Good governance: Just say "NO!" to wrongdoing

"Corruption, like rust, is corrosive. Preventing rust requires an eagle eye and regular preventive maintenance. Removing rust is more difficult requiring much more time than it takes to prevent, and aggressive expensive measures to restore to its original state."

By Rafael Alunan III
17 January 2013

Lately, there has been a series of damning headlines about the state of corruption in the country. For example, comparative import data of the IMF and BoC indicate huge disparities such that estimated losses to technical smuggling alone was P1.9-Trillion from 2002-2011. That excludes the losses from outright smuggling!

Then there was this news about a drug lab operating in a high-end condo in Global City; before that in a farm in Batangas; before that in a house in Ayala Alabang; before that in various places in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Reports of Mexican drug cartel collaboration with Chinese triads and Nigerian syndicates abound. It means we have porous gates, bad law enforcement, corrupt local government officials and a growing market of drug users.
 

Yesterday, it was reported that the perception index of corruption* was higher last year than the previous year, from 43% to 56%, which viewed it to be "a lot." Surveyed were around 1,000 enterprises that deal with national agencies and local governments. Notwithstanding exhortations for taking the "straight path" many in government continue to ignore presidential orders and the voice of the people.

Corruption, like rust, is corrosive. Preventing rust requires an eagle eye and regular preventive maintenance. Removing rust is more difficult requiring much more time than it takes to prevent, and aggressive expensive measures to restore to its original state.

That's what we have to do with the advanced state of corrosion we see in our state of governance and the state of the nation. We must take aggressive measures to clean house and restore it to a state of honor and respectability. This is not being done in a methodical and aggressive manner across-the-board and down-the-line. "Talk the talk" has not shifted to and gained traction as "walk the talk."

There's a simple formula to avoid/prevent wrongdoing and not add to our state of corrosion: Just Say NO!

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Rafael Alunan III served as Secretary of Tourism and as Secretary of Interior and Local Govt in the governments of President Cory Aquino and President Fidel Ramos successively. Mr Alunan, a regular contributor to this blog, is currently Convenor, West Philippine Sea Coalition and is also a member of the Philippine Sabah Claim Forum. The author has given his permission to publish this article on this blog.


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*Info: "According to the SWS, 42 percent said that “most/almost all” companies in their business sector had given bribes to win government contracts in 2013, practically unchanged from the record-low 41 percent in 2012. Forty-four percent said they were solicited for bribes when getting local and national permits or licenses, paying income taxes, complying with import regulations, supplying government with goods and services, collecting receivables from government and availing themselves of government incentives." (Credit: Data info  and SWS Poll chart sourced from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/ with Research by Ana Roa.) Special thanks to J Chua. ~~ Blog Admin

PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE LAW ENFORCERS, NOT LAW BREAKERS

"The video showed that Mayor Binay's aides were armed with armalites and semi-automatics. They were seen cocking their guns as if they were ready for war. Senator Nancy Binay was seen just watching without even attempting to intervene and do the right thing. It only means that she and her brother have the same corrupt, ego/power-tripping mentality."

By Marlene Howe
20 December 2013

Background: Social media is buzzing with criticisms over the extraordinary incident involving Mr Binay Junior, mayor of Makati City and son of Vice-President Jejomar Binay, one of the frontrunners come presidential election 2016, and three security guards of a posh Makati subdivision. Mr Binay, in an amazing display of power had the three guards arrested for refusing his convoy passage through the subdivision. The Inquirer news published a CCTV footage of the incident: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojFGo9RN5mY.

NO TO THE BINAYS NEXT ELECTION!

Senator Alan Cayetano said that DILG should investigate this incident involving the son of Vice-President Jojo Binay who is also the mayor of the industrial district of Makati. Mayor Junjun Binay wielded his power against the poor security guards and ordered their arrest for doing their job. But obviously, Mayor Binay and his sister, Senator Nancy Binay, don't want to follow the rules because they feel they are above any rule of law.

