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Saturday, February 15, 2003
Espinoza: ‘Immorality’ in government
By Elias L. Espinoza
ECONOMIC INDICATOR. The rise in crimes against property, like theft and robbery, is a consequence of the nation’s dwindling eco-nomy. Some economists use these crimes as economic indicators.
There was nothing surprising with the recent robbery of the payroll right at the drive-through of Jollibee in Cansaga, Consolacion, Cebu on Wednesday afternoon. During these difficult times, this is the easiest way to earn quick money.
With all due respect, businessman Haron Strackman, 57, also has himself to blame for the incident. He must have been overconfident of our peace and order situation that he did not secure the money by hiring an armed escort.
Or, was it because he did not have the trust and confidence in our police force or the security industry that he thought the money was safer in his possession?
As to how the robbers were able to know the businessman was carrying P167,000 is something police investigators should not overlook in their investigation.
Somebody must have tipped off the robbers. The source of the information could be someone from the bank or from somebody who works with the businessman. The driver of Strackman is certainly a suspect.
Of course, I am not saying the robbers have better intelligence network than our policemen. It could be that our police intelligence network is no longer functioning because of lack of funding.
Our honorable congressmen are good at tongue-lashing our law enforcement agencies when the peace and order situation is in question. But have they provided the agencies with better logistics?
SPENDTHRIFT. Look at some of our honorable legislators. If they are not abroad spending time with their families or “loved ones,” they are in cock derbies betting as if there is no tomorrow, spending the people’s money.
Our supposed “honorables,” instead of returning the taxpayers’ money to the taxpayers in terms of basic services, like health, better roads and bridges, are spending it on themselves to sustain their whims and caprices.
They can hardly serve as role models to our youth. Some of our politicians are so callous that they even display in public their activities, which may be perceived as illegal or immoral.
Morality in this government is no longer an issue. Illegal or immoral activities have become a fad even to government officials, who hold high and sensitive positions in this administration. What a misery!
This is all about money and power. There is, after all, truth to the adage that “money is the root of all evils” and “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” With the way things are going, is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
With the ongoing “word war” between US President George W. Bush and Iraq President Saddam Hussein, the indications are not good for our economy. We will be hit economically once the US strikes at Iraq.
Several Filipino workers in the Middle East, particularly Kuwait and Iraq, will be displaced. I don’t suppose our government is ready to help these overseas workers that bring in millions of dollars every year to the country.
President Arroyo’s unconditional support to the stand of America against Iraq is suicide, considering that we have Muslim brothers in this land. Her statement, though, is nothing but selfish and politically motivated.
With the presidential polls in one year, the President, who is widely rumored to run despite her previous disclaimer, needs the support of the US government for her to stay in power.
That is how conceited some, if not most, of our politicians. They will sacrifice public welfare and interest over their political agenda. I wish God redirects the political track of our “honorables” in government into the right path.
(February 15, 2003 issue)
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