Showing posts with label Corruption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corruption. Show all posts
RP’s improvement in corruption index doesn't mean much?
This year’s report by the Transparency International on corruption perception has placed the Philippines in a better position. From last year’s 141st ranking in a field of 180 sovereign states, the country placed 139th, an improved corruption index for 2009. RP's rank is shared by Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Belarus.
Trailing in the bottom end of the list are nations with the strongest corruption perception--- Iraq, Myanmar, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Somalia. These are countries which have worrisome peace and order problems.
It is unlikely that the improved rank of the Philippines opens a significant dent against its culture of corruption. However, the perception that graft abates in the islands is a bright spot---a source of consolation. It points to an opportunity for for advancement. Sadly, by indications, corruption still threatens RP's progress and stability.
High in the list of less corrupt countries are New Zealand, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, and Finland.
The United States slid down from 18th to 19th place raising concerns of growing dishonesty especially in the business sector. It is unsure if what Pres. Barack Obama plans will effectively combat corruption.
The healthcare reform bill Obama supports has avoided the issue of fraud in medical services and reimbursements. The economic difficulties in the US have spawned the rise in corporate crimes which erodes trust and stifles development. (Photo Credit: Donnali) =0=
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Trapos declare presidential bid for 2010
Barely recovering from the effects of Typhoons Ondoy and Peping, the United Opposition (UNO) team declares its presidential plan for coming presidential election next year. Traditional politicians (trapos) led by ousted and convicted plunderer ex president Joseph Estrada announced his candidacy for president in front of 10,000 excited supporters in Plaza Hernandez in Tondo. He named Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay as his running mate along with 4 of 11 senatorial candidates---among them, the aged Marcos political partner Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, a long-time trapo.
Present in the rally were Estrada’s son Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, lawyer Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III. Expected the UNO party, but were not present were Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Reps. Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr., Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Rodolfo Plaza, and detained Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim. (Source: Malaya (10/22/09, Naval, G.)
Estrada’s candidacy brings recall the terms of the politically-motivated pardon quickly handed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo in October 2007. The controversial pardon which exonerated Estrada of corruption, thievery, and plunder stipulated that he, the movie actor, agreed not to run for public office.
It is expected that Estrada’s candidacy will stir a firestorm on the legality of his presidential ambition. Observers believe Estrada’s political maneuverings shows the persistently low-level state of politics in the country. (Photo Credit: Verongski4a) =0=
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ACORN lost federal funding amidst corruption & scandal
In an overwhelming vote of 345-75 by representatives, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN,) the liberal grassroots anti-poverty organization was stripped of its funding on September 17, 2009 after it violated federal laws and found to be engaged in corruption.
The vote against the funding provision was attached to the student aid bill. ACORN did not get the funding approval of the senate in a vote of 83-7, early Monday.
The organization' nefarious activities were exposed in the past election when it was accused of embarking on a massive voter registration fraud. A secret video recording was released recently showing employees advising clients to lie and engage in prostitution. Trust had been shattered. The ACORN footage elicited disgust among taxpayers who had been subsidizing the organization’s operation.
In an attempt to patch up the damage, ACORN announced it would conduct its own investigation. White House tried to distance itself from the organization saying the group's illegal activities are unacceptable. The Bureau of Census which planned to avail of the organization's services cut off their ties. As a bipartisan group of legislators bewail the waste of taxpayer's money on this group riddled with graft and corruption, Sen. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, believes there are many honest employees employed by ACORN.
Americans had been increasingly frustrated over government corruption which could be worse than what was exposed. The ACORN scandal came to light when consevatives and Republicas aggressively pursued leads of illegal practices and waste in Obama' administration. As many observed if not for the vigilant radio talk hosts and FOX News, the maintream biased media didn't show enough interest in finding the truth about ACORN for the people to know.
Pres. Obama had been linked with the left-leaning orgnization as its lawyer and community organizer before he became president. The organization's scandal rose to prominence as Obama got pummeled for hiring too many advisers (32) and "czars" without adequate vetting and accountabiity. Van Jones, the environmeat and energy “czar” was forced to resign because of questionable qualifications. Obama had been under heavy criticism (which Jimmy Carter called racism) for building an overextended government that threatened to intrude in ciizens' lives and for proposing a healthcare overhaul that was deemed costly and unrealistic. (Photo Credit: John Wiggin =0=
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US homes and businesses, another scandal for the Arroyos?
