Let the Senate probe begin

There is no doubt that the charges leveled against Senator Panfilo Lacson by Col. Victor Corpus of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines involve national interest. While the bank accounts reported to have been amassed are mind-boggling and constitute money laundering, the more serious factor to consider is the allegation that the money mainly came from drug trafficking, and secondarily from heinous crimes like kidnap for ransom, bank robberies and salvaging.

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Drugs kill human beings. And they can turn nations into lifeless skeletons and carcasses. The drug menace is probably one of the most deadly enemies of humankind. Its eradication is an urgent necessity, as a matter of human and national survival. It is amid this backdrop that the Senate probe into the Lacson case becomes very compelling and significant.

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The forthcoming Senate Blue Ribbon probe into the Lacson case will focus on what could be the biggest crimes ever in the history of the Philippine Senate. The Marcos ill-gotten wealth cases and the impeachment trial of former President Estrada pale in comparison to the magnitude of the crimes charged against Lacson. The faster the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, chaired by Senator Joker Arroyo, tackles and concludes its investigation into the cases, the better it will be for our country.

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Corpus and other witnesses like journalist Ramon Tulfo expressed eagerness to testify, at the soonest possible time, before the Senate. And they want their testimonies to be heard in public. This should be the cue for Joker Arroyo and his peers to start the proceedings without any delay, so that justice will be meted out, not only to Lacson but to the Filipino people.

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Here are two interesting reports from the Economic Intelligence Unit on corruption and infrastructure, as major factors that hamper the growth of the Philippine economy. Apparently, these should be considered if the Philippines is ever to be steered back towards the proper national course.

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On corruption, the EIU noted that in more successful countries where corruption exists, much of what was stolen was directed back into the economy through corporate building, rather than exotic palatial mansions, fancy motor cars and girl friends. The current national budget deficit will not exist if corruption can be minimized.

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The expected budgetary deficit for 2001 equates to 23 percent of the budget. Most assessments put the level of corruption in government at 20-30 percent. Thus, if there is no corruption, there would be no deficit. And the money could be used to build the infrastructure essential to economic development.

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According to EIU studies, putting former President Estrada in jail will do wonders for starting the anti-corruption drive. "If he now escapes conviction, or it is so delayed as to be ineffectual, the Philippines will be a "banana republic" for an entire lifetime. But this happening must be followed up with prosecution of the many other large-scale corruptors to get the message through clearly.

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On infrastructure, EIU said it is a "no brainer." You put it in, you get business. You don’t, it will go elsewhere. In every survey conducted by EIU in the corporate world, infrastructure is the No.1 problem of the Philippines.

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EIU’s proposal is for the government to encourage the private sector to participate in the putting up of infrastructure, considering the government’s limited resources. And the government should be prepared to pick up the difference between what would be the normal change for the private sector’s service, and whatever fee is imposed due to social concerns. This differential cost will be far less than shouldering the full cost of the project.

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Investors will be reluctant to invest the large capital cost for a long period at this time of uncertainty in the Philippines. Thus, some "inducements" will be needed.

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‘The key word is ACTION.’ Infrastructure just must be built, and built quickly. The 3 or 7, or more years just to get a project started is totally unacceptable. It should take no more than one, from inception to project awarding. It’s time to work fast," suggested EIU.

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Amid the atmosphere of despair and despondency prevailing in our land, there sometimes come inspiring encounters with Christian-hearted people whose hearts bleed for the sick, the needy, the less fortunate in life. During the past several years, a lady with the initials L.C.J. has been dropping by the office of the Good Samaritan Foundation, not only to make a generous donation but also to extend words of solace and comfort to me and the Foundation’s staff members. There was even a time, about four years ago, when she went out of her way give me a bottle or two of a nutritious food supplement which I could use to care for my health.

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Last Tuesday, Ms. L.C.J. again made a personal visit to my office, to hand over a donation of P20,000 for the Good Samaritan Foundation. The kind lady looked radiant, and there was an inspiring smile on her face as she expressed hope that her gesture would bring some joy and ease the plight of some unfortunate soul among our suffering fellowmen. To Ms. L.C.J., thanks a million — and God bless!

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PULSEBEAT: Ernie del Rosario of Village East, Cainta, Rizal, wrote in praise of the "ramp revolution" which enabled PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) to move around in public places. He expressed hope that other "positive revolutions" are going to be waged in our country, to change us for the better…. Carol Polet, human resource director of the Manuel L. Quezon University, wrote to say that Architect Isagani Francisco Alamani, the award-winning painter based in Wellington, New Zealand, is an alumnus of MLQU, Class 1983. MLQU has reason to be proud of Alamani’s feat.

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THOUGHTS FOR TODAY:

God is always with you,
Hold His hand tightly,
And He will lead you safely.
And when you cannot stand up,
He will carry you in His arms.
Have a worry-free day!

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Let yesterday handle its burdens
At the sun rises on a new day…
Arise, smile, look up and
Whisper a little prayer:
"Lord, this day to You I offer."

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My e-mail addresses: <[email protected]> and <[email protected]>