Monday, July 02, 2007 Nalzaro: Abuses By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
BARRING unforseen circumstances, five children who used to be under the care of the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children (CCTFSC) at the Parian Drop-in Center will expose the alleged abuses committed by one of the male staff to some of the children. I have set an interview with them in my morning radio program over DYSS Super Radyo today.
The children escaped from the center a few months ago because they can no longer bear the physical abuses inflicted to them by a male staff. The children are now under the custody of a concerned citizen, who coordinated with this writer so they could make a public statement about the issue. The person, though, is still apprehensive to come out in the open for fear of repercussions. The informant even said that after the interview, the children will be left under my care.
He admitted that the alleged tormentors of the children are not that influential but this staff member has strong connections with City Hall, which supervises and supports the drop-in center. The CCTFSC is headed by First Lady Margot Osmeña. When asked if Mrs. Osmeña knew about the abuses, the informant said they have already relayed the matter to the center’s officials but the children’s complaints were not acted upon.
According to the custodian, the children claimed that they can no longer bear the physical abuses committed by the drop-in center staff, who would allegedly punch, kick and slap them every time they commit mistakes, no matter how small. He will also deprive them of food. These abuses prompted them to escape. A female street child was even reportedly molested by this staff.
Well, if these allegations are true, these will warrant an investigation by the task force. I know Mrs. Osmeña will not tolerate such abuses. I already have the name of the staff member but I will not mention his name until such time that the children will be the one to unmask his identity. The children are ready to execute affidavits to support their allegations and for the possible filing of a formal complaint. Abangan!
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Today is the first day in office of newly elected officials. For the first-timers in public office, I think their terms will not be a walk in the park. They will have to make a lot of adjustments and undergo an orientation to be well-versed in their respective jobs.
For new provincial, city and municipal chief executives, reviewing the voluminous records of their respective local government units, from the revenue, budget, staffing pattern, status of the employees and all the nitty-gritty in management and administration work will be headaches for them.
Things will be better for those who were given a fresh mandate through reelection or those whose predecessors were their relatives and political allies because I am sure that there will be a smooth transition. But if the outgoing chief executives are not allied with the incoming officials, it will be a horrendous work for the latter.
Well, the public should carefully observe and should be vigilant of the performances of our newly elected officials. The first 100 days will be very crucial for them. At least, they should start mapping out plans to implement their campaign promises within their term of office. One term, which is equivalent to three years, is too short for good and performing elected officials. But it will be too long for bad, dishonest and corrupt politicians. Good luck to all.