In the fading days of Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s term as president, another allegation of ill-gotten wealth is brewing for her family. Her son, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, was reported to have failed declaring a P63.7 million property fronting San Francisco Bay in California. It was alleged this foreign property located at 1655 Beach Park Blvd, Foster City was named under his wife’s name in 2006.
“By omitting the US property starting in 2007, Mikey’s real property assets plunged from P90.7 million in 2006 to P27 million in 2007 and 2008.
All the business interests Mikey declared in his latest SALN were acquired when he was already congressman: president of Mikey’s Horseman Bar and Grill, 2006; director of LPG Auto Gas and shareholder in Los Manos Verdes Inc., 2007; and shareholder in U18 Properties Inc. and stockholder of the La Vista Investments and Holdings Inc. in 2008.”---Malaya (08/31/09, Files, V.)
Similarly, Dato, Gloria’s other son also bought a house worth P26.7 million in the golden state after he won as congressman in 2007. But this, he declared in his tax declarations.
These allegations are on top of local businesses that the Arroyos are reportedly engaged in. As usual, the first family has to answer with a denial. But won't they give their proof? The Filipino people need to know if there is any wrong-doing in these property purchases. With another investigation it will take time to know if all these accusations are true. (Photo Credit: ____) =0=
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Transparency for RP, but not for GMA’s unexplained wealth?
After splurging in lavish dinners with her entourage abroad that had price tags close to $15,000 to $20,000(P750,000-1,000,000,) Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s assets an liabilities have been under close scrutiny.
The Philippine Center of Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) say since her assumption of office, the president has accumulated properties 2000x than their original value. In spite of the over-hyped call for honesty and transparency by the administration, the lawyers of GMA and her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, don’t see the need to explain how the couple amassed such wealth. But obviously, the people want to know.
Corruption is the centerpiece of why the Philippines is mired in poverty, but even the president fails to follow the leads to know the extent government corruption! The public sees a collusion by the leadership to keep the status quo of defrauding the country. The “scratch my back, and I’ll scratch your back culture” is at work here----so almost no one gets caught; the few who are proven thieves are pardoned.
“A report by the PCIJ said Mrs. Arroyo’s declared net worth more than doubled from P66.8 million in 2001 to P143.54 million in 2008. The increase of P76.74 million represents a growth rate of 114 percent. If her SALNs were plotted from the time she was still senator 17 years ago, the rise in her wealth would have been 2,000 percent, according to PCIJ.”-----Philstar (08/13/09)
This questionable rise in assets of a politician in power is not uncommon. The accusations of theft, corruption, fraud, and abuse in government are pervasive even if there are laws that can be used to get into the bottom of the truth. It dates back since Marcos time whose descendants are inching for a come-back, hiding under the rug the outrageous graft and corruption of their parents.
In spite of calls for President Arroyo to comply on the Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees which when violated is punishable by imprisonment, fines, dismissal or suspension, just like any slicky politician, GMA allows the foul odor in her record to pester. It’s a common reaction of corrupt politicians to pretend nothing odiously bad is going on.
Arroyo’s discordant lifestyle and wealth are incompatible to her salary as president. She receives a measly Php 60,000.00 (about USD 1,333.33 at Php 45.00 to 1 USD exchange rate) monthly. The US president’s salary at about $400,000/year is about 3,000% higher. Therefore, there is always a good reason to compute and recompute how GMA came up with her assets in so short a time. Obviously, this goes true with other politicians who dodge showing the money trail of their wealth.
GMA's business interests, if laid bare are not hard audit. If there is any, let investigators see where the conflict of interest lies, which transactions she did in accord with the law or where fraud occurre which may explain why she and her friends have become so rich.
The stonewalling by the president and her husband to conceal the truth has caused despair and loss of credibility; it makes her a pariah of the people. At the waning days of her presidency come along, her job approval is poor---among the lowest a president ever received in tenure.
