Is Alvin clowning again?

By Gonzalo Duque

WITH the elections a foregone conclusion, expect the opposition to use every known trick of the trade to ensure victory with little thought for the country’s welfare.

This fearful thought flashed across my mind when I came across a news item saying that they will field movie stars or popular personalities in complete disregard of merit, the likes of Tito Sotto, JV Ejercito, the Cayetano daughter and brother, etcetera.

Those who were or are still seeking charter change have this in mind: to ensure the election of the most competent in government.        

There was a time when six elected senators came from the Bicol region, making a mockery of Philippine democracy. The equitable distribution of leaders in the country’s political spectrum should have been factored in. But alas, in our country – and this should also be addressed to the administration   strategists and tacticians – it’s victory at all costs that is observed above everything.

Kawawa na naman si Juan de la Cruz.

As they say, there oughta be a law.

*          *          *

The arrests of Gringo Honasan and Atong Ang simply show that no trouble makers including the political adventurists can simply ply their trade without paying the price.

Gringo, for a while, was an idol, when he did the right thing in toppling an abusive dictator.

But you see, a flaw in the character would inevitably show sooner or later. . .  His overweening ambition surfaced eventually.  He wanted to bring down this government in the guise of reforming the military.  And he was successful for a while, winning a few converts such as those in the RAM and the Magdalo factions. But when things began to look dubious and devious, and their goals obvious, the long arm of the law had to be applied.

In Atong Ang’s case, the guy has to tell the country that his plunder and other illegal cases had to be resolved by the court of law.

We are a government of law, you see, and so he has to answer for his acts in fairness to the majority who quietly and uncomplainingly go about their lives without disturbing others. This, after all, is life in a democracy.

*          *          *

     Ah, yes, the economy is fragile, and every hand is being asked to help in every way, in every little and big way.

The time for adventurism and irresponsible politicking is over.

Gumaganda na ang ekonomiya, di ba?

 Get into the growth wagon!

*          *           *          

Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez told me over the weekend that the city government has already found a solution to the much deplored Tondaligan grand robbery which I have been reporting in this column for months now. Really, Alvin?

  Alvin’s solution is to turn over the Tondaligan – the National Park — to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which will develop it into a housing subdivision and other economic projects, and presto, the problem is solved.  Neat ha?!

He said the city has already investigated the case, that is, the parceling out of juicy government lots to private individuals by the clever expedience of applying for tax declarations (yes, for a fat fee!)  and/or reportedly for  outright  titling, que barbaridad!  And the government hasn’t found any cause for action, ha, Alvin?

You believe that, ladies and gentlemen, all ye, dear readers of this great newspaper?  Could we,  in the name of fair game, in the name of  our laws and in the name of God  swallow that, ha Alvin?  Acquiring for private greed those juicy portions of the public domain, of our national park?

I have in my possession a copy of  a vital document, the proclamation by  no less than the beloved father of our President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo – former President Diosdado Macapagal  — of the 72-hectare  Bonuan Tondaligan “People’s Park”  which is clearly stated as patently, eloquently,  starkly, vividly, and   clearly  BEYOND THE COMMERCE OF MAN.

Does that still confuse any ordinary student of law? Or any normal person of the nature and character of that property? 

A careful research undertaken by a group including a former Tondaligan administrator estimates that more than a billion pesos worth of cold  cash have changed hands on account of this precious government property. A billion pesos? Baka naman exaggerated yang figures na yan, pare ko!  But the computation was done thoughtfully, and the accountant is willing to stake his reputation to show that his estimate is within the ambit of “computability.” 

No wonder, galit na si DENR Secretary Angie Reyes, pati si Kuya Joe de V when apprised of this rape of the Bonuan property, especially in Binloc.

Mga bilyon na ang nabenta sa national park na yan? Nakakatindig ng balahibo, ano?                                                                         

   Kaya, hindi pwedeng basta na lang palalampasin ang malaking nakawan na yan, di ba Ginoong Alvin? Di Pwede ang cover-up dito.

Be sensible naman. If your father were still our mayor, he won’t take this cavalierly! The DENR’s investigation, this corner has been told, is already ongoing. It should proceed and the guilty parties be made to answer in the proper courts.

The idea as revealed to me by Vice Mayor Alvin looks cute. But, and this is a very big BUT, magagalit  ang  Dios kasi hindi tama, because it overlooks the law of  accountability, of crime and punishment.

Okay sana kung walang anomalya!

But a crime, a grand robbery, a sheer violation of human rights has been committed right under our noses. Magkukunwari na lang ba tayo na parang mga bulag at mga pipi? Ano ba yan?

May mga tao bang sadyang sinuswerte?

 Being a lawyer, a man of the law, a concerned citizen and one committed to teaching and educating our people of their rights, I will not rest until this huge anomaly is rectified. 

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/playing-with-fire/)

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