Cruz slams P1 billion for anti-corruption
DAGUPAN CITY – Expect the P1 billion fund released for anti-corruption campaign promote wider corruption.
This is the prediction of Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz who was totally skeptic about the stated objectives of the Arroyo government when the latter announced the release of the fund.
Cruz, former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said in a statement that,” In the hands of corrupt government officials, at the disposal of corrupt government entities and agencies, how on earth could the money precisely stop corruption?”
He said the government’s credibility has a lot to do with it, citing recent developments that indicate that the government has done nothing to corruption, and he said people cannot be faulted for doubting its honesty and integrity.
Cruz wondered how government can go about achieving its objectives when the fund itself represents a possible source of corruption.
He referred to past government announcements claiming gains in the campaign only to admit now that it needs P1 billion to stop it.
“Corruption in government not only continues but has even gone from bad to worse,” Cruz said.
Cruz said the P1-billion counter corruption money is a clear admission that the check-and-balance system in government does not work, including efforts of the intelligence agencies and police forces.
“If one billion pesos really could clean the government of endemic corruption, this would call for a big and long celebration. But people should not hold their breath!,” Cruz said. – EVA
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