The furor resulting from her extravagance abroad and clever machinations is deplorable and very much compatible with corruption. It's contemptible. There is obvious failure of the checks and balances in the system. It’s time that Arroyo comes clean from the disgusting accusations which plague her leadership. (Photo Credit: sunnexfo) =0=
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A $15,000 dinner tab in Washington DC adds more fire to GMA’s extravagance
It’s really easy to spend money when someone gets cash for a song. No matter how much Malacanang Palace says that not a single centavo come from the Filipino, when When Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo travels on official trips abroad, the expenses fall on the shoulders of taxpayers. She and her entourage don’t have qualms in the amount to spend for they think they are giving the Filipinos a big favor. In foreign land, they think of themselves as public servants who represent the best interest of the country.
With the estimated P8 billion already spent by GMA in her trips, there are ways to hide unbridled abuse and extravagance. Having a patron like Rep. Martin Romualdez to pay for a $20,000 dinner in their pricey splurge in NY’s Le Cirque Restaurant is a good way to confuse and divert attention. Stupefied by the irrational display of pomp and self-indulgence, New York Post can’t resist commenting on the GMA’s controversial meal about the time she declared national mourning for Pres. Cory Aquino.
Now it’s the Washington’s Post turn to tell another story. According to Roxanne Roberts and Amy Argetsinger, writers of the influential newspaper in Capitol Hill, Pres. Arroyo and her delegation dined on "lobster, steak and fine wines" in Washington and spent $15,000 for the meal on July 30, 2009.
In the column “The Reliable Source” they said an "unidentified woman opened a handbag stuffed with cash" and paid for the tab plus the sizeable tips for Arroyo and its bloated entourage of 65 people at Bobby Van's Steakhouse on 15th Street.
Surely these spectacular dinners are just the tip of the ice-berg. Many agree they are scandalous and deplorable when a third of Filipinos are languishing in poverty. So what more is there to say of corruption and abuse in the Pearl of the Orient Seas? (Photo Credit: Oustgloria) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: New York City's dining lesson for GMA: Le Cirque versus Elvie’s Turo-Turo Posted by mesiamd at 8/11/2009; GMA’s NY dinner and the discordant ritzy lifestyle of Filipinos Posted by mesiamd at 8/10/2009
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Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s foreign travels questioned
It’s not only how frequent Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo travels abroad that legislators question---but the sheer number of companions in those costly trips. These travels are suspected to be extensions of abuse and corruption.
According to Sen. Francis (Chiz) Escudero, the president went to at least 50 trips local and abroad lasting at least 130 days since 2001. In these travels, there are few benefits that trickle down to the Filipinos except the bloated claims of furthering “business relations, foreign investments, jobs for Filipinos, enhanced tourism, greater foreign economic assistance and other unspecified benefits.”
Imagine:
“In September 2004, the President turned a state visit to China into a family vacation with members of her family joining the delegation. The entourage also included 41 complementary staff from the Presidential Security Group and the Office of the Press Secretary as well as crews of state-owned broadcast stations, he said.
In December 2007, a contingent of close to 200 people that included more than 30 lawmakers joined President Arroyo in her trip to France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
In her latest overseas trip, the senator observed that Mrs. Arroyo is practically circumnavigating the world in just eight days in her latest overseas trip.
“President Arroyo’s on-going Manila-Tokyo-Los Angeles-Cartagena-Recife-Rio-Dubai-Hong Kong-Manila voyage is practically a circumnavigation of the globe. And she will be doing all of these in just eight days, Escudero said. ” Daily Tribune (O6/25/09, Rosales, A. M.)
Filipinos are known to pride themselves of their stints abroad---especially if they are paid for by taxpayer’s money and for reasons that are flimsy. Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo is no exception. She tags along friends and relatives no different than the ways of Imelda Marcos.
Many are wondering what hidden reasons the president of the Philippines has for leaving the country so often. It’s just right to investigate so the Filipinos will know.
Arroyo brings along many companions very characteristic of a politician who uses money of the government. She easily decides to make side-trips jacking up expenses that can better pay for budgets in underfunded public schools, hospitals, penitentiary, and orphanages back home.
For all the justifications the Arroyo administration gives, the stark reality is the government hardly can afford the waste and thus must cut down on these questionable trips. (Photo Credit: OustGloria) =0=
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Claiming poverty, Imelda Marcos seeks the return of her P15 billion jewels
After complaining that she is dirt poor, Imelda Marcos demands that the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) return her P15 billion jewel collection confiscated from her during her husband’s fall from power. Mrs. Marcos is seeking the gem collection which was taken from her by the government as part of her accumulated ill-gotten wealth.
