unconstitutional.
Running for the Senate in 2013?
Is politics also in play here? As we all know, Gov. Villafuerte has been the governor of Camarines Sur since 2004 thus, this is his last term in office. Is this perhaps his way of trying to gain national exposure for a reported plan to run for the Senate in the 2013 elections?
Anomalies found in official COA Report of Camarines Sur
A check on the official 2009 Commission of Audit (COA) Report on Camarines Sur’s financial statements would show several alleged anomalies. Allow me to quote some of these findings:
a.) Collections in the Sports Center (Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex-CWC) were not turned over to the treasurer/cashier within the period stated under Section 29 of the Manual on New Government Accounting System (NGAS), Volume 1, thus, exposing government funds to possible loss, misuse or misappropriation. Government funds were used in the development and construction of the CWC.
b.) Cash advances to officers and employees amounting to P 23.96 Million remained unliquidated at the end of the year thereby raising doubts on whether the purpose of these cash advances have been served.
c.) Donations amounting to P 132.50 Million were incurred for programs and activities undertaken by the Provincial Social and Services Office (PSSO) without approved program/activity designs and established criteria.
d.) The province paid P 6.71 Million for security services without public bidding, contrary to the provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, thereby raising doubts on the propriety and economy of this transaction.
e.) The province incurred an overdraft of P 168 Million as of December 31,2009. An overdraft amount means an overspending by the local government that is beyond their total collected funds for the fiscal year. This finding is contrary to the claims of the local government of Camarines Sur that it continues to be profitable.
Are these alleged anomalies the reason why Gov. LRay Villafuerte is hell bent on stopping the full disclosure policy that is being implemented by the DILG with the support of local government organizations as well as both houses of Congress? What is he hiding? If he is spending his public funds properly then why would he be afraid to show it to the general public?
Robredo deserves post—youth leader
 DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo with President Noynoy Aquino
Robredo deserves post—youth leader |
| Philippine Daily Inquirer |
| http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20110211-319640/Robredo-deserves-postyouth-leader |
|
I AM appealing to President Aquino to give his full trust and confidence to Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo by appointing him in a permanent capacity to his post and submitting his name to the Commission on Appointments (CA) for confirmation.In the past six months that Secretary Robredo has been in office, he has been able to live up to the campaign promise of President Aquino: “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap.” Proof of this is his effort to promote greater transparency and public accountability among local government units all over our country by directing them to publish their budgets and expenditures for their constituents to see. As an advocate of genuine people empowerment, he has also helped open up our government to partnerships with various civil society organizations, private sector groups and foundations that are currently helping deliver better basic services to marginalized sectors in our society.
As ex-officio chairman of the National Police Commission, he has also been proactive in cleaning up the ranks of the Philippine National Police by suspending more than 100 rogue cops from service. Regarding the recent spate of car thefts, he has worked well with PNP Chief Gen. Raul Bacalzo in apprehending the suspects behind the murder of car dealer Venson Evangelista. He was able produce concrete results in less than a week, which goes to show how effective he is as a leader. Clearly, he is one of the better-performing Cabinet secretaries of the present administration and we definitely deserve more leaders like him. Thus, I sincerely believe that he deserves nothing less than the full trust and confidence of President Aquino. —HARVEY S. KEH, director for youth leadership and social entrepreneurship, Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government, harveykeh@gmail.com |
Good stories, bad stories in 2010
President Benigno Aquino III
Good stories, bad stories in 2010
by: Harvey S. Keh
The Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/36619-good-stories-bad-stories-in-2010
As we end the year, we look at some events, both good and bad, that made this year a memorable one for our country. Let us begin with the good stories which is led by the peaceful transition of power that happened in our country last June 30, 2010 when President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd formally took over from the graft and corruption-plagued Arroyo administration.
Many pundits (myself included) were predicting that the first ever automated elections in our country wouldn’t push through given the many hitches and glitches that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had to overcome in the months leading up to the elections.
While the elections were still marred by cheating and rampant vote-buying especially in the local level, the fact that we were able to pull through with the automation is an accomplishment in itself. More importantly, doomsday scenarios of declaring a failure of elections didn’t happen and thus, we now have a new administration that has pledged to eradicate corruption as well as uplift the quality of life of every Filipino.
Secondly, this pledge for a more transparent and accountable government has been translated to concrete initiatives at all fronts. Upon assuming office, Department of the Interior and Local Government Seccretary Jesse Robredo issued a memorandum requiring all local government units to publish their budget and expenses for the public to see. The Department of Public Works and Highways which was always known as one of the most corrupt agencies in government has launched a public action center which the public can call to report anomalous infrastructure projects in their areas. For those who do not know yet, the numbers to call are (632) 536-3477 and (632) 302-9196.
