Here and There
Con-Con senators only conconwari?
By Gerry Garcia
RECENT revelations from the Center for Public Empowerment in Governance and Transparency International Philippines, probably a non-government agency tasked with looking into shenanigans in public office, elected or appointive, were quite dismaying. Despite thousands of cases filed with the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan in 27 years from 1979 to 2006, only two governors, a vice-governor, 23 mayors and one vice-mayor were found quickly of graft and corruption. In short, there have only been 27 convicted in 27 years, all boiling down to a proportionate once conviction every year.
And this considering the turtle-paced progress in Pinoy investigations, understandably leads to suspicion that the many unresolved cases filed have remained unattended to in exchange for the “price is right”.
* * * *
Senatorial wannabes among entertainment and media celebrities aching for more power and prestige, have reasons to exult over the apparent and impending surrender of pro-cha-cha proponents to pressure of opposition boosted by the political ranting of some religious leaders boasting of considerable following.
Seems the proposed shift to unitary parliament from the bicameral presidential system of government has ended in the freezer at the moment together with the cha-cha movement.
Sen. Drilon himself has not been keen like his fellows in Congress in focusing on constitutional reform at the moment. What’s more important, he says, is the P1.2 trillion national budget.
The unexpected interest in passing the budget by the senators is heightened by the still unuttered question in the minds of most senators, save probably Sen. Ping Lacson: What’s in it for me?
Nothing, of course, except the restoration of their P200 million-a-year each of pork barrel.
Again senators have repeatedly said they were for cha-cha too, not through Con-Ass but through Con-Con (Constitutional Convention). The senators, who have been asked to muster the required two-thirds vote for a constitutional convention to prove their sincerity.
They have balked so far. And they are still balking probably until kingdom come.
(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/here-and-there/)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
