“…Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly…” –Leviticus 19:15
Former Quezon fourth district Rep. Erin Tañada’s reaction to the guilty verdict recently handed down against Ilocos Norte second district Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos was typical trad-pol, or “traditional politician;” in other words, one who thinks of nothing beyond their political career. His reaction is trad-pol because it was expected, especially since his clan has been locked in a political battle against the Marcos family for quite some time now.
While he will always insist the Marcoses committed various crimes, has ever talked about crimes committed by the Aquino family and their allies in the Liberal Party? Despite both parties begin accused of equally serious offenses, he has not said one word about the latter.
The likes of Tañada and his political allies constitute a serious obstacle to truth, justice, and trued change; which are much needed to attain peace and prosperity in the Philippines. Clearly, their system of justice is skewed and looks away from crimes committed by allies and political patrons.
As opponents foam at the mouth lambasting the Marcoses, their lips are sealed when it comes to graft and corruption committed by party mates who, in one way or another, had a hand in assuming power after the fall of Martial Law.
When has Tañada talked about the Dengvaxia controversy that has killed dozens of children; the Mamasapano clash that left 44 Special Forces personnel dead; or the hundreds of billions spent by former President Benigno S. Aquino III through the Disbursement Acceleration Program, which was later declared illegal by the Supreme Court? His silence is clear consent to the apparent anomalies associated with the prior administration.
Filipino will never expect those like him to push programs beneficial to their countrymen because of their personal allegiances – another example of a politician with no concerns beyond their personal benefit.
I don’t know if readers would support a candidate like Tañada, who is running for senator in next year’s midterm elections. As far as I am concerned, given how sensitive the position is to government, he should never be trusted with such a post as long as he remains blind to the corruption of his allies. One who remains quiet in the face of anomalies is a party to such transgressions.
He claims to be a champion against malfeasance in government but he should not be believed when he steadfastly refuses to even merely look into the alleged wrongdoings of allies.
We should not play favorites when it comes to corruption in government. Everyone should be viewed through the prism of truth, fairness, and due consideration to the welfare of the people. Observing people equally, regardless of personal wealth or political leanings, is something I want to see from Tañada before even considering writing his name on a ballot.
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