The PCGG divided the jewelry collection into three: The Malacañang collection, which includes pieces confiscated from the Palace after the Marcos family fled from the People Power revolt in 1986; the Hawaii collection seized by the American Customs; and the Roumeloites collection that the Bureau of Customs seized from a Greek national.---PDI (06/15/09, Torres, T; Tandoc, E. Jr.)
In 2007, the PCGG planned to auction the state-sequestered assets to bring about P30 billion for the government, but such plan did not materialize. Government authorities who for more than 20 years did not rule on the timely disposition of the jewelry are just about to study if the valuables should rightfully be returned to Marcos. (Photo Credit: newsflash.org) =0=
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Teary-eyed, Imelda Marcos swears on poverty anew
In a tragi-comic declaration, Imelda R. Marcos, the ageing widow of strong-man dictator Ferdinand Marcos asked the Sandiganbayan to spare her from “persecution” citing she is old and poor. The well-known extravagant lady complains of having to pay a P750,000 travel bond in her recent trip abroad.
Insisting on her innocence and protesting the sluggishness of the judicial rulings on the corruption charges she was accused of since the 1980’s, the 79 year-old pompous former first lady, said,
"Why is this taking so long? When they filed these cases in 1986, I was only 56 years old. In three weeks I will be 80! Justice delayed is justice denied. Ano bang kasalanan ko? Maawa naman kayo sa akin… I did so many projects … Heart Center, Lung Center, Kidney Center… and I am being punished for it.
Bakit hanggang ngayon kinakastigo ako. Ganito ba talaga ang judicial system sa ating bansa? Bakit ako ginaganito? Ano ba ang naging kasalanan ko? Minahal ko kayong lahat," she said. Malaya (06/12/09, Tabingo, P.)
It's unclear whether her audience is taking her seriously.
In April 6, 2009, GMANews.TV reported that Imelda came out in Newsweek magazine's most greedy people of all time along with Marcus Licinius Crassus, Genghis Khan, Pope Sixtus IV, William Vanderbilt, Willam Tweed, Empress Dowager Cixi, Charles Ponzi, Ivan Boesky, Dennis Kozlowski, and Bernard Madoff.
The flamboyant lady traveled to Singapore last June 2, 2009 for eye treatment. She appeared in Sandiganbayan to comply with the stipulations of her travel permit that she presents herself before the Clerk of Court within five days of her return. She said her travel was paid for by her children. (Photo Credit: ReikoChan) =0=
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“Jueteng” thrives well in Camarines Sur
In an amazing revelation, an informer disguised as "Rod" revealed that at least P3.8 million is collected daily from “jueteng, ” the illegal gambling which operates in at least 31 towns in Camarines Sur. Jueteng sucks in poor man’s money from bettors who expect to win in the outlawed numbers game.
Protected by politicians and police officers in the area for at least 3 years now, Rod who is ready to be a whistleblower, claimed P1 million comes from the first district, P1 million from the second district, P700,000 from the third district, and P960,000 from the fourth district. The amounts included daily collections from the cities of Naga (second district) and Iriga (fourth district), he added. At least P280,000 is being collected daily from the capital town of Pili (second district) These amounts, Rod claimed, would be used to finance the upcoming 2010 presidential election. ----PDI (06/04/09, Soltes JC, Davila, JR; Cardinoza, G)
If true, this gambling operation is consistent to the endemic graft and corruption that goes from the provinces reaching up to the national level. Local and international groups have been pointing the unlawful practice to the government which stifles the progress of the country. Yet, in spite of many complaints, nothing tangible has been done to wipe out the corruptive gambling practice. (Photo Credit: Our simple journey in life) =0=
RELATED BLOG: Fighting corruption with "Moral Force Movement" Posted by mesiamd at 4/08/2009
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Dep Ed’s P427 million noodle contract revoked
After criticisms and corruption charges, the Department of Education (Dep Ed) secretary Jesil Lapus was forced to recind the P427 million contract with a regular supplier of “fortified” noodles for its nutrition program for school children. The cancellation resulted after complaints that the foodstuff the public school system plans to distribute this year has not passed through normal bidding process, are overpriced, and lack nutritional value.
The irregularity in the procurement was bared by whistleblower Dennis Quido of Kolonwell Trading, a government contractor. He said DepEd’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC,) under Teodosio Sangil Jr. was in violation of the terms of reference for fortified noodles. According to Quido, the anomaly has been going on for several years now.