Mayor Junjun Binay was arrogant and delivered the classic ego/power-tripping phrase, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? He  may be the mayor of Makati but certainly not above the law! Will Mar Roxas, as DILG Secretary do the right thing and take action on this blatant abuse of power? And will President Aquino support this action? This is the time to show your impartiality and do your job of making public officials accountable for their actions. The video and testimonies from the witnesses should be enough to prove the case.


The video showed that Mayor Binay's aides were armed with armalites and semi-automatics. They were seen cocking their guns as if they were ready for war. Senator Nancy Binay was also seen just watching without even attempting to intervene and do the right thing. It only means that she and her brother have the same corrupt, ego/power-tripping mentality..

Their father, the Vice-President also gave a lame excuse for his children's behavior saying that they, his children deserve some courtesy. What courtesy are you talking about, VP Binay? You mean they have to be given a pass not to follow the rules that other high profile and prominent people follow including foreign diplomats? What makes them above everybody else? You are a poor excuse of a father and public servant and you only proved that you have a corrupt mind as well and therefore, YOU DON'T DESERVE TO WORK FOR US! 

In fact, none of you deserve to be in the position of power because you are abusive and corrupt. It's a common knowledge that your children lack the experience to be leaders but because of your money and power they were put in the position of public trust. The Binays only proved to be UNTRUSTWORTHY of public trust. REMEMBER THIS, THE PEOPLE ARE YOUR BOSSES AND YOU ARE THE EMPLOYEES! 

NO TO THE BINAYS NEXT ELECTION! 

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Below is the incident reported in the Philippine Inquirer so you know what happened:

The general manager of the Dasmariñas Village Association (DVA) on Thursday defended the three guards who barred the convoy of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay from using the gate of the subdivision on Banyan and McKinley Roads on Nov. 30, saying they did nothing wrong.

“The rules apply to everybody,” DVA general manager Mike Bucoy said on Thursday. He said the subdivision did not have a “VIP policy.”

Bucoy was referring to the village policy prohibiting the exit of vehicles from the gate after 10 p.m.

The Inquirer reported on Wednesday that Binay had ordered the arrest of the three security guards after his convoy, which included his sister Sen. Nancy Binay, was prevented from using the gate close to midnight three weeks ago.

The guards insisted that the group could not pass through the gate, citing the village policy. The source interviewed by the Inquirer said the same policy was being followed by high-profile residents.

The 187-hectare Dasmariñas Village is home to the embassies of China, the Czech Republic, Egypt, India, Mexico, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Sri Lanka and Turkey, and the consulates of Oman and Vanuatu.

Prominent politicians and celebrities who reside there include Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, former Sen. Joker Arroyo, former Tarlac Rep. Peping Cojuangco, former Speaker Jose de Venecia and singer Sharon Cuneta.

According to the source and the CCTV footage released by Inquirer.net, Binay called for the police who then arrested the three security guards.

Asked if the guards were reprimanded for what happened, Bucoy said they were alright and were still working at the village.

“Wala namang mali na ginawa iyong mga guards ko (Our guards did nothing wrong),” he said.

This was echoed by Inquirer columnist and television host Solita “Winnie” Collas-Monsod who said: “The guards were correct… And Mayor Binay was obviously wrong. He was taking advantage of his position and trying to be above the law. And anything that goes above the law is wrong.”

Read more here.

Marlene Howe is co-Founder and Administrator of the Philippine Sabah Claim Forum and of the Defenders of Philippine Sabah and Spratly Claims community as well as  administrator of this blog. Ms Howe is US based but keeps a home in the Philippines.

TO VIEW VIDEO, click on following link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/549227/our-guards-did-nothing-wrong-dasmarinas-village-officer#ixzz2o20qefYo

Rafael Alunan III, former DILG chief: "We will remember come 2016 who neglected and harmed Inang Bayan again and again"

"I/we repeat: the breadth and depth of corruption in government - across the board and down the line - has diverted precious resources to dirty hands and pockets at the expense of modernizing the AFP, PNP, Coast Guard and the criminal justice system. That has, in turn, cost the country billions in lost revenues from fishing and, later, the potential loss of gas and oil revenues."