In an effort to also raise revenues for social services, the Department of Finance led by Sec. Cesar Purisima has launched the Pera ng Bayan campaign which encourages the general public to report tax evaders, smugglers as well as government employees that are engaged in unscrupulous acts.
Billions of pesos are lost due to the corruption that happens in the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, these billions can easily be used to build more classrooms and provide proper healthcare to the poor. You can help solve this problem by visiting their website at http://www.perangbayan.com/.
This is also the first time in more than 11 years that we no longer have a reenacted budget. This now requires all our government agencies to use their financial resources properly by strictly following the approved budget.
We have also seen a more aggressive Department of Justice led by Sec. Leila de Lima who has personally made efforts to ensure that the prosecution against the perpetuators of the tragic Maguindanao massacre moves forward and at a faster pace.
With these trailblazing initiatives by our government, it is no wonder why the trust and approval rating of the Aquino administration continues to be very high. Let us hope that in this coming 2011, the millions who live below the poverty line will begin to already feel the effects of good governance in their lives.
In the area of sports, our country continues to celebrate the exploits of Manny Pacquiao who easily demolished his much heavier opponents, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito this year. In May, Pacquiao went on to become congressman of Saranggani province and continues to push for legislation that will help curb human trafficking in our country.
Football also experienced a renaissance of sorts when our Philippine national team aptly named “Azkals” was able to make it to the AFF Suzuki Cup semi finals against all odds.
Earlier our Street Children football contingent in the pre-World Cup youth games in South Africa manifested impressive strength and skill.
Also in the international scene, The Only Way is Up—a project initiated by Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc. based in Bacolod City won the BBC World Challenge while Filipino teen sensation, Charice Pempengco, earned new raves in the United States as she became a featured guest in the hit TV show, Glee.
While there is much to celebrate, there is still much that needs to be done in our country. One of them is the problem of jueteng and illegal gambling. Despite several pronouncements made by our Philippine National Police that they have jueteng under control already, the reality is jueteng continues to thrive in the provinces especially in Central Luzon and Pangasinan. Sadly, this illegal numbers game was one of the main reasons why our icons of good governance, Among Ed Panlilio and Grace Padaca both lost in the last elections. Unless jueteng and all forms of illegal gambling are curbed by our government, more and more good and upright political leaders will end up losing and we Filipinos may all eventually be at the mercy of gambling lords who would dictate how politics and governance will be run here in our country.
In the realm of justice, the office of the Ombudsman has continued to be a major stumbling block in the Aquino administration’s drive to ensure that corrupt officials of the previous administration are put to jail. Recently, the Ombudsman entered into a plea bargaining agreement with former AFP comptroller General Carlos Garcia despite the fact that our government has very strong evidence that could easily pin him down for plunder. Unless Merceditas Gutierrez, a known staunch ally of the previous administration, is removed and replaced, the present administration will find it hard to prosecute those that have enriched themselves at the expense of public funds.
Finally, last August’s Quirino Grandstand tragedy has opened our eyes to the reality that our law enforcement agencies are still very much lacking in training and equipment. Unless we are able to show the world that we can take care of our tourists, we cannot expect to see our country compete with our neighbors, Thailand and Malaysia in terms of number of visitors per year.
Indeed, it was a memorable year for our country as we continue to move forward against all odds. The challenge that we all face in 2011 is how much we, as ordinary Filipinos, are willing to do to help our country especially the poor and the powerless. As we have seen for several decades now, government alone will not be able to solve the myriad of problems that face us. It is only through our own collective efforts that we will be able to rise once again to become the best in Asia.
Comments are welcome at harveykeh@gmail.com
Matataas na grado
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima
Matataas na grado
ni: Harvey S. Keh, Abante
http://abante.com.ph/issue/oct1910/op_hk.htm
Tuwang-tuwa ang grupo naming Kaya Natin! sa balitang lumabas noong isang araw na ayon sa isang survey na ginawa ng StratPolls ay isa ang aming kasamahang si Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jesse Robredo sa mga pinakamahusay na miyembro ng gabinete ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino. Ayon sa survey na ginanap matapos ang unang 100 araw ni PNoy, si Dept. of Justice (DOJ) Sec. Leila De Lima ang nakakuha ng pinakamataas na grado mula sa taumbayan habang si Robredo naman ang pumangalawa na sinundan naman ni Dept. of Education (DepEd) Sec. Armin Luistro.
