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Sunday, April 03, 2005
Cabaero: Justifiable fuss
By Nini B. Cabaero
Beyond 30
Some people are brushing it aside as a "non-issue" but this matter over the alleged use by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo of a US$20,000 per night suite in Las Vegas is worth discussing. At the least.
In the age of the proposed value added tax (VAT) increase, the privilege granted Arroyo when he went to Las Vegas to watch the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales hits you in the gut. Right in the gut where emotion takes precedence over logic.
For Arroyo, it was nothing. "It was free. What's the fuss all about?" he reportedly said in answer to the rumors on his Las Vegas accommodations.
He said "it was accommodation fitting a dignitary of my stature as husband of the President."
Well, the fuss is about how Arroyo--not necessarily a dignitary but, yes, the husband of the President--should enjoy such accommodations when people left behind in his beloved Philippines have nothing to look forward to but the next payday.
Congress went on special session last week to hasten a decision on the VAT bill that, if passed, would add to the people's financial burdens.
Government officials have declared this tax measure to be vital to save the country from a fiscal crisis that can happen in less than two years and have warned Filipinos to expect harder times.
First Gentleman Arroyo said he was not a government official, and no government funds were used in his US trip. But, as President's spouse, any offer to him was made because of President Arroyo and any privilege to him was in effect granted to her too. Even if no government funds were used, mere delicadeza should have made him think twice.
Opposition leaders in the House of Representatives have called for an investigation precisely to look into possible loopholes in laws on ethics that allow families of government officials to think they are above the restrictions.
These leaks in our laws provide another justification for why people should make a fuss over the First Gentleman's lodgings.
There is justifiable fuss over Arroyo's conduct in Las Vegas.
***
The Sun.Star website at www. sunstar.com.ph has created a special section on Pope John Paul II. Website visitors may post messages on the discussion board titled "My prayers for the Pope." The section carries news, running accounts, background information, features, photos and a profile on the Catholic Church's leader.
Click on the "Pope Watch" button on the right panel of the Sun.Star website or type--http://www.sunstar.
com.ph/specials/popewatch/index.html--on your Web browser to go straight to the special section. This is Sun.Star's way of providing the faithful with a venue for their sentiments in this difficult time.
(April 3, 2005 issue)
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