For the past 5 years, Jeverps Manufacturing Corp. was the only bidder to supply the noodles amounting to about P750 million under the Food for the Schools Program. In an attempt to correct the scandalous scam, a new rebidding of the contract will be conducted.
Corruption in a nutrition program intended to help malnourished children is plainly unacceptable. (Photo Credit: Nephatic Gren) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Noodles for "brighter minds" in DepEd’s nutrition program draws sharp criticism" Posted by mesiamd at 4/23/2009
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RP lagging behind Asia’s competitive nations
As the country focuses on the risque sex video scandal of plastic surgeon Hayden Kho and starlet Katrina Halili, we get distracted from significant national issues like the latest corruption charges against high ranking military men ---allegedly pocketing millions of pesos intended for soldiers in the 2007 US-RP Balikatan exercises. The "Euro Generals Scandal" which involved the embarrassing money laundering of high ranking Filipino military officers discovered by Russian authorities in Moscow has been forgotten.
Now, consistent with these scandals, a report which impacts on every Filipino tells of the floundering global competitiveness of the country. It’s the kind of bad news that we rather not talk about. This year RP placed a dismal 43rd out of 57 in the World Competitive Yearbook released by the Swiss Business School.
“Among 12 Asian countries on the list, the Philippines got the poorest ranking with Hong Kong considered as the world’s second most competitive country, next to the United States. Singapore ranked 3rd; Japan, 17th; Malaysia, 18th; China, 20th; Taiwan, 23rd; Thailand, 26th; Korea, 27th; India, 30th; Kazakhstan, 36th, and Indonesia, 42nd.
The Philippines’ competitiveness grade regressed the past five years having been ranked 40th in 2005, 42nd in 2006, 45th in 2007 before improving to 40th last year.
The economic performance of the country deteriorated progressively since 2005 when it was ranked 36th, 45th in 2006 and 2007, and 42nd last year.
On government efficiency the Philippines was ranked 42nd, on business efficiency, 32nd and infrastructure second to the last at 56th. ”---Daily Tribune (05/21/09, del Callar, MP)
The reason given for the fall in RP's ranking is graft and corruption. So we tell ourselves what’s new? The data above are very disconcering. We have enough black-eyes to deal with.
As long as we don’t do something about corruption, with our economic stagnation, morale and moral decline will continue. Even the United Nations (UN) has warned us that lack of government oversight on foreign aid and the national budget, paves way to graft which weakens the government. (Photo Credit: Stormcrypt)=0=
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COA reports of discrepancies in the 2007 AFP expenses
“The US government remitted P244.75 million for the Balikatan Exercises in 2007 and 2006 that should have been returned to the Philippine National Treasury but was deposited in a local bank and placed in the fund for the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU) under the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).”----GMA TV News. com (05/18/09, Meruenas, MD)
"Reports by Newsbreak showed that there are about 8,000 ghost Cafgus nationwide, and an estimated P177.5 million yearly is misused, citing the monthly subsistence allowance of a Cafgu member is pegged at P1,800. Under the scheme, Newsbreak reported that non-existent Cafgu members are reflected in the division payroll but the allowances were diverted to other purposes."----Daily Tribune (05/19/09 Mallari, M)
Right there are observations which make the allegations of Lt. Senior Grade Nancy Gadian deserving of a thorough investigation. Inaccuracies have been uncovered by the Commission of Audit (COA) which relate to what Gadian is talking about---that certain officers have pocketed huge sums of money intended for the US-RP Balikatan exercises.
The senate is divided as to whether the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will take care of its own or the legislature will conduct the probe. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile doesn’t want a senate inquiry, but Sen. Pia Cayetano feels it is needed for transparency and accountability.
Bayan Muna Representatives Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño, and Neri Colmenares, Gabriela Representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan, Anakpawis Representatives Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglunsod, and Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino have called for Lt. Gadian to be physically protected so that the alleged corruption charges against top ranking military officers will be clarified----if proven, those guilty must be brought to justice.