Sa tingin ko ay maganda naman talaga ang naging trabaho nilang tatlo sa unang 100 araw ng administrasyong Aquino. Matatandaan nating si De Lima ang siyang namuno sa imbestigasyon sa nakaraang August 23 hostage crisis na ikinamatay ng 8 taga-Hong Kong. Si Robredo naman ang siyang nag-utos sa lahat ng mga lokal na pamahalaan na ilathala ang kanilang mga pondo at gastusin upang maipakita sa kanilang mga mamamayan kung paano nito ginagastos ang kani-kanilang mga pondo. Mainam ang ganitong hakbang sapagkat kapag alam ng tao kung saan napupunta ang pondo, siguradong mababawasan o tuluyan nang masusugpo ang korapsyon sa ating pamahalaan.
Maayos din ang ipinakita ni Luistro lalung-lalo na sa kanyang mga programang naglalayong ayusin ang kalidad ng mga libro sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan. Matatandaan natin na noong nakaraang mga taon, ang daming mali-maling impormasyon ang nakita sa mga librong ginagamit ng ating mga kabataan at dahil dito ay hindi kataka-taka ang patuloy na paghina ng kalidad ng edukasyon sa ating bayan. Sana nga ay maayos na ito ni Luistro upang hindi naman lumaking mangmang ang ating mga kabataan. Congratulations kina De Lima, Robredo at Luistro! Keep up the good work!
***
Siguradong mataas na grado rin ang matatanggap ngayon ng ahensya ng Pagasa sa pamumuno ni Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST) Usec. Graciano Yumul. Na ging maayos ngayon ang ginawang pagbabantay at pagbibigay impormasyon ng Pagasa sa taumbayan patungkol na rin sa malakas na bagyong si Juan. Dahil sa patuloy na pagpapaalala sa ating lahat patungkol sa pwedeng maging epekto ng bagyong si Juan ay nakapaghanda ng maayos ang ating mga kababayan na maaaring masalanta nito. Hindi ito kagaya noong nakaraang ilang taon kung saan parating naging palpak ang Pagasa sa kanilang mga paalala at dahil dito ay ang daming buhay ang nawala. Sana ay maging tuluy-tuloy rin ang maayos na pamamalakad diyan sa Pagasa sapagkat alam naman nating lahat na hindi si Juan ang magiging huling malakas na bagyong siguradong dadalaw sa ating bayan.
Congratulations kay Usec. Yumul at sa mga taga-Pagasa! Mabuhay po kayong lahat!
Sundan ako sa Twitter sa http://www.twitter.com/harveykeh.
Para sa inyong mga komento, mag-text sa 09199575444.
Have coffee and chat with Kaya Natin’s DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo
Got a question to ask about people empowerment in your city or municipality?
Wondering how Naga City became Bicol’s premier city?
Want to know the programs of the DILG for local governments?
PEOPLE & POLITICS: CITIZEN EMPOWERMENT AND PEOPLE PARTICIPATION IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
by: Kaya Natin! Co-Founder and DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo
WHEN: Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 6:00-8:00pm
WHERE: Gayuma Ni Maria Restaurant, Maginhawa St. (V. Luna Extension), Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
P1000/person, inclusive of coffee and snacks
15% Discount for groups of three or more
50% Discount to students with valid ID
Call Inday at (02) 434 1458 or email kai.pastores@gmail.com to inquire and reserve seats.
Hurry! Limited slots available!
Mabuting Halimbawa
DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo
Mabuting Halimbawa
ni: Harvey S. Keh, Abante
http://abante.com.ph/issue/oct1210/op_hk.htm
Nagulat at nalungkot ako sa mga naging paratang ni DILG Usec. Rico Puno na si DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo raw at ang kanyang grupo ang isa sa mga nais magpatalsik sa kanya sa puwesto.
Halos araw-araw kaming nag-uusap ni Sec. Robredo at sa totoo lang ni minsan ay hindi niya binanggit sa akin na nais niyang mawala sa DILG si Puno.
Parati ngang sinasabi sa amin ni Robredo na nirerespeto niya si Puno at wala siyang nagiging problema sa pakikipagtrabaho sa kanya, kaya talagang nakakagulat na itinuturo ngayon ni Puno si Robredo na isa sa mga nais sumira sa kanya.
Wala ring katotohanan na si Robredo ang siyang nagsulsol kay Archbishop Oscar Cruz na ilaglag ang pangalan ni Puno patungkol sa jueteng payola.
Patunay rito ay noon ngang ibinunyag ni Cruz na may dalawang malapit kay Presidente Noynoy Aquino na tumatanggap ng jueteng payola ay kaagad na tumawag sa akin si Robredo at tinanong sa akin kung kilala ko kung sino ang dalawang ito.
