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Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Seares: Gerry does it again
By Pachico A. Seares
News Sense
Last time, Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo intervened in the arrest of three shop owners selling alleged fake goods. He persuaded cops not to jail his clients: “I’ll take them myself to you.” He turned in only one suspect three days later. Police felt duped.
This time, Sun.Star reported last Sunday, Gerry asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to issue passports to four applicants who turned out to be bogus: names, supporting papers, and all. DFA denied the request and asked the National Bureau of Investigation to hunt down Gerry’s recommendees.
In the Aug. 4 arrest of shop owners, Gerry was clearly helping clients. In the DFA case, he says he was helping friends.
Patronage
To be sure, Gerry is not the only one helping friends and “friends of friends” to get favors from bureaucrats. Most politicians do it. Culture of patronage.
Yet, influential persons are usually cautious about people they help and what it is for. Gerry says he “felt used,” a hint of regret for something he failed to do.
Checking favor-seekers is a must for a public official.
Gerry, lawyer cum councilor, should know for whom he’s putting his name at risk.
Unless it’s for clients. Some lawyers don’t screen a client. Never mind questionable motive or clashing interest, just how the billing is done.
Gerry can help appease the public by unmasking the bogus applicants. After all, he’s one known link to the suspects DFA wants arrested.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 5, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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