By Rafael Alunan III 

Facebook friends, as you are well aware I/we have been consumed by China's threat to our EEZ and territorial integrity, taking advantage of our evident weaknesses politically, economically, technologically and militarily.

Today, they have a military fortification on Mischief Reef which belongs to us; and they have cordoned off Scarborough which also belongs to us and have begun pre-construction activities. They are also applying pressure on our contingent at Ayungin Shoal on board a grounded rusty old vessel serving as their floating barracks.

I/we have also expressed our impatience and bewilderment as to what's taking the government so long to:

• a. determine and acquire with deliberate speed the total needs of our armed forces to ably protect and defend our country and its EEZ;
• b. organize a brain trust to find the funds needed for national security;
• c. rally the government and the people to address the clear and present danger posed by China, as one united nation, and;
• d. act decisively on China's annexation of Panatag which is clearly an act of undeclared war.

And it has brought us to realize that perhaps we do not have the right people in place to competently exercise their constitutional duty of protecting our EEZ, defending the country and upholding national honor and dignity.

That is truly an unforgivable cause for national insecurity on top of the corruption that has severely impacted national, human and ecological security through the years.

2016 is 3 years away and it seems this is the only thing consuming the government. If it manages to somehow curb corruption during this time and bring the plunderous saboteurs to justice, well and good. But that will be negated by the loss of maritime territory and the resources therein because of their negligence and incompetence.

If and when we reach the next presidential elections, I will surely campaign against all those who harmed the republic, be it through corruption or through criminal negligence.

I/we repeat: the breadth and depth of corruption in government - across the board and down the line - has diverted precious resources to dirty hands and pockets at the expense of modernizing the AFP, PNP, Coast Guard and the criminal justice system. That has, in turn, cost the country billions in lost revenues from fishing and, later, the potential loss of gas and oil revenues.

It caused poverty and hunger levels, unreachable health costs, poor quality of education; and the under- and unemployment rates to remain more or less unchanged. It caused the deaths and injuries to citizens, soldiers and policemen in insurgency and disaster prone areas that could have been avoided or reduced had the monies from collected taxes for mitigation and adaptation been spent entirely for their intended purposes.

We will remember come 2016 who neglected and harmed Inang Bayan again and again.

If you agree please LIKE and SHARE. Many thanks for your solidarity.

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*Former Secretary Alunan, Convenor of West Philippine Sea Coalition, served under two presidents of the Philippines. This post was published on his Facebook wall

HAS THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS LOST ALL MORAL BEARING?

WE ARE AGHAST! The University of Santo Tomas asked former Malaysia PM Mahathir to lecture us on democracy! 

HAVE FILIPINOS GOT NO PRIDE? HAS THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS LOST ALL MORAL BEARING?

Mahathir ibn Mohamad was Malaysia's 4th prime minister and governed his graft-ridden government for more than 22 years. During those years, Mahathir played a key role in the subversion movements in southern Philippines that have continued to plague our country to this day. He was responsible for supplying financial and logistical aid to the MNLF and to the MILF. The training of Hashim Salamat's MILF forces in Sabah (as well as the MNLF under Nur Misuari) to rebel against the Philippine government stepped up during his reign as prime minister.

It was he who made sure that Sabah became the gold mine for voters to keep UMNO in power. He instituted graft and corruption as a commonplace political tool not only in Peninsular Malaysia but also in Sabah to ensure the survival of UMNO in Malaysia parliament. He exploited the resources of Sabah, and used the spoils of Sabah to work against our own country's democratic institutions and indirectly was responsible for the untold number of deaths in our armed forces resulting from the non-stop fightings between the southern Philippine rebel moro groups and the AFP.

And this is the man who dares to lecture us about democracy? 

