The open market of ideas

DAILY STAR had quite a memorable celebration of its 25 years yesterday, marked by the groundbreaking for its new building. Personally though, I found it painfully sweet. Or put it otherwise, it was sweetly painful for the memorable years.

But the ending was interesting. Paeng Golez called for us, Modi, Ninfa, and myself, the original organizers to pose for a picture. Below I was told everybody was asking, will they not quarrel again?

What made DAILY STAR strong was the independence of the outlook of everyone among the organizers that led to quarrels and conflicts.

Management of conflict is very important. Conflicts at DAILY STAR were well managed and resulted in a well harmonized group.

***

This reminds me of the Morning Show interview at ABS-CBN last Wednesday, Anchor girl Honey Grace Catalan asked us, Modi and me, how did we find these open serious charges and counter charges among political candidates.

Honey Grace was referring to the charges against the Leonardia Group of graft in the government center and against the Puentevella Group of charges of tampering, fertilizer, computer, SEA Games, and other scams.

These issues are very well discussed over media by their respective spokespersons. These are serious, issues that, to be sure these are true, both camps filed cases in court.

Are these good?

***

My answer is an unequivocal, uncompromising YES. Let there be an open discussion by all in the open market of ideas, not just by barkers. When the truth is out, this is what will make us free.

The biggest problem in this country is graft and corruption, government officials openly stealing from government funds of not just millions but hundreds of millions. And nothing is done. That's why the country wallows in poverty, not being able to spend even for basic services.

It's shameful really. When the Spaniards first came they called our place "Islas de los ladrones" or "Isles of thieves." The natives stole their boats.

You heard of the Greek god Diogenes who was said to have brought fire to earth. He is always pictured as carrying a torch. Anecdote was that he carried his torch for a mission to find one honest man. Did he find one? No! Sad thing is when he came to the Philippines, he only did not fail to find one. They even stole his torch.

***

In many election fights, there is always, especially on the issue of graft and corruption, a conspiracy of silence among the candidates. "Don't expose what I stole and I will not expose yours."

Then adding, "Whoever wins, each must just make the most of it." And they agree to keep quiet about it.

This is plain and simple Mafia operation and the vow of secrecy called omerta. The principle they have is "Let us steal together." This mindset is what will bring this country down. Unless we the voters demand accountability by our elected officers, we can never rise.

Our legislators are getting hundreds of millions of pork barrel funds. These funds are not well accounted for because the Commission on Audit is afraid to intrude into it. And nobody among the legislators themselves are complaining. Why will they because they also benefit.

Not just in the legislative. In the executive department as well. The problem is we lack whistle blowers.

***

However, in the land of conformity, to be standing alone is an unconventional wisdom. But we must salute them. One of them is former Sen. Franciso "Kit" Tatad. He refused to be included in the Senate slate on both parties that lacked the moral moorings, one of them is the political dynasty issue.

Lately, Tatad hammered on what we called conspiracy among candidates, particularly on the graft and corruption issues.

Our people must support the court cases filed by both groups in this election, on charges of graft and corruption.

Then we must be sure these are followed up after the election. You know, both parties can keep quiet. And the Ombudsman, without being egged, is also very slow. They might cannot decide until the next election.*

back to top