Today is National Heroes Day. We pay tribute to the heroes from our glorious past as well as our unsung heroes of the present times. But more than this, we are preoccupied with what is happening to our “tax-money†that is being used irresponsibly by our leaders. So, today we fight and cry for justice. We want the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) popularly known as the “pork barrel†fund ABOLISHED!
Despite P-Noy’s reform plans, it still is a go for the “Million People March†today at the Luneta. Concerned citizens and various advocacy and political groups converge today to call for the total scrapping of the ‘pork barrel’ in both houses and punishment for those who have plundered the funds. Will PNoy listen to the people? Abangan.
The main event will start at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. Participants are expected to gather in front of a large LED screen installed at the Quirino Grandstand side of Luneta Park facing the monument of Jose Rizal. Participants are asked to register their attendance in the petition tent near the screen. Individuals who are not affiliated with any groups and are joining the rally as concerned citizens will occupy the center of the rally area. The right and left sides are for the participating advocacy and political groups. No political announcements or speeches through the PA system will be allowed. Thank God!
After so many years, the people have finally awakened. This “Million People March†will once again show people power in action. EDSA gave us back our freedom. This battlecry at the Luneta should bring to justice those thieves in our midst who continue to deceive the Filipino people.
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On the 30th death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino last week, P-Noy urged all Filipinos to be everyday heroes and follow the example of his martyred father. Well, I hope he takes the lead on this quest. He should know that this “money-driven†political system is not doing any good to the country. He should put a stop to it and recondition our government system.
Most of our public officials love their jobs because of the “wealth†they can acquire or amass from their positions. In the recent years many aspired for government office not really to serve the country but for vested interests. Look around you and you will see those politicians who have become so rich through time in public service. From a simple home they now have several homes in posh villages here and abroad. From taking public transportation in the past, they now own several cars even helicopters and private jet planes. From walking alone in the malls, they now have bodyguards and each of their children has at least two tailgating them. From having one wife, they now have several mistresses each having their own homes. From modest lives they now live very extravagant lifestyles. Sanamagan!
Our barangary chairmen and city councilors are also getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. How can this be? And how can our Executive, Legislative and Judiciary allow such fate for the country. If our leaders (from the President down to the Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Mayors) cannot stop all these corrupt practices then our country is doomed. You should all take the lead. Stop fooling us! Stop abusing or misusing government funds or stealing our hard-earned tax money. How can you sleep well at night knowing that the house you live in belongs to the people, that the money used to purchase your personal belongings and pay for your luxurious travels come from “shady†deals? That your children live on “stolen†money?
Everyone knows that stealing in government comes in different forms – “lagayâ€, “commissionâ€, “kotongâ€, “tongpatsâ€, “paddingâ€, ghost employees, etc. The sad part is that no public official will ever admit to such shenanigans. Commission from public projects and contracts are already part of the system. It’s acceptable like a normal way of life. I hope their conscience (if they have) bothers them to no end so that they can stop such acts. They surely have morality issues in their persona. PNoy plays a very vital role. He should take the lead since he has the power to stop all these right now before it’s too late.
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Our madness toward the “pork barrel†scandal involving Napoles and several lawmakers was heightened when Typhoon Maring landed on our shores. We were awakened to the sad reality of how pitiful our environment has become and how inundated our rescue facilities and equipment are. It pains us because we know that we have the money but then everything went straight to the pockets of those who promised to give us a new beginning.
In the past, I remember during times like this, many private groups and individuals donate to the poor right away without hesistating to do so. Today, the numbers of those who want to help have dwindled. I think we have realized that we don’t need to give because the government has all the funds that can be used. The PDAF is one of those. We pay our taxes on time. So, we deserve an efficient government service. The problem is we have people in government who go crazy in spending the money that does not belong to them. Stop shortchanging the Filipino people. Salamabit!
The PDAF is created to give each lawmaker a budget for countryside or priority development. But where is the development? After all these years since the PDAF was created during Cory’s time nothing much has been done to improve the lives of the people. This PDAF has caused our hearts to bleed and be broken while our esteemed senators and congressmen show no compassion at all except for the ones running in 2016.
By the way, the Senate inquiry on the Napoles scam is happening soon. Let us keep in mind that in this inquiry the Senators will not prosecute but will conduct such as an aid in legislation. At the end of the day, we are still left hanging as to what is going to happen to Napoles and her cohorts. I think this is a waste of time, energy and tax-money again. Someone should file a case against all those who are part of the deal. Our government must also take an aggressive step and not just wait for coconuts to fall (like Juan Tamad) before they act.
Perhaps it is God’s will that this PDAF scandal exploded during P-Noy’s term as President. It is a way to remind him that he is the son of a man who fought corruption and died for it and the son of a righteous and spiritual woman who did not condone wrong doings.
P-Noy should make the right move if only to keep the legacy of his parents. Mr. President, to hell with your friends who do you no good. Feed them to the wolves and redeem this nation.
And while you are at it, please show us that you are not only looking into abolishing the PDAF but also the other potent sources of corruption like the multi-billion-peso Public Works Fund and the Conditional Cash Transfer fund not to mention other funds embeddded in government agencies.
Let’s roll out that pork barrel today and sing out a song of good cheer. We need to save our country and protect it from the fires of hell.