Bukidnon Representative Teofisto “TG” Guingona III countered GMA’s statement that her administration has made the Philippines a better investment destination in infrastructure and education. He also debunked her claims that the tough fiscal reforms she undertook a few years ago have helped provide funds for more expenditure on infrastructure, social services, and other basic services.

Guingona said Malacañang is desperately trying to justify the massive government spending by saying the expenditures on infrastructure of the Arroyo administration were higher than the past administrations combined and that this has reaped benefits for the country.

In spite of the accomplishments Malacanang has been trumpeting, the Philippines still suffered from poor ranking in terms of economic freedom as indicated by the 2010 index of the United States-based think tank Heritage Foundation. Among the issues cited by the Heritage Foundation were the Philippine government’s failure to do anything substantial to liberalize the economy, a weak judicial system, and a high tax rate. It also noted that corruption is perceived as pervasive and the enforcement of anti-corruption laws is inconsistent.

“Every time an international report mentions an increase in corruption and a decline in freedom in the Philippines , GMA points to an increase in the expenditure in infrastructure and basic services,” Guingona pointed out.

If, indeed, GMA’s claims were true, the solon asked why the country continues to suffer from widespread poverty, and why do Filipinos look for work elsewhere.

“In a corrupt society, much of government’s expenditures are diverted to private gain. Whatever infrastructure and services are provided are negligible or shoddy compared to what we should be receiving had there been no corruption. She also says that our work force is more mobile and earns more. But in a country where freedom is curtailed, our workers move overseas to earn more. The best thing for the country is for GMA to leave graciously and if we want the Philippines to be better at anything, then we should elect honest public servants in 2010,” Guingona explained.

I agree on that note. We should also focus on empowering ourselves and becoming good and responsible citizens without forgetting that all those in top positions should also be held responsible for their acts.

Wow, I think that is another dimension worth exploring too…I think he would have not taken the road for 2010 if his mother is still alive. And maybe just run for a reelection to the Senate.

The People Power is the people’s power; it was not Cory’s or Ramos’ or Enrile’s or Cardinal Sin’s…it was our power. Something that many leaders of the government since then has totally forgotten.

This ideas has been actually lingering on my head for many days now as some of my friends has actually brought up the idea of what if Noynoy losses his bid…but I think and I trust that if ever he will not win, he will not lead the people to a futile exercise of duplicating the People Power, for as you said, there will only be one…

…and the best People Power is by using one’s right to choose a leader for his nation.

For political strategists and opportunists, one and two are easy to do, but actually translating these plans and schemes to mass action is very very difficult. Remember their so-called EDSA III? Even the fury of Miriam Santiago did not sustain the people and ended up beaten by the government forces after a few days.

Good thing I have scaled down my intake of coffee these past days, and I am quite getting back at reality, LOL!

People Power…not now, and hindi na…

This is basically the point why I posted on my previous articles the danger of mystifying Noynoy Aquino as if he is the savior of mankind and of the nation. Coz definitely it has stamped on the heads of some people some notion that he is the only hope and for the opportunists to make ways for their personal interests to be fulfilled if ever the democratic process of voting a leader does not go well with Noynoy on 2010 via people power.

Indeed, if we have endure the result the result of our choice, so be it, but enduring the fruits of our choice for our government officials I think does not mean condoning their bad acts. Accountability is still part of the picture.

This is a very profound and thought provoking post, Elmot. Way to go!
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