Crystal clear

TRANSPARENCY and accountability in public service does not just involve clear and open reporting of how the national government, agencies and local government units spent the people’s money at the end of the year. That would simply be the second half of the process.

The first part, where it begins, is a reasonable budget which would serve as the basis and guide on how our officials are supposed to distribute public funds for the best interest of the people. A sound budget, approved by the council composed of elected representatives of the people in the case of LGUs, means that available funds, often limited, can be carefully planned for what the communities really need the most — not for the squandering and theft by government officials.

That is exactly what the majority of the Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod worked on as they thoroughly reviewed the city’s proposed budget for 2011, notwithstanding the non-cooperation of the administrative branch under the city hall.

The entire budget deliberations conducted by the SP, the revisions that the city hall needed to repeatedly undertake because of discrepancies in numbers and vague items in the proposal, the hearings that were snubbed by city hall’s department heads — all spanning almost three stressful months beginning January — showed the people of Dagupan one thing that’s crystal clear: the contrast between the full transparency that the council assumes versus the city hall’s evasive attitude.

When the reporting and auditing period comes around, it will again be a test on who among the city’s public servants are ready to embrace transparency and accountability.

What friendship is

BIG country, small country, it doesn’t matter.  First World or not, Third World or not, it doesn’t matter.  Help coming from any one – it will always mean a lot. A rose, by any other name, will always smell sweet.

Sweet, it is, therefore, to see President Aquino, vintage Third World, offer help to quake- and tsunami-ravaged Japan, a superpower no less.

In his letter to Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Mr. Aquino said:  “The Philippine government stands ready to extend any support and assistance within its capability, as Japan strives to cope with the aftermath of this tragic event.”  A search and rescue team, a medical mission and a trauma crew are ready to go – if they haven’t left yet.

The President, sure, knows what friendship is. It has neither shape nor size. It’s not even measured.

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