Thursday, October 18, 2007 Espinoza: ‘Cash gift’ from Malacañang By Elias L. Espinoza Free Zone
DESPITE admissions by governors Emilio Macias III of Negros Oriental and Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and some congressmen that they received “cash gifts” after a meeting with President Arroyo last week, Malacanang spin doctors still had the gall to deny it.
Not even the statement of Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr. that the money did not come from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) could cover up the irregularity.
We now have a government leadership that is full of scandals, from the “Hello Garci” tape controversy, to the NBN-ZTE deal fiasco down to this Christmas gift in October issue.
The distribution of money simply suggests that Malacañang is awash with cash even as government coffers is hemorrhaging and millions of our brethren can hardly have two square meals a day.
If the huge amount was not from DBM, where did it come from? I don’t suppose Malacanang manufactures money. Or maybe the money came from Pagcor, the milking cow of top government officials.
Granting that the “gift” was for projects, why was it given in cash and directly to the governors and congressmen?
Perhaps Malacañang people did not have the time to buy gifts in kind for the President’s allies that they instead gave cash, which is not only lighter but is more valuable than purchased items.
Besides, Malacañang is running out of time because of the filing in Congress by lawyer Roel Pulido of an impeachment complaint, which many suspect is another moro-moro, against the President.
Rep. Tony Cuenco was not joking, after all, when he admitted receiving the “cash gift.” He may just have been too honest to come up with an initial denial. With the brouhaha that he started, Cuenco must now be laughing heartily.
Cuenco should therefore be hailed and not condemned for his courage to speak in public about the “cash gift.” Honesty is rare these days, especially among politicians. Cuenco’s revelation is something that Cebuanos should be proud of.
Cuenco’s joke claim is being echoed by Malacañang and everybody there are now talking like comedians. Worse, they confuse “cash donation” with funds for projects. Those defending the “cash donation” line say the money was not a bribe. Of course, they won’t say it is bribe money because the givers insist it is “cash donation” or gift. Besides, admitting it is a bribe is self incriminatory.
But was the “cash gift” or “donation” not covered by the election ban?
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After his first 100 days in office, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes should focus his energy on implementing his plans and providing direction for the city. He should leave to the right government agencies the task of running after his political opponents.
I have nothing personal against the mayor, but for him to say in his report to Mandauehanons that in just 30 days he improved the city’s traffic was a prevarication. Motorists in the city can disprove his claim.
The other day, when I passed by Gaisano, I noted that PUJ drivers were blatantly disregarding the “No Stopping” sign that was visible even to traffic enforcers. Most, if not all, tricycle drivers do not observe traffic rules because they know that enforcers do not have temporary operator’s permit (TOP) needed when confiscating drivers’ licenses.
Be that as it may, I wish Cortes can develop the city better than his predecessor. He should make himself available to the media so he will be differentiated from the likes of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza.
