IN the previous edition of this column, I presented the position that would probably resonate well with Filipinos in America who are used to seeing government officials embroiled in controversies resign to protect the integrity of their post and the public’s trust in whatever investigation their office is duty bound to undertake to seek the truth.
The rationale behind this is the concern that their holding on to their post might cast doubt their capacity to be impartial in the way they discharge their duties in public office.
This writer opined that Leila de Lima should not have been ousted, but instead, should have inhibited herself from being chairman of the Senate Justice Committee even before any of the hearings started. After all, she has also been accused of being part of the drug syndicate while she was still justice secretary during Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s term.
This writer presents this opinion not because of what the pro-Duterte senators who voted to strip De Lima of that power, which she allegedly used to smear President Rodrigo Duterte’s name and leadership. De Lima should have inhibited herself from presiding over any hearings and investigations in the Senate Justice Committee because of delicadeza.
Kababayans from different backgrounds and political affiliations shared their comments on social media and here are some of their impassioned commentaries:
If the probe didn’t happen, the world would have missed the opportunity proving that the Davao Death Squad existed? The pattern of killings that has taken 3,500 nationwide thus far, is consistent with the way the then Mayor Duterte run the city. Davao then, the nation today. Who has the courage to expose? Only De Lima and very few remaining Senators. — Ago Pedalizo
That wouldn’t have saved her. The President had already made up his mind to destroy her. He fears her HR advocacy. No One has done more HR work. Decades of fearless work. She has crossed path w/ Dut, Ping,Villanueva, enrile, etc. If she did it wouldn’t have proceeded with Sen KahiAno using every trick to stall or stop it. — Jim Paredes
Given Duterte’s open animosity against De Lima, her ouster as orchestrated by Duterte allies in Senate appears as payback. Her ouster as Justice Committee chair did more to harm the Senate’s integrity than her inquiry into state-abetted murders. — Jego Ragragio
De Lima, former chairperson of PH Commission of Human Rights, was replaced by Gordon who wants to suspend writ of habeas corpus. Integrity? — Nieves Buscayno
Nonsense. The charges against her was brought up to stop her from investigating the EJKs. To inhibit herself was to stop the investigation. — Alan De Luzuriaga
D5 at this time is our light in this time of darkness, not perfect but at least somebody confronts D30 — Tess Cruzado
Allen Calalang:
Repost from Mr Paloma: Some people are so consumed by their hatred towards Duterte that their eyes are blinded to see the PLAIN TRUTH. Anyone who cannot appreciate the following developments do not deserve to live in this country. Get out of the Philippines, you have no right to live here – you don’t care a bit for this country but only for your own goddamned agenda:
1. The indefinite ceasefire between the MNLF, MILF, CPP NDF and the government (held in Norway)
2. The centralised complaint and action hotlines – 911 and 8888
3. The one stop shop for OFW in POEA which is way better than before
4. The opening of the DAR gates which where were closed for 18 years
5. The distribution of the long overdue Hacienda Luisita to the farmers
6. The distribution of the agricultural equipment that were purchased by the previous government but weren’t distributed for some political reasons
7. The immediate repatriation of stranded OFWs in Saudi Arabia (which if I remember it right, one Kuya was crying when he finally touched base simply because he could now be reunited with his loved ones because those who were sent by the previous government only visited them to have some selfies with them.)
8. The laglag bala at the airport has finally stopped right after PRRD took office. I personally experienced that worry free moment and noticed that no more luggages with plastic wraps.
9. The services in the government agencies are much faster and employees have started to treat the people with some respect and even with a smile. The transactions are much better these days.
10. The legit balikbayan boxes are no longer mishandled.
11. The irrigation projects for the farmers have already started and nationwide – not to mention the distribution of many boats for our fishermen too.
12. The almost 700,000 surrenderees who have realized that drugs won’t give them the future they’re hoping for
13. The removal of processing fee on travel tax exemption
14. The 2,000 pesos SSS pension raise
15. The much empowered servicemen who are now willing to serve the country with pride and higher self esteem
16. The servicemen’s one in a million dinner at Malacanang opportunity
17. The rounds in all of the defense camps to see what each station needs so that they can give better service to the country
18. The shutdown/closure of some mining companies that destroy the country’s natural resources
19. The removal of the fishing fences in Manila Bay to give other small fishermen a fair chance to use it for their livelihood
20. The new buses from the airport to many major hubs in nearby cities
21. The one sack rice added to 4Ps cash assistance to our less fortunate fellowmen
22. The salary increase of the servicemen which is bound to happen any moment soon – and the soon to be state of the art equipped hospital for them.