The University of Santo Tomas should not have asked him to be their keynote speaker. Why should Filipinos hear about the tenets of democracy from the same man who has made it his lifetime mission ensuring that there is no peace in southern Philippines so that we can not claim Sabah back? Why should Filipinos hear about the tenets of democracy from the same man whose politics ensured that displaced Filipinos in Sabah (which we own) should be treated like dogs? 

Have Filipinos got NO PRIDE???

NB: On this day, the 12th of June which marks our 114th independence anniversary, more than at any time, is the time when we should all reflect on the words of the illustrious Senator Jovito Salonga, father of the Philippine Sabah claim.  

"If, despite the assumed knowledge of the validity and justice of the Philippine claim, we fold our arms in mortal fear, we should lose not merely the respect of all law-abiding nations (the United Kingdom and the Asian countries in particular), but also a considerable measure of self-respect — which, to my mind, is more important — and, by our own inaction and timidity, lose our faith in the ultimate validity of that which is right and just."

*UST photo credit: http://www.educationpinoy.com/university-of-santo-tomas.html **Mahathir photo credit: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=816374&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Supreme Court Chief Justice Corona, not morally fit to remain sitting in the country's highest court

The People of the Philippines voted to convict Gloria Macapagal-mindnight appointee Corona and said to the old regime: NEMO NOS IMPUNE LACESSIT!

The impeachment trial of SC Chief Justice Corona was not only concerned with the technical legalities of whether the charges presented against Mr Corona were technically well formulated or not (as Senator Miriam Defensor would have liked us all to believe) but it had been also more concerned with the moral fitness of the man to continue sitting as the highest magister of justice in this land. Because the ordinary Joes of this country could not vote directly, the Senators, in their stead, pronounced a verdict that reflected the nation's desire to rid the nation of the corrupt and the misfits. 

Bravo Senators!

Read the news here:  http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/202929/senate-convicts-corona

The People of the Philippines voted to convict Corona and said to the old corrupt regime: NEMO NOS IMPUNE LACESSIT!

ON THE SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE CORONA IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

Two of our friend journalists have different views on the fate of SC Chief Justice Corona. One of the nation's respected journalists and bloggers, Ellen Tordesillas predicts that Corona will be convicted. 

Manuel Buencamino, a columnist for Business Mirror, in a comment in Ellen's blog writes, "Corona will be acquitted. Sana mali ako but the guardians of corruption are legion."  

Ms Tordesillas' writes:

"The walkout by Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona sealed his fate: he will be convicted.  

"During his three-hour narration, wherein he didn’t mince words against those he perceived were maligning him including President Aquino, whom he scornfully referred to as “hacienderong Pangulo”, he kept on complaining about his detractors undermining the rule law and bastardizing due process.   

"“Binababoy nila ang proseso ng Saligang Batas para yurakan ang aking mga karapatan,” he said.  

"As chief justice, Corona should be the embodiment of the rule of law. His office enforces judicial code of conduct and the Code of Professional Responsibility for lawyers. He knows that a witness, which he was on May 22, does not leave the witness stand without being discharged by the Presiding judge.  Yet,acting imperial, he declared:“And now, the Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines wishes to be excused.” He left the witness stand and walked out of the courtroom. He didn’t wait to be excused."

For the complete report: Ellen Tordesillas Blog

Our view from abroad? The impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona has been a good democratic showcase but it has also left an indellible corrupted mark on our political system and on our justice system entailing the risk that the rest of the free world will not find it easy to believe that they can fully trust our political and justice systems again -- at least not for a long time.  

Even if he is acquitted, Mr Corona must resign. This impeachment trial, rightly or wrongly, has exposed some of the dirtiest laundries from his professional and personal domains. The chief justice of a nation's supreme court cannot preside over the highest court of the land with a record such as his and remain credible in the eyes of the nation and the world. There is no other recourse but for Mr Corona to leave, hoping that his departure will save the Supreme Court -- and the justice system, from further indignity.

Perception may not be everything but it plays an important part in how many of the official quarters in the rest of the free world decide whether to trust us or not.

  

*Photo credit: Impeachment Watch News