A narco state in the making?

SAN FRANCISCO – One of the more popular tours here is a visit to Alcatraz, once upon a time a high security prison where bad ass guys like Al Capone and George “Machine-Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. It is a highly popular excursion so that tourists line up early to be on it.

Life in Alcatraz was supposedly so tough the prospect of being imprisoned there must have sent shivers down the spines of even the meanest criminals. Escape was impossible and attempts to do so ended up as failures and even death. 

What we probably need is our own Alcatraz that is so tough and strict even the drug lords will learn to respect society’s rules. Or reinstitute the death penalty for the drug lords because that seems to be the only way of dealing with them to protect society.

News from home about how Justice Secretary Leila de Lima led a pre dawn raid at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinglupa and was flabbergasted to see how convicted drug lords are living in five star comfort in violation of rules. A top of the line sound recording studio, a Jacuzzi, a sex doll, fully air conditioned comfort, and millions of pesos and dollars in cash were there for the convicted drug dealers to enjoy.

It wasn’t just one drug lord, but several of them who were among the privileged prisoners living in luxury within the penitentiary. They had cell phones and even suspected drug samples. They are obviously still running their illegal drug operations from within the Bilibid walls.

We all had some idea that there are such privileged prisoners there. We have heard stories about how a former congressman had his own place there. The former husband of a current senator was also serving time under special circumstances until he was pardoned. But the five star facilities Sec de Lima saw was really something else. In a word, shocking. It is also shameful and embarrassing for government.

How could prison officials allow these things to happen? The current head of the Bureau of Corrections claim he was unaware of those luxurious facilities. That’s a totally unacceptable response.

Maybe it is because he is new in his job, but his excuse rings hollow. On the first day of work, he should have done a survey of his domain on foot. He couldn’t have missed those luxurious facilities in the same way that Sec. De Lima didn’t in her first visit.

Malacañang’s muted or tame response is also not acceptable. They have been in power for four years and the Bureau of Corrections have had some changes of command. Surely, they should have heard of the anomalous situation and done something about it.

I am sorry, Sec. Sonny Coloma, but the Palace response should have shown more outrage. The Palace should have assured the public that quick action is forthcoming and that it includes heads rolling.

Sec. De Lima’s discovery brings up the thought that the drug lords have captured our government. Officials are now at their beck and call.

Given that the drug problem continues to be a serious one for society, it seems we are becoming a narco state and the thought is chilling. We can take a look at how the Mexican government has steadily lost control of local governments to the drug lords.

And the result is not pretty. Some 40 student teachers just disappeared in a Mexican town and are presumed liquidated by a drug lord. Things are so bad in some towns, even the police are afraid to patrol. The drug lords have established their own governments and instituted a reign of terror among the people. 

I am afraid our Bilibid-gate provides solid proof our officials are hopelessly corrupt, routinely bought by drug lords and criminals for favors. It delivers the message that in our country money talks and our public officials are for sale. That’s one more reason to lose faith in government and that further reduces its ability to govern an increasingly skeptical public.

National prison is supposed to be the one place where government is in full control. Prisoners are supposed to toe the line, no ifs and buts. Whoever is running the facility is a virtual dictator so that order can be maintained. It is obvious that the drug lords couldn’t have built those luxurious facilities and run their drug operations from within the penitentiary without the knowledge and approval of prison officials.

This is an even worse challenge to government’s authority than the military coups. Military rebellions can use the cover of good intentions. Bilibid-gate has no excuse.

P-Noy should show who is in control. A tough reaction is called for. We need to re-establish government authority before the narco chieftains start imposing their will the way they have in many Mexican states. Government needs to earn back respect… from the citizens and the criminals alike.

The rich

Rep. Neptali Gonzalez II reassured Mar Roxas that it is ok to be rich and be a pubic official. The congressman is wrong.

There is something about the rich that makes them inappropriate public officials, specially in our country where the oligarchy are already in control of our economy. There is an inherent class conflict of interest.

It is tough for the rich to develop empathy with the majority who are poor. The result often ends up looking clumsy and insincere as Mar knows by now.

A  book review in the New Republic entitled “Extreme Wealth is Bad for Everyone – specially the rich” explains the problem. The book being reviewed is Billionaires: Reflections on the Upper Crust by Darrell M. West (Brookings). Here are some of the more interesting points made:

“The grotesque inequality between the haves and the have-nots is seldom framed as a problem that the haves might privately help to resolve. Instead, it is a problem the have-nots must persuade their elected officials to do something about, presumably against the wishes of the haves…”

“The problem is caused by the inequality itself: it triggers a chemical reaction in the privileged few. It tilts their brains. It causes them to be less likely to care about anyone but themselves or to experience the moral sentiments needed to be a decent citizen…

“There is a growing awareness that the yawning gap between rich and poor is no longer a matter of simple justice but also the enemy of economic success and human happiness. It’s not just bad for the poor. It’s also bad for the rich. It’s funny, when you think about it, how many rich people don’t know this…

“When you control a lot more than your share of the Fruit Loops, there really isn’t much doubt about what you should do with them, for your own good. You just need to be reminded, loudly and often.”

The problem with our elections is that these have become so expensive, only the rich can afford to run.  The rich already control our economy. Government is supposed to even the playing field, but end up as captive of the oligarchy. This perpetuates our pathetic social condition with the widening gap between the rich and the poor aggravated by a thinning middle class.

We need more Robredos, who are certifiable middle class, elected as officials. But worse are the scions of the old hacienderos who can be expected to act in the interest of their class, which can never be the same as that of the majority, both the middle class and the masa.

Rep. Gonzales is wrong. It is not ok to be rich and be a public official… not if we expect something dramatic to happen that will make society and the economy a more equitable one.

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @boochanco