Nakiusap pa sa akin si Robredo na kung pwede ay itanong ko sa mga malapit kay Cruz kung sino ang dalawang tinutukoy ng arsobispo.
Kung si Robredo nga ang nagbigay ng pangalan ni Puno kay Cruz, bakit naman kailangan pa niya akong utusan para saliksikin kung sino ang mga taong tinutukoy niya?
Naiintindihan ko naman si Puno na nais niya lamang linisin ang kanyang pangalan ngunit sana ay huwag naman sa paraang makakasira siya ng pangalan ng iba.
***
Naging maganda ang talakayan namin nitong nakaraang Biyernes sa Bgy. Loyola Heights, Quezon City patungkol sa unang 100 araw ni PNoy.
Iba’t ibang mga grupo ang dumating at naging maganda ang mga pagbibigay nila ng kanilang mga opinyon patungkol sa administrasyong Aquino.
Isa sa mga nagustuhan ko ay iyong binanggit ni Soc Banzuela ng grupong PAKISAMA kung saan sinabi niya na bilang kinatawan ng mga magsasaka, umaasa silang ibabahagi na ni PNoy ang Hacienda Luisita sa mga magsasaka.
Mahalaga kasi ito upang maipakita ni PNoy na seryoso siya sa repormang pang-agraryo sa ating bayan. Paano nga naman susunod ang ibang malalaking may-ari ng lupa sa ating bansa kung ang mismong pamilya ng Presidente ay ayaw namang sumunod sa batas?
Nakita na natin nitong nakaraang ilang buwan na noong huminto sa paggamit ng wangwang si PNoy ay huminto na rin ang iba pang mahilig sa wangwang.
Dapat ay patuloy na maging mabuting halimbawa si PNoy at siya na mismo ang mag-utos na ibahagi na ang Hacienda Luisita.
Huwag sana siyang magpadala sa mga impluwensya ng ilang nakapaligid sa kanya na pawang pansariling interes lamang ang iniisip.
Sundan ako sa Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/harveykeh
Para sa inyong mga komento, mag-text sa 09199575444.
Malaking Pagkakataon
DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo with former Govs. Ed Panlilio and Grace Padaca
Malaking Pagkakataon
ni: Harvey S. Keh, Abante
http://abante.com.ph/issue/sep2410/op_hk.htm
Hindi ako sang-ayon sa mga pahayag ng ilang mga pinuno natin na hindi ma laking problema ang dala ng jueteng o ilegal na mga pasugalan sa ating bansa. Nasabi ko ito sapagkat kung babalikan natin ang nakaraang halalan, ilan sa mga kandidatong nahalal ay dahil na rin sa laki ng perang ginastos nila upang bumili ng boto. Saan nanggaling ang perang iyon? Sa jueteng. Ilan mga kila lang pulitiko ang nabanggit ni Archbishop Oscar Cruz sa kanyang expose na ginawa noong Martes sa Senado, kabilang na riyan ang mga Pineda ng Pampanga at mga Dy ng Isabela na kapwa tumalo sa dalawang mabubuting pinuno na sina Among Ed Panlilio at Grace Padaca.
Sayang sina Panlilio at Padaca sapagkat maayos at tapat ang kanilang pag lilingkod sa kanilang mga kababayan ngunit dahil lamang sa ilang daang milyong piso na galing sa jueteng ay natalo sila sa halalan. Ilan pa kaya ang mga tulad nina Panlilio at Padaca na mabubuting mga pinuno na naging biktima ng katakut-takot na pandarayang ginawa nitong nakaraang halalan? Sayang ang mga pinunong ito sapagkat kung sila sana ang naupo ay siguradong magandang serbisyo ang maibibigay nila sa kanilang mga kababayan.
Kaya naman napakahalaga na mabigyang prayoridad ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino ang tuluyang pagsugpo sa lahat ng ilegal na pasugalan sa ating bansa. Nakakatakot isipin na puwede na lamang tayo magising isang umaga at makitang lahat ng ating mga pinuno ay nahalal dahil na rin sa perang bigay sa kanila ng mga jueteng lord. Huwag naman sana tayong maging isang bayan na hawak na sa leeg ng mga kriminal na ito dahil kapag nangyari ito, tuluyan nang mawawasak ang moralidad sa ating lipunan.
Alam naman nating lahat na kapag hinayaang manaig ang mga jueteng lord na ito ay hindi malayong mga drug lord naman ang susunod at sigu radong mamamayagpag na ang mga kriminal sa ating bayan. Ngayon pa lamang ay dapat pakinggan natin si Cruz at suportahan ang kanyang krusada laban sa jueteng.
