THE public continues to assail Presidential Communication Assistant Secretary Esther Margaux “Mocha” Uson following the “lewd” federalism video that went viral on social media.
During a forum held at Vianney Hall in San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City Friday, August 10, 2018, with Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, college student Rocky Nicor asked the young senator what the youth can do against Uson’s wanton display of indecency as a public official.
The student wanted to file a case against Uson before the Ombudsman.
“As a student, I find it insulting to the Filipinos what Assistant Secretary Uson did. I am also a taxpayer because what I am buying is also taxed by the government. The Train Law which was passed that will supposedly serve for the betterment of the Philippines, the bigger pie of the budget amounting to P90 million just went to Uson, despite the indecency that only degrades the image of the country. Uson, as a public official, people looked up to them. What she did on the ‘Pepe-dederalismo’ video has sent a wrong signal to the Filipinos. Uson does not deserve to work in the government because she always violates the Code of Ethics of a public official,” he said.
He added that even a policeman needs to study a four-year course and undergo a rigid training in order to be admitted to work in the government.
But here comes Uson, who is just doing a video blogging, but suddenly she sprouted and occupied a high position in government, the student said.
“Out of the blue, she is there enjoying her high paying position. I really don’t like her. I am a person who believes that people change. But with what Uson is doing, I became hopeless. If Uson wants to continue serving her post, act with decency,” he said.
In response to the student’s point of view, Aquino said, “I have been saying it before that those people who sow fake news, biased reports that feed indecency have no place in the government. That is pretty clear to all of us. If you maintain, associate and support people like that, it reflects on you more than it reflects on them. If you support people who make a mockery on our Constitution, you are also making a mockery of the Constitution. At the end of the day, the move to fire Uson really depends on the administration. That is their choice.”
“But for me, the more they retain people that they know are really bad to their wishes and purpose, they are the ones being affected by it. But why they still retained her? Of course, politically, Uson has still a value to the administration. If we are serious about this, we have to show that politically, Uson has also a liability. And the people need to organize and speak out that we demand more from our government officials. That is the start and end of it. Not just for Mocha but for others too. We should demand better respect, better decorum, excellence and efficiency from our government officials and leaders and that should come from the Filipino people. At the end of the day, the very person who hired Mocha is the very person who can fire her and I think, we need to have our voices heard that we deserve better government leaders,” the senator added.
Meanwhile, former Negros Occidental governor Rafael Coscolluela, broad coalition Paghimud-os Negros lead convenor, told the civil society especially the students who attended the forum yesterday to make their voices heard when it matters.
“If possible, consider the filing of a complaint against Uson before the Ombudsman for violating the Code of Ethics for Public Officials. You can do it,” he said.
Courtesy visit
After the forum, Aquino went to the Bishop’s Palace to pay courtesy to Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon.
They talked about the social media as a new phenomenon in the world.
“I told the audience that before I could debate with you, we have different views but it won’t resort to attacking one’s character. But now, we lack space for thoughtful disagreements. Most solutions come out because of people disagreeing with each other and eventually they come to a common solution. Nowadays, if I don’t like what you are saying, I will just attack you. A lot of young people are lonely. I think that is part of the social phenomenon is ironic that the more you are connected, the more you feel lonely. That is more prevalent to the youth,” the senator said.
“We can argue but we cannot go down too personal,” the Bishop responded.
The Bishop also said that it’s good that Aquino goes around and talks to the people especially the youth.
Nothing beats the old school of conducting forums because you can have a personal interaction with the people, said Aquino.