Will the richest congressmen ever serve the poor?
I don't think so. The people know that rich congressmen do not work for poor constituencies. They are just there to promote their businesses, and to protect their families and clans from corruption charges, and others, for lack of anything else to do. If you tell the Pinoys that congressmen are paid billions to serve the people, they will urge you to tell that to the marines. The Filipinos may be silly or crazy at times, but Pinoys aren’t stupid. They weren’t born yesterday. They know that elections are a farce. These are decided by money, logistics, goons, and the allegations of some magic “Hello, Garci” and supposed voting machines manipulations.
Look at their legislative records, examine their attendance patterns (well, Manny Pacquiao is really a record-holder, the number one champion of absenteeism in the Senate, and he reportedly used to have same record in the House, and he allegedly wants to become president). Look at what kinds of bills these multi-billionaires have filed, if any. Examine how they voted on important social legislations, on tax measures and on special laws designed to preserve monopolies and trade combinations. By the fruits of their labors thou shall know whether they are sycamores or oaks. Politicians are chameleons, they are experts in masquerading. Be wise and discerning and beware of millionaire false prophets, so-called messengers of God have sneaked into Congress. God bless the Philippines.
Here are the richest congressmen (who have sworn to serve the poor) with their net worth per SALN: 1.) Michael Romero, P7.858 billion with a “B” (the richest party-list congressman who is representing the poor, marginalized, jobless, homeless and hopeless Filipinos); 2.) Alfredo Benitez (from the Negros sugarlandia), P1.016 B; 3.) Imelda Marcos (sounds familiar), only P925 million; 4.) Virgilio Lacson, P793 million (he represents the Manila Teachers, the poor teachers are, at least, represented by a super-rich party list congressman); 5.) Bayani Fernando (construction), P748 million; 6.) Antonio Floirendo (already defeated by Bebot Alvarez's bet in Davao del Norte), P714 million (banana plantation).
Seventh is Vilma Santos Recto (sounds familiar, now a Deputy Speaker), P555 million; 8.) Yedda Marie Romualdez, P487 million. Well, she is a rich girl by herself, reportedly an heiress of the rich and famous labor leader from Cebu, and married to the Romualdez clan. Her husband has now replaced her in the first district of Leyte, Martin Romualdez (ex-future Speaker of the House if not for the conflicting ambitions of Alan Peter Cayetano and Lord Alan Velasco). Yedda is reportedly still in Congress as Tingog Sinirangan party-list representative. And, hold your breath, number 9 is the famous GMA (hello, GMA), the best friend of Governor Gwen, who felt very bad when Gwen supported Bebot in that infamous House coup. We should forget that faux pas though. Happy New Year, Governor Gwen.
Now, will these honorable gentlemen and ladies ever work for the poor? If you ask me, my answer is “tell that to the marines.” If you ask me again, I might even quote Clark Gable's famous words to Vivien Leigh, in “Gone with the Wind,” “Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.”
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