Looking back at past presidents, there seems to be no fear by those politicians who engage in corruption, receive ill-gotten wealth, among other crimes. They were confident there was no agency for law-abiding citizens to report them to. One can look back at those times of non-caring national leadership, but it is a pity the public had nobody to report to.

Under the new administration, citizens can report an incident by calling “the four 8’s” or send an anonymous letter to the Civil Service Commission, the complaint will be forwarded to superiors within the agency. It is this process that has kept elected officials and government agencies on their toes.

Today, times have changed, and millions are too happy with the current national leadership. However, there are the few thousands who are sad they can no longer get away with their corrupt practices. Imagine the billions in taxpayer money that goes into their pockets; to this day, the president is unhappy with the current state of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), where he keeps changing guard. It’s as if to suggest, the best way to deal with the BOC is to retire the entire agency and state anew.

It’s a similar situation with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). If the agency’s current secretary is sincere, then the problem lies with the regional directors; if that’s the reality, then it would also be a good thing to retire those employed by the agency.

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It was a surprise to those attending the Dinagyang Festival that Senator Franklin Drilon was not in attendance. He was nowhere to be seen in the main grandstand, where he typically is seen as the star among governors, mayors, councilors; along with barangay officials bowing down to him. Even Iloilo Lone District Rep. Jerry Treñas, who is suspended for some reason, did not show up.

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III was there, right next to Mayor Joseph Estrada’s song, Jinggoy; while Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos and Iloilo Norte Governor Imee Marcos sat far them from.

Kudos to the efforts of the Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6), under director, Atty. Helen Catalbas, for the various tourism events held during the festival. Cheers also go to Ramon Cua Locsin, who spearheaded festival preparations.

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This column greets Atty. John Orola Jr., Tony Cacho, Joe Uytiepo, Renato Novero, Caloi Mijares, Richard Oquendo, Noni Lovina, Kalene Roleda, Pons Rivero, Rosbe Gepelago, Jerry Sy, Dindo Ilagan, Pete Lavina, Arwin Ardon and Boyet Ortaliz./WDJ