23. The hastened benefits claiming of the family of our fallen men
24. The increased allowance of our olympics delegates
25. The immediate signing of Freedom of Information
26. The exposés against local executives, police generals, judges and other top officials in government
27.The now better looking cleaner Baclaran, Divisoria and other public places
28. The employment increase and unemployment decrease
29. The exposés against olligarchs who have been evading to pay taxes
30. The lower street crimes because most of the nutters who are more likely to commit the crimes have already surrendered and therefore identified
31. The Mindanao peace process that has resumed again in Malaysia
32. The bilateral talks with China over the WPS dispute
33. The launch of Oplan Tokhang which has more positive results – including the not so good ones
34. The cooperation and openness of fenced elite subdivisions for Oplan Tokhang as they show support to the war on drugs campaign
35. The billions worth of drugs seized in the operation
36. The closure of so many drug labs all over the country
37. The more regulated and SAF manned BUCOR
38. The no VIP treatment for government officials in airports
39. The ongoing improvements of MRT/LRT service and other major thoroughfares
40. The customs installation of CCTVs all over the place to promote transparency
41. The crackdown of Bilibid Drug Trade and the expose’ of Lielie de Lima
42. DFA is now faster in processing passports.
43. Fixers are now out of sight
44. End of Contractualization
45. No more age limit requirements to all job seekers.
46. The closure of online gambling. From 4 thousand outlets during the arroyo admin, to 8 thousand outlets during Aquino admin
47. OEC exemption for OFWs returning to same employer! Finally no need to pay and go through the troublesome process of acquiring OEC.
* * *
Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos
in additon to allen calalang’s (repost from paloma) enumerated achievements of PRRD, let me shared my obs:
1. POLICE TRUST RATING
never have the police gained so much trust rating than now. i used to stay away from their path and most filipinos would have their own reason/s to do so also. under this new leadership, including that of Gen Bato, people have seen renewed dedication to service in the police force.
2. POLICE MORALE
since PRRD took office, i’ve never heard of a politician or police official, or judge who would intervene in behalf of a big fish suspect. used to be that when the police come across a big fish, it’s the police who gets into trouble. they get counter charged, suspended or lose their job altogether when a “protector” steps in. TRUE there are still plenty of scalawag in the force. but now these “rotten apples” are constrained to dance instep with the new cadence.
3. EXPOSURE OF GOV’T OFFICIALS COMPLICITY IN ILLEGAL DRUGS
no one has dared to expose them before, for no one has the guts. aside from drug complicity, some officials have been named as corrupt.it is noteworthy that not one of the named gov’t persons dared to “fight” back except Delima. is it because they know they cannot assail the integrity of PRRD?
4. people feel a lot safer now even at night time
this has been almost instantly felt by those who travel or work on night shifts. in the short time i visited pinas in june-july, many karaoke bars and pubs stopped operating or had been advised by barangay captains to do so after late evenings. gone (almost) are drinkings and pot sessions by the streets. petty crimes drastically dropped. this is in stark contrast to the REIGN OF TERROR being portrayed by foreign media abroad and by oligarch opposition media.
5. ORDER AND RULE OF LAW
we landed in Davao city and i was incredibly shocked at the orderliness at the airport. no hassle, no trouble, no porters “volunteering ” to carry your luggage. everyone was polite. and driving around the city, even in far suburbs, was a breeze. everyone obeyed the speed limit even during wee hours of the morning.
with gov’t transactions, people are now keen in pointing out dubious practices. the people know that with the current admin, their gripes will be acted upon. so they follow the law,and are more courageous to spot and report unlawful practices of gov’t personnel.
previously, the powerful, rich and influentials commit crime in utter disregard of the law. they cry out for RULE OF LAW when they are “cornered”, arrested or charged. hence , the greater masses lose their respect of the law because they see the impunity of the rich, powerful and influential criminals. but they are now falling one by one, and the people cheer!
i can go on and present more “improvements/positive changes”, but let me enjoy siesta first outside the house under the tree, as it is now safe to do so. see you later!!