Letter to the Editor - Respecting authorities, our call to transparency

The Filipino nation is a work in progress. For a vibrant democracy to flourish, strong governmental institutions as well as credible and effective leaders are essential. Strong institutions are free from undue political influences. Credible and effective leaders lead by example and follow the rule of law.

The Office of the Ombudsman is mandated to ensure that public office is a public trust. They are called to be protectors of the people. As such they must be of utmost competence, integrity and impartiality.

We, members of civil society, business, academe, youth, Church, and other concerned citizens who value strong government institutions, credible and effective leaders, and the rule of law, express our full support and trust in the humility, integrity, competence, prudence, and impartiality of acting Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, Atty. Virginia Santiago.

Atty. Santiago''s admirable courage left no stones unturned in quickly investigating and filling charges against powerful public officials who abuse their position and prioritize personal interests over that of country. For the first time in Cebu some big fish have been preventively suspended while investigated continues in the infamous lamppost scam.

This is courage and integrity in action that we, Cebuanos - and Filipinos - should be proud of. This has helped in no small measure to restore our people''s sagging faith in government.

It is, therefore, very sad that Atty Santiago''s zeal, legitimate statements, and motives may have been, at the very least, taken out of context or misinterpreted or, at worst, misquoted, leading to allegations against her which may be based on hearsay evidence.

Citizens have the non-negotiable right to know where public funds are expended. The above situation could have been avoided had there been full accounting and liquidation of the funds expended from the public treasury way before a deafening clamor for liquidation ignited by a whistleblower.

In this golden era of information technology, an accountable and responsible government would have posted the financial statements on the website it maintains, or provide media with the same. Some local government do this. We talented Cebuanos can definitely do the same.

Ultimately real democracy depends on mutual respect between citizens and public officials, and among government institutions. Respect begins with transparency.

(sgd.) Mr. Daryl Estrada
Young United Professionals
Barug Pilipino

(sgd.) Fr. Carmelo O. Diola
Dilaab Foundation Inc.