By Ade S. Fajardo
Over the weekend, Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed over the radio that he has been approached and coaxed to be part of a “civil-military junta.”
“Meron talagang nag-uudyok. May mga nagme-message sa akin — retired military — na gusto raw nila civil military-junta. May offer pa nga na maging bahagi ako ng ‘council.’ Dinedma ko talaga. There are so many people with active imaginations,” he said in an interview with radio station dzBB in Metro Manila.
***
While adventurists and opportunists abound, there may be some who are impelled by frustration and a genuine desire to see change within their lifetimes.
“During times of crisis like this, we cannot blame them for thinking up extra-legal and unconstitutional ways, perhaps in their passion to change the system because they saw how systemic corruption has become. That’s where they are coming from,” Lacson added.
Destabilization talks continue to circulate despite the twin “resignations” tendered by two important Cabinet secretaries, i.e., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
***
Arrest warrants have been issued against former Congressman Zaldy Co, members of the Board of Directors of Sunwest, Inc., and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa.
First to be arrested last weekend was DPWH-Mimaropa Engineer Dennis Abagon.
The National Bureau of Investigation made the arrest in a house in Quezon City, fully covered by the media. Other arrests followed while Sunwest executives are reportedly abroad.
Criminal charges have been filed with the Sandiganbayan alleging malversation through falsification and two counts of graft charges over the irregularities in the implementation of a P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro that was awarded to Sunwest.
***
Yet this has not quashed the rising tide of discontent.
This weekend also saw retired members of the military coming out with an open letter urging the president “not to hold your punches.”
They said no less than Malacañang should lead the war against political dynasties if the desire is to win the “war against corruption.”
“Assure our people that our elections would be clean and trustworthy and will give equal opportunity to the best and brightest Filipinos to be at the helm of government offices.”
***
This statement tests the sincerity behind the president’s anti-corruption campaign.
Prosecution of the corrupt is one thing, long-term policy changes is another thing.
Both houses of Congress are populated by dynasties, and that is not counting the local government executives who are rooted from the same family trees.
***
Nonetheless, the solution being offered by the retired military falls within constitutional processes. They eschew military adventurism as an avenue for reform.
As of press time, five senators have filed anti-political dynasty bills. These are Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, Robin Padilla, Ping Lacson, and Erwin Tulfo. What about the others?
Expectedly, Congresswoman Leila de Lima leads the small contingent in the House of Representatives who are supportive of passing legislation to finally give teeth to the rotting anti-dynasty provision in the Constitution./WDJ