MANILA, Philippines - Retired British businessman Jim Sulley has visited Manila several times, most recent of which was at the height of the political scandal on the Priority Development Assistance Funds scam, the probe of which continues.
During his last visit to Manila, he stayed in Santa Mesa where he had a glimpse of the country's poor population.
Sulley, who is married to Bhing Balaney from Gumaca, Quezon, wrote this open letter addressed to the Philippine government:
"Having just returned from Manila and seen the starving and homeless children with just a sheet of cardboard for a bed, it is disgusting to read of the 'pork barrel scam'.
The people who are responsible for this should be prosecuted and if found guilty made to pay back every peso.
What is the government doing we may ask?
The slogan 'it's more fun in the Philippines' is hollow to a visitor who sees these poor starving children as I did. Oh yes, my wife and I fed and gave money to these children every night for a month.
Mr President, for your country's children, please stop the corruption."
-- Jim Sulley, United Kingdom