This new embarrassment in the Arroyo government is consistent to the country’s reputation as among the most corrupt country in the world. As of now Lt. Gadian is in hiding, terrified at the prospect of facing the military establishment. Her situation is understandable since there is little appreciation for whistleblowers who risk their lives exposing corruption involving millions of pesos.(Photo Credit: Jayel Aheram) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Archbishop backs Gadian’s expose of the misuse of RP-US Balikatan funds" Posted by mesiamd at 5/16/2009; "Senate wants to probe the misuse of P46 million in the 2007 RP-US Balikatan exercises" Posted by mesiamd at 5/14/2009
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Archbishop backs Gadian’s expose of the misuse of RP-US Balikatan funds
In a pattern that is often seen when a whistle-blower speaks against corruption, the table is immediately turned against the squealer. Lt. Senior Grade Nancy Gadian of the Philippine Navy who exposes the P46 million misuse of the 2007 RP-Balikatan fund given by the United States is now sought for desertion, ordered arrested, also accused of fund misuse.
Gadian points on retired Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, a high ranking former officer in the Western Mindanao Commant (Westmincom) Armed Forces as one among several military officials who were behind the money anomaly.
Nothing yet can be concluded in this corruption charge this early. But Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, a former military ordinariate of the Philiippines expressed his support for Lt. Gadian.
“Actually, these reports are not something new. During my time as military bishop, I heard of similar cases. But this is the first time I heard of Balikatan (exercise) being tainted by corruption. But even without the Balikatan (story of corruption), there are other news stories about corruption (in the military) so what more can you expect. In the first place we bishops are not in favor of that Balikatan,” ----said Archbishop Ramon Arguelles. Daily Tribune (05/14/09 Santos, PC; Mallari, MJ)
The charges of Gadian are serious, but many Filipinos who know of cases like this in the past doubt if a fair outcome will come out of this investigation. Similar embarrassing allegations like the World Bank's disclosure of contract rigging in road projects which the foreign bank supports are basically waylaid under the rug. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "Senate wants to probe the misuse of P46 million in the 2007 RP-US Balikatan exercises" Posted by mesiamd at 5/14/2009
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Senate wants to probe the misuse of P46 million in the 2007 RP-US Balikatan exercises
Consistent to the corruption that RP is known for, another round of investigation is in the horizon This time it’s the Department of National Defense (DND,) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AF) being probed by the Philippine senate for misuse of about P46 million, an amount given the United States in 2007 in the RP-US Balikatan exercises.
The whistle-blower is Lt. Senior Grade Nancy Gadian who alleges that retired Gen. Eugenio Cedo misused money--- of the P46 million, only P2.7 million went the to the Balikatan CMO projects. Gadian who served as head of the Western Mindanao Command Civil Military Operations based in Zamboanga City is also accused of lavish spending and insubordination by Cedo.
The allegations caught the attention of Senate defense committee chairman Sen. Rodolfo Biazon vowed who wants to conduct a probe in the senate. As many corruption charges had been exposed in the past against the pervasive government corruption, the public is skeptical if anything tangible will come out of this investigation. The AFP is a governmental institution which traditionally operates with a huge obscure budget that the public has little knowledge of. (Photo Credit: Captain Narender) =0=
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EU will closely watch how RP uses foreign aid
Most likely because of the unchecked corruption of countries like the Philippines that the European Union (EU) decided to closely watch how aid money is used by recipient countries. Those who would be uncooperative run the risk of losing their financial aid.
“It is necessary to have clarity on what the government will do with the funds. We are now in the process of restructuring our aid. We want to make it visible and transparent and see for what purpose was it used.”----said Koos Richelle, European Commission’s Director General of the EuropeAid Cooperation Office. Daily Tribune (04/22/09, Del Callar MP)
The European Union including other big donors for development like the US, Australia, and Japan are concerned and want to know if their help to poor countries like the Philippines benefit the intended recipients. They are demanding for tangible results.
The administration of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo is looked upon by the Filipinos as the most corrupt. Early this year, World Bank (WB) disclosed the bid-rigging which occurs in its road projects. The revelation has blacklisted three Filipino and four Chinese companies involved in the anomaly which implicated Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of the president. (Photo Credit: Mikey G Ottawa)
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Fighting corruption with "Moral Force Movement"
Chief Justice Reynato Puno of the Supreme Court finds the Holy Week celebration an apt occasion to remind Filipinos to fight corruption. In spite of the Philippines being the only Christian country in Asia, he tells the country's moral degeneration that has made it a pariah among its neighbors.
