By Farah G. Decano

           

THE House of Representatives (HOR) did not terminate its hearing on the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) despite the matter being set already for the second time around.

Afterward, the Lower House came under fire from the Duterte camp because of this glaring deviation from a longstanding tradition of approving the budget of the OVP as a matter of parliamentary courtesy.  In other words, the Duterte followers wanted the HOR to observe the treatment it has given to previous vice presidents, that is, to authorize the intended Vice Presidential fund in a matter of minutes without much regard to transparency and accountability.

Some months ago, however, one famous Duterte supporter – Atty. Harry Roque – made a different stand. He pushed for more transparency and accountability when he called for the abolition of the usual practice of “certification” in the liquidation of the budget for supplies and travel allocated to each legislator, whether a senator or a representative. During his time as congressman, Atty. Roque disclosed to have an allowable  whopping supply and travel expenditure of P700,000.00 per month!  Liquidation by certification is the procedure wherein the public official merely confirms that the funds have been expended in accordance with the purposes for which they were given.  No presentation of receipts was required.

If we truly consider the “kaban ng bayan” as sacred, then why don’t we treat all branches of government – their departments, divisions, and offices – in the same manner?   Why don’t we start the practice of transparency and accountability and make it the tradition in all levels and branches of government?

As a former administrator for six years, I witnessed how the City Government of Dagupan was closely monitored by the Commission on Audit (COA). The latter constitutional body did not allow any certification as a way of liquidating funds.  It demanded the presentation of official receipts, pictures, accomplished attendance sheets, and the list of the recipients/beneficiaries, duly signed by the latter.   The  Commission also made sure that the City Government of Dagupan followed the Philippine General Procurement Law to the letter in the construction of infrastructure projects and in the acquisition of goods and services.  Sakit sa bangs noon dahil madetalye.

Congress and the COA must exercise their constitutional functions of oversight and audit respectively with the same fervor as they would other agencies or offices. There should be no sacred cows because no one is above the law, not even the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the House Speaker, the Supreme Court Justices or other members of the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief.  The alleged tradition of parliamentary courtesy or whatever courtesy known to them must not override constitutionally mandated functions.

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The administration of Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos is slowly bringing our faith back in government.  Aside from his brave stand regarding the West Philippine Sea issue, he minced no words in revoking licenses issued to Philippine Offshore Games Operators.  Recently his government also caught famous fugitives: Alice Guo and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

President Bongbong Marcos also threatened to fire those who are involved in the escape of terminated Mayor, Alice Guo.  After a month of investigation, he made true his threat. He recently fired the Bureau of Immigration Chief, Norman Tansingco. Medyo nakakabilib.

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Maharlika, a famous vlogger aligned with the Dutertes, reduced President BBM from the “tigre” to the “kuting” of the north.   Heydarian, another vlogger who proudly calls himself an Ilocano, did the same with Vice President Sara.  He called her  “itik,” instead of her usual tag, “agila”  of the south.   I really wish that they are the tiger and eagle they claim to be.   President BBM is already proving Maharlika wrong.  We still await VP Sara to spread or grow her eagle-like wings.

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