Thursday, December 20, 2007 Speak out: Cases vs. DPWH 7, Lapu-Lapu execs By (By Fr. Carmelo Diola, overall coordinating steward, Dilaab Foundation Inc., and Daryll Estrada, program steward, Barug!
(By Fr. Carmelo Diola, overall coordinating steward, Dilaab Foundation Inc., and Daryll Estrada, program steward, Barug! Pilipino)
WE laud the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for the filing of criminal and administrative complaints against Lapu-lapu City officials and other individuals for their alleged involvement in the computer scam as well as the filing of similar complaints against top ranking Department of Public Works and Highways 7 officials in the Asean Summit security camera seam.
This encouraging development is a product of a convergence of factors: the contribution of ordinary citizens who acted both as whistleblowers and even researchers as well as the selfless dedication of government workers tasked with the investigation.
The work leading to the filing of complaints required painstaking attention to evidence that would stand up before the Sandiganbayan.
This is no easy task, one that demands careful preliminary investigation and a patience based on hope, not despair, by all, including the public.
We see an awakened citizenry and public servants disgusted with corruption.
This comes like a breath of fresh air amidst the pollution of pervasive and systemic corruption.
All is not lost.
A growing number of concerned and non partisan citizens are no longer just watching from the sidelines.
Far too long we have tolerated corruption. Now we no longer take it sitting down.
We realize that the payment for these ridiculously priced personal computers and security cameras come from the sweat of our brows.
We expect the alleged perpetrators to respond to the complaint and not come out with diversionary tactics.
We expect the wheels of justice to move, for the guilty to be punished and the innocent to be exonerated.
We urge other concerned citizens and organizations to make their voices heard.
Only by doing so can we defend our democracy from those who may want to short-circuit its processes.
Join the growing number of Cebuanos and Filipinos who are sick and tired of corruption, and will no longer be lulled into complacency by the political telenovela that has been going on for generations.
We are all part of the problem, but we can also be part of the solution. Together, we can make a difference against corruption.
Truly, with patience based on hope, a “people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2).