“Corruption in the country has been deforming all its institutions, undermining our stability and security and preventing our socio-economic development. We can arrest this social decadence through a moral force.” ----Reynato Puno. Philstar (04/07/09, Punay, E.)
Last year’s Global Corruption Report revealed that RP's corruption index hase fallen into the 141st spot tying with Cameroon, Iran, and Yemen, among 180 countries. This is a 10 point drop from the country’s rating of the previous year. The worsening corruption index had been attributed to major corruption cases that the government had been unable to solve.
Recently, World Bank (WB) exposed collusion in the giving of road project contracts in the Philippines which brings shame to government officials running the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH.) Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of Pres. Gloria Arroyo is implicated in the scandal, but little effort is made to fully investigate his case.
Puno envisions the moral movement to be politically neutral. A moral force is being harnessed by tapping leaders for the "Moral Force Movement"----from business, church, youth, and the media to combat the debilitating effects of dishonesty in government. Similar to the goals of "Kaya Natin Movement," the moral force's current focus is to help attain an honest presidential election in 2010.
Religious organizations like the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, the Philippine Bible Society and the Ecumenical Bishops Forum are supportive of the initiative that is long-overdue. (Photo Credit: by Zero_Q)=0=
"Moral Force" Movement Core Group
Reynato Puno, Chief Justice, Supreme Court
Marixi R. Prieto, Chair, PDI; trustee Metrobank & Gerry Roxas Foundation
Henrietta de Villa, Chair, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting
Mgsr. Gerardo Santos, Pres. Catholic Educational Asso. of the Philippines
Dr. Emerito Nakpil, (Ret.) Bishop of United Mathodist Church
Brig. Gen. Jaime Echeverria, (Ret.,) Asso. of Generals and Flag Officers
Dr. Milwida Guevara, Dir. of the Synergeia Foundatin
Atty. Andres Juan Bautista, Dean, FEU Institute of Law
Noorain Sabdulla, TOYM Awardee and Muslim Representative
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Corruption charges for 17 DPWH officials in World Bank collusion scandal
Coming from a belabored delay on what to do with the World Bank’s (WB) report of corruption in the bidding of road projects in the Philippines, the office of the Ombudsman and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigate corruption charges on former sec. Florante Soriquez and 16 other officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH.)If proven they are liable for violations of Section 3 (e) and (i) of Republic Act (RA) 3019, or the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act; Section 4A (a) and (b) of RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Government Officials and Employees; grave misconduct; dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service; and neglect in duty, in connection with the bidding for two projects under the $150-million National Roads Improvement and Management Project-Phase 1.---Business Mirror (03/25/09, Solmerin, Z)
17 Officials Charged
1. Florante Soriquez—former sec. DPWH
2. Manuel Bonoan, chairman of Bids and Wards Committee (BAC) for Visayas and Mindanao projects
3. Bashir D. Rasuman, BAC assistant secretary
4. Salvador Pleyto, BAC assistant secretary
5, Juanito Abergas as BAC members;
6. Mocamad M. Raki-in Sr., vice chairman for the Mindanao area;
7. Rafael C. Yabut, vice Chairman for Operations for Area III.
8. Emersson L. Benitez, BAC member, project manager III and head of the BAC-Technical Working Group;
9. Baliame P. Mamainte, project director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development-Project Management Office (IBRD-PMO);
10. Lope S. Adriano, the project director of the IBRB-PMO;
11. Joel I Jacob, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the legal service;
12. Camilo G. Foronda, OIC of the Comptrollership and Financial Management Services;
13. Antonio Manalo, Jr., Bureau of Research and Standards
14. Director Walter R. Ocampo, director of the Bureau of Construction;
15. Leonora Cuenca, , OIC of the Comptrollership and Financial Management Services;
16. Mario Bandelaria, project director of the IBRB-PMO
17. Florencio I. Aricheta, a representative of the National Constructors Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Construction Association.
"Graft investigators found sufficient documentary evidence to show that a violation of the Procurement Law has been committed. All 17 DPWH officials are being charged for approving bids that went beyond the approved budget of the $150-million National Road Improvement and Management Project-Phase 1"----Mark Jaladoni, assistant Ombudsman. Philstar (03/26/09, Punongbyan, M)
The scandal linked Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, of bid rigging, causing a lot of public embarrassment when Philippine officials appear to stall the probe in spite of the leads given by a foreign lending bank like WB.
