“Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.” –Karen Salmansohn
I have my misgivings regarding reports claiming former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog will endorse candidates in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections. Given he is not running for office, along with (according to his wife) the appeal regarding his dismissal currently pending before the Supreme Court, it is doubtful he would issue official endorsements. Why risk antagonizing a group when, instead, one can witness the political cockfight and maintain peace of mind? Why stir up a hornet’s nest and end up getting stung by the “unforgiving” and “ungrateful?”
However, some Mabilog supporters are still undecided and are anxiously awaiting a go-signal; many are still conjuring up dazzling scenarios of their idol staging a “surprise” comeback. The former mayor also has loyal barangay officials, youth leaders, along with City Hall officials and workers putting on a smile for incumbent Iloilo City Mayor Jose ‘Joe III’ Espinosa III and Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas but, deep inside, are still backing the self-exiled official.
In the end, Mabilog is not morally or politically obliged to raise hands, nor is he beholden to any such Tom, Dick, or Harry. Besides, where were they when he needed them most?
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Malversation of public funds has many forms, stripes, and faces. One source of graft and corruption within Philippine government is referred to as a “cash advance.” Corrupt government officials always find calamities and natural disasters, large-scale events, and travel as perfect opportunities to enrich themselves. When there is no limit on these cash advances, it is easy to fill their pockets; which has resulted in some becoming instant millionaires.
Despite being required to “liquidate” their expenses, many dishonest government officials submit papers that have been “doctored,” sometimes with supporting documents that have been tampered with or include bogus receipts and signatures. Many also intentionally delay the reports; sometimes taking years, after a new administration takes office, before their shenanigans are uncovered.
Others in government even have the guts to steal salaries and allowances intended for casual workers through cash advances.
This is why no-nonsense Commission on Audit officials, those unwilling to succumb to pressure, coercion, and backdoor manipulation, are necessary. Auditors should have strong morals and family values in order to dodge temptations; and must be independent, fearless, and committed in safeguarding taxpayer money.
They must reject gifts, freebies, expensive goodies, and other material favors from incumbent officials with direct access to cookie jars. Auditors who waltz with corrupt government officials are coddlers of graft and corruption, and should be booted from office before they can play footsie and resurrect more “Frankensteins” in the civil service./WDJ