Viewpoints
The real problem
By +Oscar V. Cruz D. D.
The problem is certainly not the P1 billion funds for the power subsidy of those consuming less electricity. It is neither the other P1 billion support for the micro-financing projects of the transport sector nor is it the other P1 billion assistance for government hospital improvements and the sickly elderly. The problem is certainly not the P1 billion aids for the relief and rehabilitation of the typhoon “Frank” victims, not the P1 billion sponsorship for scholarship grants and student loans, and not the additional P4 billion subsidies for food consumption and energy expenses of the poor.
In fact, even the onerous, cruel, heinous and obnoxious E-VAT is not the problem for it is the cost of social peace and order, of public welfare and common good. As such, citizens have to pay taxes—be these direct or indirect—to support their public officials, who are expected nothing less than to act and work for the good and the benefit of the tax-paying citizens.
Not even the onerous debts incurred by the ruling administration constitute a problem although these have to be ultimately paid by the people from one generation to another, viz., big debts presumably for the majority’s advantage. The problem is neither the onerous agreements supposedly meant to satisfy the strict demands for the Filipinos nor the Executive Order 464 even if national confidentially norm is apparently intended to protect the legitimate interest of the country.
What then is real – honest to goodness – problem? What is the big fuss and hiss? Why are there so much murmurs and rumors? Why are there so many rallies, long marches and interminable demands? The real problem is neither flying for abroad to cement regional cooperation and to beef up international relations, nor going around the country to hand out groceries and subsidies to these and those people.
The problem—the huge and real, persistent and pestering one—is a much distrusted administration, a highly disapproved government, most dissatisfying national leadership among all those in tenure of the same position since 1986.
Where do all those billions upon billions really go? Expressed in more clear and simple terms: how can people trust a most distrusted pretending trustee of immense public funds? Conveyed in more direct and strong language: how can people repose their confidence on their leader who has the highest grade in corruption and the lowest rate is satisfaction from 2004 to 2008?
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: THIS IS THE REAL PROBLEM!
(Readers may reach columnist at punch.sunday@gmail.com.For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/viewpoints/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)
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