Barangay evils: Drugs and corruption

THERE is no more debate about illegal drugs, it being a major election issue in the coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. The candidates themselves are cognizant of this. More than 98 percent already took drug tests as recommended by PDEA and the PNP to demonstrate that they are not drug-users at the very least. But that they may be drug protectors is now up to the electorate to discern.

But the other issue that cannot be disregarded and ignored is the reputation of a candidate in the village. Corruption in the barangay has many faces. Is the candidate known to host or protect illegal gambling? A tong collector from jeepney and tricycle operators? A protector of prostitution? An advocate of small mining? A bully? A rumormonger? A runner for a corrupt politician in the town or city?

In this regard, and for the community electorate’s education and opportunity of candidates to make known their governance programs, we encourage the town/city officials to organize at least one “no-frills” Candidates’ Forum in their respective communities.  A forum where no campaign materials will be allowed, and candidates are asked to make known their planned activities to stop illegal drug trading and corruption. Promises of beautification and health programs, improved peace and order, a regular sports program, etc. are to be expected but a firm commitment to stop drugs and corruption remains wanting.

Let’s vote for candidates who can proclaim: “Isumbong niyo ako sa PDEA at PNP pag ako ay nakita o narinig ’nyong nag protekta ng drug pusher o SA OMBUDSMAN kung ginamit ko ang kapangyarihan ng barangay official para yumaman ako!

 

Bite the bullet

WE can’t help but talk about the closure of Boracay again.  Declared off-limits for six months beginning April 26, the No. 1 beach in the world was a victim of greed spawned by corruption mainly authored by government officials.

The twin sins of both bureaucracy and private business are sewage and easement issues.  Wastes by establishments in Boracay are allowed to horribly flow into the sea and structures given fraudulent government permits to sprout in wild abandon. Corrupt businessmen entice corrupt officials to sell their very souls, putting to naught the “health” of Boracay.

Some P2 billion will be lost while Boracay undergoes a major clean-up surgery.  About 35,000 workers will be displaced during the lull.  But we need to bite the bullet in the name of rectification, of Boracay’s survival. As the saying goes, “No pain, no gain.”

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