Malaki ring pagkakataon ito para kay PNoy na ipakita sa ating lahat kung gaano siya katatag sa kanyang paninindigang sumunod at mamuno sa tuwid at tapat na landas. Matatandaan nating binanggit din ni Cruz ang malapit na kaibigan ni PNoy na si DILG Usec. Rico Puno bilang isa sa mga tumatanggap ng jueteng payola buwan-buwan. Bukod pa rito ay si Puno rin ang isa sa mga tinuro ng IIRC sa pamumuno ni DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima na malaki ang naging pagkukulang sa nangyaring hostage crisis noong Agosto 23 sa Quirino Grandstand. Mainam naman at may plano na nitong si Puno na magsumite ng kanyang courtesy resig nation kay PNoy, ngunit ang tanong ay tatanggapin kaya ito ni PNoy? Dito natin makikita kung anong klaseng pinuno talaga si PNoy at kung kaya ba niyang disiplinahin ang kanyang mga alipores kahit pa ito ay isang malapit na kaibigan.
Malaki pa rin ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa pamumuno ni PNoy ngunit sana ay huwag naman niyang sayangin ang tiwalang ito at ang magandang panga lang iniwan sa kanya ng kanyang mga magulang dahil lamang sa pagbibigay ng proteksyon sa kanyang mga malalapit na kaibigan.
Para sa inyong mga komento, mag-text sa 0919-9575444.
Noynoy’s Legacy
Noynoy’s Legacy
by: Harvey S. Keh, The Manila Times
http://manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/26026-noynoys-legacy
In last week’s press conference with the three major television networks, President Noynoy Aquino firmly stated that the August 23 hostage crisis will not define his administration. This declaration, together with the moves of the present administration to immediately investigate and resolve the hostage crisis, were well received not only here in the Philippines but also by the international community. Proof of that is the huge demand for our Philippine bonds that were sold in the international market wherein a total of $1 billion was raised. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima even shared with me through a text message that the demand was actually for $13 billion! This just goes to show that many in the international community are now putting their bets on our country because of the kind of effective and ethical leadership that this present administration has shown.
In a recent youth leaders gathering by the World Bank and the Ateneo School of Government, one of the World Bank’s representatives mentioned the importance of promoting good governance in our country as a means to encourage more foreign investors. He mentioned that many foreign investors will look at a country’s government and see whether it practices genuine transparency and public accountability. Foreign investments are very important, especially for a developing country like ours since it would easily mean more high paying jobs for our citizens. With more jobs available here, Filipinos no longer need to go abroad anymore, leave their families behind, and risk being abused by their employers. More jobs will also mean a higher quality of life and higher purchasing power which will help prop up the local economy. Truly, the effects of a honest, upright and efficient government trickles down to the ordinary Filipino.
Speaking about good governance, I believe that if Aquino wants to truly cement his legacy as one of the country’s best presidents, he should tackle the perennial problem of illegal gambling or jueteng head on. Last week, Archbishop Oscar Cruz lamented that there are even some people close to Aquino who are now receiving millions every month from jueteng lords. The initial response of Malacañang was disappointing, since it just told Cruz to name these people. Does this mean that if Cruz fails to name these people they would no longer investigate and put an end to this growing menace in our society? Doesn’t Malacañang have hundreds of millions of pesos in intelligence funds that it could use to easily look into this matter? If Aquino is truly serious about putting an end to this illegal numbers game, which also put a blot on his beloved mother’s administration, he should categorically come out with a strong statement about stopping it, just like what he did about the hostage crisis issue when he met with representatives from the media last week. Aquino should give full trust, support and authority to DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo in this war against jueteng. Robredo has a very solid track record as Mayor of Naga City where, for the past 18 years that he has governed the city, all operations of jueteng was stopped. If Robredo can do it for Naga, I’m sure he can do it for the rest of the country if only Aquino will give him the necessary support.
If Aquino is able to stop jueteng in our country and put the big time jueteng lords in jail, this can be one of his greatest legacies. His mother failed to stop jueteng. Ramos also failed to stop it. Erap was ousted because of his alleged involvement in it and Arroyo didn’t even do anything to prevent it. The game is the root of many evils in our society, including the inability for upright leaders to win because of jueteng money that is poured out in the billions during election season. Moreover, it has also destroyed the lives of many Filipinos who have become addicted to gambling and have embraced a culture of mendicancy. If Aquino is truly serious about bringing our country down through the righteous path of governance, he needs to make sure that even before half of his term is over in 2013, he would have had eradicated jueteng from our country. Kung walang jueteng, walang mga corrupt at kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap!
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