Corruption Makes Filipinos Poor
Has any member of congress ever left the government poorer than when he was first elected to the position?
Atty. Allen S. Quimpo was already rich when he joined politics. He belongs to a good, moneyed and respected family in Aklan. But when he was first elected to congress, he was not a millionaire. His asset and liabilities showed as reported.
When he left congress in 2001, he was a millionaire! Did he save? Yes. He earned more, spent less and saved enough.
Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo was elected to congress in 2001 after her term as senior board member of Aklan. As congresswoman, she reconstructed the Museo it Aklan, reconstructed Captain Gil Mijares Bldg., constructed Mayor Icamina Memorial Plaza, Bliss, Kalibo and established the “Kabuhi-an Center, Aranas, Balete. She also improved the lighting system in Kalibo bridge.
When she ran for re election in the May 2004 election, she was badly defeated. Did she become a millionaire for being a member of congress? Will a three year stint in congress enough for one to become millionaire? It depends. Perhaps Vice Governor Billie V. Calizo has millions already before she became a congresswoman.
In the words of Ducky Paredes of Malaya, “our whole system is corrupt. How do we change it?” He asked. Benjamin Abalos of the Commission On Election resigned his chairmanship because of the aborted National Broadband Network deal. Those governors and congressmen who went to Malacañang Palace, one day in October were given pretty paper bags filled with P200,000 to P500,000 each. Therefore, stopping corruption is very difficult. But this can be done with discipline.
In Aklan, 50 computers sets bought at P250,000 per unit were distributed among DepEd schools and districts. This kind of computer will not cost higher than P25,000 in any computer shop in Kalibo. The computers are for DepEd, but who provided them? Schools Division Supt. Victorina Laroza cannot reveal who bought and distributed the computers.
However, one thing is sure. The money used to purchase it is public fund and those who gained in the transaction must be public officials. Out of this 50 units computers purchased and distributed, the mastermind and his/her cohorts must have made P11 millions. This is only in Aklan. But how much overprices did they get from other provinces and cities? It must be billions of pesos. This single transaction must be making the Filipinos much poorer.
Outstanding
Municipal Agenda
Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo has been awarded several awards in recognition of his outstanding performance as Mayor of the Ati Atihan town of Kalibo. One award given him is for his Municipal Agenda.
Inspite and despite of it, Mayor Rebaldo is also a daily recipient of negative criticism in line with his management of the affairs of Kalibo. The latest criticism that reached EF is the absence of preparation for the forthcoming Kalibo Ati Atihan celebration on the 3rd Sunday of January. According to them, until today, November 22, 2007, nothing is heard about the Ati Atihan celebration preparation. They wished announcement from the Kalibo Municipal Hall will be released on the matter.
Mayor Rebaldo is being criticized both in his front and back about the deplorable situation of the Kalibo Public Market. For the vendors and buyers, they have been in the rain or sun depending upon the weather while doing selling and buying.
Mayor Rebaldo is criticized also regarding the unsanitary condition of the slaughterhouse located in Tinigaw. He also receives negative terms on the system of garbage collection and disposal. The landfill in Bakhaw Sur is polluting the river and the road leading to it is about to be eroded.
How about the traffic? It has improved as far as the number of vehicles in circulation is concerned, smoke pollution has increased, congestion has increased, traffic violators had increased. All increased, no decreased.
Mayor Rebaldo can do more for the good of Aklan. He now represents Visayas to the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in the National level. With the assistance of his dear brother Randy, he will improve Kalibo and Aklan in general. Wait! His beloved mother, Hon. Jean A. Rebaldo will take her oath as Barangay chair of Poblacion, Kalibo and she begins discharging her job on December 1, 2007. They will be a family team to develop more Kalibo. /MP
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