Punchline
The hidden truth in the Capitol
By Ermin Garcia Jr.
Last week, we published excerpts from the 5-paged letter of an old acquaintance Paterno “Pat” Orduna, now an Executive Assistant IV at the Office of the Governor. In brief, he wanted to impress upon me that the shotgun-for-kapitans program of Guv Spines is above board and justified, citing the “considerations” that led to its implementation. Now, here’s our take of his assertions.
Pat premised his dissertation with the following thought that nobody can argue with:
“After assumption of office as Governor, records of the Pangasinan PNP evidently showed that there had been marked improvement in peace and order condition in the province. To cite a few, incidents of cattle rustling have been drastically reduced while the insurgency problem have been eradicated.”
After reading that, I had half expected him to describe Guv Spines’ plan to achieve a zero-crime rate in the province. That perhaps would have been most logical to defend the shotgun deal. But to my dismay, what followed was a convoluted logic to justify it.
The 3 considerations he mentioned not only defy logic and common sense but woefully void of any substance.
“First… that the barangays really need the FA in peace and order campaign in their respective localities. The Pangasinan PNP due to its manpower limitations strongly recommended the procurement and distribution of shotguns to barangay officials because it will greatly enhance Police law enforcement capability with the Barangay Officials serving as its police Auxiliary Units…
Did he (and Guv Spines) actually expect the public to believe that the kapitans would reject a rare chance to be gifted with a deadly symbol of power. It was like asking a 5-year old whether he’d like a gallon of ice cream delivered to his room. Besides, why weren’t the mayors asked instead if they agreed? It was even ludicrous to make people believe it is PNP’s policy to form police auxiliary units. Vigilantes in war-torn Mndanao suggested it but PNP leadership flatly rejected it.
“Second… that majority if not all of the Barangay Officials who have been clamoring for the procurement of said FAs are willing to receive and take possession of the shotguns for their community defense program. And that they are willing to undergo training on the proper handling of FA.”
At least, they were honest in establishing before the fact that “majority if not all…” wanted the free shotguns. But did they honestly expect the kapitans to say they are not willing to be trained, especially so when it is a condition for receiving his/her allocation of a free shotgun? What a self-serving consideration. Of course, the kapitans would say “Yes” without thinking!
“Third, (that) the PNP shall have formulated the mechanism to ensure strict monitoring while establishing direct control and supervision of Barangay Officials who are recipients of the FAs….”
Then PD Isagani Neres was just too willing to set up the mechanism for monitoring for BossGuv. He would even sign anything knowing fully well that by the time the kapitans start acting like the villains in the movies, he would already be out of the province and would have nothing to do with it. Still the “mechanism” was quiet about need to issue implementing rules and guidelines by the PNP, i.e., When are kapitans authorized to use the shotguns? The fact is, nobody wants to issue the guidelines, not the provincial board, not even Guv Spines! Nobody wants to deal with abusive kapitans.
So far, we already know of 4 incidents where kapitans used the shotguns to intimidate their “nosey” constituents, and not for their claimed defense against dangerous troublemakers in their communities. And has Smiley PD Barba done anything to sanction the abusive kapitans? Of course not! To do so would be politically incorrect at the expense of his new political patron. Perhaps, my friend Pat, should monitor these himself, and report the abuses if only to provide Guv Spines the opportunity to score more brownie points, this time with the people.
Any way you look at them, the self-serving “considerations” were obviously crafted to make the program look valid, not to test the program’s worthiness.
* * * * *
My friend Pat was being presumptuous by describing his “facts” as TRUTH.
“TRUTH remains…it was the clamor of the majority of the barangay officials for the Governor to help them in their peace and order campaigns…” That it’s a clamor is a fact but the hidden truth is, the kapitans simply want to tote guns without being questioned, and Guv Spines took it as an opportunity to earn their loyalty with the help of his brother Amadeo, as president of the Liga ng nga Barangay Federation.
“The TRUTH remains that of 1333 barangays in the province, only twenty three (23) Barangay Capitans…in Alaminos City did not avail of the shotguns.” Again, that’s a fact but here’s the truth haunting the Capitol – Mayor Nani Braganza’s arguments for opposing the program are correct. He maintained the province is peaceful, found no need to arm kapitans and recommended that the shotguns be given instead to the poorly armed police force.
Also, I’d like to take his word that the shotgun deal was not tainted with corruption but I can’t. I wish he had explained why there was no bidding for the procurement as required by law and why none of the board members questioned the irregular procurement process. He didn’t even explain the simple math that led to the withdrawal of P30 million for a procurement that didn’t cost P30 million.
* * * * *
His sentiment “I never thought that the Kuya Ermin Garcia, Jr. that I knew and admire may have been discriminating in writing articles which I believe tend to besmirch the character and the integrity of the man that I serve and have chosen as a leader….” is regrettable.
I am, and will always be, critical of government programs that are tainted with or vulnerable to corruption, or projects that clearly betray the trust of our people. I want government officials to account for their questionable decisions and actions. In the same vein, officials in question will not be denied space in the PUNCH to explain themselves fully.
Discriminating? The PUNCH has consistently commended Guv Spines for his unprecedented initiatives in health-care and agri programs. But the shotgun deal is a completely different animal. I will continue to take the Guv to task for it until he corrects its horrid implementation. Translation – arm the cops, not the kapitans!
If the Pat I knew now considers this advocacy as an unfair practice that besmirch his boss’ integrity, then I must remind him of what he valiantly stood and fought for in the years preceding and during martial law.
Still I commend my friend Pat Orduna for continuing his fight for TRUTH. I only pray that he fights not only for the truth that he is ordered to promote but to continue the fight for the real common good.
(Readers may reach columnist at punch.sunday@gmail.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/punchline/
For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
