Inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of empathy - these are the defining characteristics of the current leadership, leaving many Filipinos with little to no hope. The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) is on its deathbed, and the government's response is nothing short of disappointing.
The newly appointed Ombudsman has already pronounced the ICI's fate, stating that it has only a month or two left. This comes as Congress prepares to take a holiday break, leaving the ICI's future in limbo. Malacanang, the presidential palace, remains silent, offering no solutions or even a simple acknowledgment of the crisis.
Former DPWH Secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson, a respected figure known for his excellent management amidst government corruption, tendered his resignation as a commissioner of the ICI. His letter, dated November 15th, went unanswered by El Presidente, the president himself. This lack of response raises questions and concerns.
Is this another instance of El Presidente's famous "I will not dignify" statement, as seen in his reaction to Zaldy Co's revelations? Or is it a deliberate silence, as seen after his sister, Manang Imee, expressed her concerns over her son's addiction?
Babes Singson, along with his fellow commissioners, waited in vain for El Presidente to take action and grant the ICI legal powers beyond the temporary executive order. They were left hanging, with no progress made.
The situation took a turn when a palace insider, the "palengkera," caused an ICI investigator-adviser, Benjamin Magalong, to resign. Magalong had accompanied Singson to La Union, where they uncovered anomalies in the Ortega fiefdom. This incident highlights the government's reluctance to embrace independent investigators, especially when it comes to uncovering corruption.
Baguio's city mayor, who was initially co-opted into the anti-corruption campaign, took the hint and stepped down. It seems the campaign was more about optics than actual change.
El Presidente's executive secretary, a former chief justice, received a text message from a powerful individual outside the government, suggesting he had to go. Shortly after, the palengkera announced his resignation, even before formally tendering it.
The cohorts identified by Zaldy Co in his revelations quietly left their positions, with Malacanang announcing their "resignations" one by one. This raises questions about the truth behind these departures. Was it a strategic move to get rid of those who knew too much, as suggested by El Presidente's foreign experts?
Our "kind-hearted" leader, as described by Senator Lacson, could not fire his closest associates, so they "resigned" quietly. But what about Magalong and Singson? Their cold treatment was not an act of kindness; it was a display of insensitivity towards competent professionals.
Inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of empathy - these are the hallmarks of this leadership, leaving Filipinos with little hope. As WR Numero's data shows, only two out of ten Filipinos still hold onto some reason to hope.
Erap, accused of jueteng involvement, faced criticism but caused no loss of life or tax burden. In contrast, the ICI's inefficiency has led to the loss of trillions in public funds and the recorded deaths of 269 people due to Typhoon Tino alone.
As Senator Ping Lacson wisely said, "Often, incompetence is worse than corruption." This statement rings true as we witness the inefficiency plaguing various agencies, including the DTI, where intelligent long-timers describe their leader as "inept and moronic."
Even in simple matters, like buying "kamto" for a nilagang karne, one is charged an outrageous P500 per kilo. It's a stark reminder of the everyday struggles Filipinos face due to the government's incompetence.
This is a crisis that demands attention and action. Will the government step up and address these issues, or will they continue to ignore the plight of the Filipino people?
