Quality of our officials

At first I was pissed off. But later I was amused by the caper and behavior of our deposed president and plunder convict Joseph Estrada.

One time, he was quoted to have said, he would unite the opposition and that no one would run for President with involvement in corruption. When no one paid him attention, he said he would run himself.

Would you not be amused? I know others are too. Senility? No! What could the reasons be?

* * *

There were those who said, it was his posturing to have his son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada get a vice-presidential slot for 2010. But, when many asked, “What can Jinggoy give?” nothing was said any more.

I believe he knows deep in his heart he cannot run again. But why prattle about his comeback? Oh, just to remain in the news and if he cannot be a king, he wants to be a king maker.

But he should know in the world's records, he ranks No. 10 among the world's corrupt leaders in the amount of money stolen. No. 1 is Indonesia 's Suharto who is dying now. No. 2 is Marcos. No wonder we are tagged as the most corrupt country because we have two contributions in the world's 10 most corrupt Presidents.

Estrada's contribution to our election is that after his fall, no movie personality won as Senator any more. The people were so disappointed.

* * *

Erap knows how to play with the press, saying something of news value. He is right when he said, there are officials who are worse, meaning a bigger thief than he.

But they didn't get caught. In the world record, he was ranked No. 10 for stealing an estimated $80 million. No. 9 is Amoldo Aleman of Nicaragua who stole $100 million. If you add the latest findings of more than a billion peso account in the name of Jose Velarde, Estrada might be pushed up to No. 9. And Aleman at No. 10.

What is bad is when we will be known all over the world as a country with a president convicted for economic plunder, jailed for six years and believing he can win as president.

The Opposition has plenty of good materials.

* * *

But could it be that Erap is playing into the hands of the Administration who knows the biggest issue against it in 2010 is graft and corruption?

With Erap leading the Opposition, believing the Opposition will allow him to lead, the Administration can point a finger and ask, “Look, who's talking!”

This strategy looks like it has the hand of DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno. And Erap will enjoy playing the role if his name is always in media. Is this not a plausible theory?

What Estrada believes to be his popularity has been due to the unpopularity of his successor whose watch is rocked by scandals one after the other and working hard to put down civil liberties in the name of survival, even antagonizing media.

Estrada must not confuse those coming to him, poor and hungry people, as a sign of popularity. He tries going to the provinces without goodies to give and he will know how he stands.

Imelda Marcos is mobbed wherever she goes with the goodies that she distributes to people.

Erap should plant his two feet on the ground and admit to himself his time has long gone, his two and a half years of the Presidency characterized by nights of drinking and carousing, in addition to the “transactions” with private gambling groups.

As we said, there are many capable leaders in the Opposition. If they do not unite now, this is not the time to unite yet.

* * *

I strongly believe against the takeover of Bredco by the city.

The interview with both former Assemblyman Wilson Gamboa and businessman Rodolfo “Babes” Alvarez were very clear, the takeover is not beneficial to the city.

Both Gamboa and Alvarez correctly argued on looking at Bredco on the benefits it has given the city. The income from the port is nothing.

We must look at the forest, not just the trees.

* * *

I'd like to welcome officials of Igbaras town in Iloilo headed by the municipal mayor, Dr. Jaime Esmeralda and Vice-Mayor Edmund Esporas. I suggested to them to see the economic strides of Bacolod , Murcia , Silay and Bago with proper planning for development.

They will tape an interview with Murcia Mayor Sonny Coscolluela at 6 p.m. at Channel 14 tonight.

I have seen Negros Occidental has more development oriented local government units than Iloilo , reason why we have 13 cities while Iloilo has only two.*

back to top