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Opinion

Why not?

PERSPECTIVE - Cherry Piquero Ballescas - The Freeman

It is very important for the Filipino people to know more about all candidates, especially those running for the top positions.

Grace Poe has publicly mentioned her openness to have a DNA test. Bongbong has also volunteered his DNA to put to rest the allegation that Grace Poe is the offspring of his father. However, Grace Poe declined his offer, and even without any evidence, confidently stated that she is not Bongbong's sister.

Why not proceed with the DNA test, to include specimen from the Marcos and Sonora side? Nothing to lose, right? The truth will set her free, right?

An official doctor's statement about the cure of Miriam Santiago's stage 4 lung cancer is also awaited by our people. Why not share the happy medical confirmation that she is truly cancer-free? Doing so will inspire many cancer victims not to give up like her, right?

Santiago has not also been very visible in campaign trails nor in the news lately. Why not?

Binay still has to answer allegations about misuse of public funds. The more he delays, the more he seems to be unable to gain supporters for his candidacy. Why not present his facts, once and for all?

Many are still undecided about Roxas. His flip-flopping through issues like his position vis-a-vis the Economic Partnership Agreement, first assuring the nurses he was against this but later, joined those who approved this comes to mind. There is also his role in the relief and rehabilitation program. Can he help clarify what help and resources were channeled by government where and for whom?

The foreign donors have recently issued a clarification about the funds they shared and released for the Typhoon Yolanda victims. They did not channel the funds directly to the government but instead, sent and released their donations through their contacts.

Roxas and his Tuwid na Daan team can once more clarify about the typhoon Yolanda assistance program of government, especially at this time when memories and recollections of that November disaster are raising insinuations and criticisms against the Tuwid na Daan administration for not adequately and effectively responding to the needs of the victims and the affected communities. Achievements and failures can be both honestly shared as lessons for next disaster management teams in the future.

The state of the airport management has also been causing so much shame and adverse repercussions not only for government but for all Filipinos. Tanim-bala does not seem to be the only abusive practice in the airports. Lately, sex favor in exchange for exit has hit the news. Aside from asking for money, an airport immigration-related staff was arrested for receiving marked money from a female victim who also attested that the same person wanted her to do some sex favor so that she could be officially allowed to travel.

What is worrisome about this new report is the fact that the lady victim had already been processed by immigration but was told to get off the plane for some immigration-related issues. This means the network goes beyond the immigration section of the airport.

Other earlier reports have also confirmed that the tanim-bala practice has been there for years. If so, aside from this abusive practice and the sex for exit trade-off, what other abusive practices have been there and are still taking place in various parts of the airports? Surely, what is happening at the NAIA must also be taking place elsewhere in other airports? Perhaps not the Tanim-bala practice but are there other money-extorting practices inside and outside all airports and, let us include seaports as well in this country?

PNoy asked why the Tanim-bala reports appeared only now that elections are near. Why not? His team can best have the whole scam investigated seriously and promptly. The investigation should include all other areas of airports and seaports where possible or real abuses are taking place.

Transparency and honest service should be continuing goals of all Filipinos. Why not start a thorough clean up of all possible abusive practices in all government agencies as well, from local to national levels, before elections?

[email protected]

vuukle comment

BINAY

BONGBONG

DAAN

ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

GRACE POE

MARCOS AND SONORA

MIRIAM SANTIAGO

ROXAS

TANIM

TUWID

TYPHOON YOLANDA

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