With competence and integrity in question, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez who is saddled with an impeachment case against her, was heavily criticized for not acting on the corruption charges expeditiously. Sen. Miriam D. Santiago also led a "probe to nowhere" on the anomaly which disappointed the public. (Photo Credit: Mannan3) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "WB-funded road contracts & the US State Department’s charges of graft and corruption." Posted by mesiamd at 2/28/2009; "Who bears the shame in the senate investigation of WB corruption scandal?" Posted by mesiamd at 2/16/2009; "World Bank opens a can of worms & Sen. Miriam D. Santiago investigates" Posted by mesiamd at 2/13/2009
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WB-funded road contracts & the US State Department’s charges of graft and corruption.
For some weeks now, World Bank (WB) tells us of the corruptive practice which rigs the bidding of the foreign bank-funded road projects in the Philippines. Instead of being thankful to the international lending institution for giving important leads to curb corruption, some of our government officials have been defensive.
Without tangible effort to find out the truth, supporters of the Arroyo government thought of filing a “diplomatic protest.” As if to way lay the investigation, Sen. Santiago pompously crowed over “court evidence” and insisted on the foreign bank officials to feed the senate investigation with all the details of the allegation. WB officials in turn told our government investigators they couldn’t do the job for us. Careful not to trample on our national “pride,” they said it wasn’t the foreign bank’s duty. Yes, why then couldn't we have our investigation without the help of an outsider like the foreign bank?
Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of Pres. Gloria Arroyo, was at the center of the WB scandal. Santiago, an Arroyo ally, behaved as though it was WB’s interest over our own national interest that criminal wrong-doing be proven. The foot-dragging that followed demonstrated the lack of resolve to get into the bottom of the case. The inquiry led by Sen. Miriam D. Santiago was haphazard, diversionary and inutile.
If only to heighten our shame and incompetence, the US State Department, on a separate issue of human rights, called on our government to exert more in stopping graft and corruption. In its “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in 2008,” released last February 25, 2009, the department disclosed corruption in government agencies and the judiciary was among the reasons why basic human rights continued to be violated in the Philippines.
“'The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption; however, the government did not implement the law effectively, and officials often engaged in corrupt practices with impunity,' the report says."---Inquirer (02/28,/09, Dizon, N; Burgunio, TJ)
What they are saying about us is consistently embarrassing, but many of us choose to keep the usual silence. Malacanang Press secretary Cerge Remonde tries to be “smart” by dismissing the accusations as merely perceptions and therefore not rooted on reality.
“Corruption is really more…perception than reality. This perception is making us more aware and more conscious of the problem. More people become vigilant in watching graft and corruption,” Remonde told a news conference at the Palace on Friday."---PDI, (02/27/9, Guinto, J.)
Others like Remonde in government are defensive by pointing that even USA and other countries have shares of the same problem. Apologists for the country say the Philippines isn’t the only one. They try to downplay the stark contrast in how other countries respond to stop graft and corruption.(Photo Credit: Animationcomics) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Corruption scandals hurting Filipinos under Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo" Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009
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Morality as an administrative order
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The administrative order No. 5 signed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo calls for a program that will bring moral renewal to the country. Is it for real? The presidential edict comes on the heels of many corruption charges which see no end. As the president’s tenure reaches the finish line, the entire nation wonders what will be accomplished by the action plan for moral rejuvenation. Zero tolerance towards corruption---that's what the president says.
"Why only now? She should have done it long before. It is funny she's calling for moral renewal now as it is only a year before the end of her term unless she plans to extend her term," Jinggoy Estrada said.---GMATVNews. Net (02/17/09)
Widespread corruption is out of the box in the Arroyo government, but no one has the resolve to prove it. Used to inaction, Filipinos live in apathy and forlorn silence with their frayed cultural values. They hope a deliverer will come to rescue them--- or something will happen by simply waiting.
Foreign observers point to widespread dishonesty, but most of us choose to keep our mouths shut. The emboldened corrupt among us are defensive. They are trying to convince us there’s nothing that can be done. It’s only a year before the next presidential election and many believe the government is better left alone to wither away for the next status quo. (Photo Credit: bw.futures(away)=0=
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