Petition for action, a wish and laments

Public anger over the pork barrel scam is not subsiding. Groups are calling for more action and pressuring government leaders, in particular, P-Noy, to abolish the pork barrel system.

One of the groups leading a worldwide petition targeting one million signatures wrote: “The Philippine pork barrel is massive corruption at the top. President Aquino has the power to abolish the pork barrel because it is a budget item of the Executive branch.

“No need for Congress approval or amendment of a law. Why is he not doing it? Is he under extreme pressure from his constituents? He promised to fight corruption. This is his chance.”

To sign is easy

As stated in a previous column, to cry out loud and demand through rallies and by signing petitions that the pork barrel be scrapped is easy. But do we have an alternative system to offer? Or are we to depend again on our lawmakers to create a system that will suit their agenda?

We have to recognize that when natural or man-made disasters strike, for instance, there is need for financial resources that can immediately bridge the bureaucratic gap to provide funding for emergency assistance to distressed farmers, fishermen or residents of affected localities or repair damaged facilities.

There is a need for a system that will provide immediate but unbudgeted funds for these emergency needs and project.

The challenge is to establish a system that is transparent and clearly pinpoints accountability. And again, transparency and accountability will only be strong deterrents if there is quick judicial action against anyone found misusing or abusing the use of these funds.

The process of investigation and prosecution must be swift regardless of status of parties concerned. Perhaps, independent-minded individuals from the private sector and previous members of Congress (untainted, if possible) can craft such alternative system.

A shipowner’s wish

A shipowner plying the domestic route and who requested to remain unnamed sent his reaction to the column, “Will Change in Cabotage Law Bring down Domestic Shipping Costs?” (Philippine Star, Sept. 10, 2013). Please read on.

“I met Senator Frank Drilon and I am impressed. He was frank, articulate, sincere and witty. I hope and I wish, however, that he was convinced that his bill lifting cabotage is unwise, un-Filipino, and an unprincipled surrender of our sovereignty. Cabotage is not all about economics; it is a security issue as well.

“Shipowners are requesting for an opportunity to make a presentation to the good senator, and we again hope and wish that he will oblige us.”

Laments of ordinary Filipinos

One of this column’s avid readers and incidentally my brother, P.A. Ret. Lt. Col.  Roberto Gamboa Jr., recently sent a letter from Namunitan, Sto. Tomas, La Union where he is “currently hibernating away from the hassle and bustle of Metro Manila.”

From his daily walks and talks with similarly retired neighbors, he managed to come up with a list of what he termed as “laments of ordinary Filipinos which are not widely covered by media, but are equally frustrating to them.” Read on.

“On the recruitment and salary scale of the police and the military: Daily there are reports of police and military officers involved in criminal activities. How did these scalawags manage to become officers? How did they pass the supposedly rigid psychological tests?

“There must be something wrong with the recruitment and assessment of performance in these vital organizations. Or is the salary scale of the men and officers who are protectors of the people too low thus morale is affected and temptation to commit crime comes too easy?

“On partylist representatives: Are these partylist representatives really needed? Since the system was introduced, what incremental benefits were derived from these members of Congress to justify the additional burden to the taxpayers? This should make an interesting socio-political study.

“On actors, actresses and celebrities elected as public officials: The trend of actors, actresses and celebrities being elected to public office may last for quite a while for as long as voters do not treat the election process seriously. But what is disgusting is seeing these personalities who were already elected still doing their acting routine and making product endorsement instead of devoting time to their official duties.

“And worse is when these personalities, being emboldened by their growing popularity, aspire for higher elected positions. Don’t be surprised if the Pacquiao for president movement is launched if he manages to beat Rios, Marquez and Mayweather.”

More “laments’ in future columns.

Collegiate hoopla ongoings

Competitions at various leagues in the provinces are at fever-pitch levels as teams pursue their drive for league championship and to advance to the regional conference games to qualify as one of the elite members of the top 16 teams of the Champions League (PCCL) 2013 National Collegiate Championship.

At NOPSSCEA–Negros Occidental, defending champion West Negros University Mustangs are hot about retaining their title as they eye a repeat win to become the representative of Visayas islands in the Champions League games.

At BBEAL–Baguio/Benguet, University of the Cordilleras Jaguars remain as top favorite to represent the league in the North-Central Luzon regional conference and subsequently advance to Round 16 of the Champions League.

So far, two league champions have been crowned: the University of Northern Philippines Sharks (President League–SCUAA 1-Vigan); and University of Batangas Bhramans, champion of United Calabarzon Collegiate League. UNP Sharks will compete in the North-Central Luzon Conference, while the UB Bhramans will play at the South Luzon-Bicol conference games.

The following teams are currently leading in their respective provincial leagues: Naga College Foundation at Naga City; Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro College Phinma and STI College in the ongoing Cagayan de Oro Athletic Association (COSAA); and the Lewis College Blazing Fox and Computer Communication Development Institute (CCDI)  in the Basketball Intercollegiate Championship of Sorsogon.

Visit www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net for more exciting news about collegiate hoopla nationwide. Join the ongoing contest and survey, and get surprise gifts from PCCL sponsors.  

Facebook and Twitter

We are actively using two social networking websites to reach out more often and even interact with and engage our readers, friends and colleagues in the various areas of interest that I tackle in my column. Please like us at www.facebook.com and follow us at www.twitter.com/ReyGamboa.

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.