THE word corruption comes from the Latin word corruptus, which means to break or destroy. Corruption always involves coupling of power and greed for money.
No matter how dirty they are, and robbing the poor of what they really deserve, the appetite of those in power nearly diminished. Is the Duterte government succeeding in its fight against corruption? I think that's a good question that can be directed towards the new administration.
The Duterte government maybe headway as far as its campaign against the illegal drug trade which became gargantuan because past administrations clearly overlooked but not in battling and uprooting graft from the local government units, via congress to some high ranking appointed Malacañang officials.
Just the other day, Senator Ping Lacson was quoted by newspapers that some of his colleagues are still benefiting from the pork barrel despite their use was already ruled unconstitutional by the high court. What about members of Congress? Can they be far away? I know you know the answer to that one.
Corruption, political dynasties, environmental issues, oligarchy, traffic, unemployment and poverty have been moving in circles in this country since I started reading the newspapers in my teen years. But we can’t throw all the blame now to Duterte’s lap.
Waging wars in many fronts may not be desirable, and cannot be engaged with a snap of the finger, but the country's election of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to the presidency came as a total surprise to us. And even more surprising is his brand of leadership that caused clapping and approval by some people even he said to his audience that “God is stupid.”
The Duterte administration is entering its third year and four more years to go. From the very start he exhibited what was a common term then and now, POLITICAL WILL. But the accumulation of problems which beset us may not be solve in a six year time frame. The palace claimed that the first two years of this administration is successful, but that will meet a lot of objections. In my mind, no administration can claim success unless they can put in place a railroad system. All countries, even Bangladesh have it, except us.
As long as rising prices cannot be contained, traffic gridlock can’t be untangled, poverty reduced to lower levels and wages increased don’t beat your breast, Mr. Harry. No one will pay attention. And please don’t manipulate statistics.
Tidbits: Not sure yet. Bacolor Mayor Jomar Hizon told his friends at Monday Club that he is still contemplating if he will run for governor or not. But the Pinedas are ready. His sister, City of San Fernando Councilor Angie Hizon is dead sure she will run for vice mayor. It is not yet known who she will be running in tandem with...former Floridablanca Mayor Ed Guerrero will contest the incumbent who is now faced with the town opposition due to his approval of a sanitary landfill.
Guerrero finished his three term and was well loved by his people. He said making the town a garbage dump will only be discontinued if he will get elected.
“No way will we allow to make our town a basurahan of the towns and cities of Region 3,” he told reporters...Vice Mayor Dexter David most likely will face former Vice Mayor Jing Capil in Porac town. David has the upper hand.