No doubt about it, the alleged P1-billion ill-gotten wealth of Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista, exposed by his estranged wife, is not just a domestic issue. It is a political issue with far-reaching consequences.
While Andy Bautista’s wife Patricia, daughter of a well-known socialite, much be investigated, it is too early to make conclusions about the allegations against the Comelec chief. But what does this tell us about the integrity of the 2016 elections? We know that there are corrupt officials in the election body; they manipulate election results for a fee.
Personally, I was shocked at Patricia’s revelations. I have always seen Bautista as a professional government official, like what he was when he was still with the Presidential Commission on Good Government. I praised his appointment to the Comelec since he showed honesty and integrity at the PCGG.
But these allegations of ill-gotten wealth are disturbing. Where did Bautista amass that kind of money—through commissions?
Manipulation of the polls by the very people who are supposed to safeguard its integrity is a serious matter. The fact that former Senator Bongbong Marcos, a vice presidential candidate, has alleged that there was cheating in the polls makes us suspicious.
There are also allegations that the Liberal Party and some cohorts of former President Benigno Aquino III were able to manipulate the results making Mar Roxas overtake Grace Poe in the final results. Rodrigo Duterte’s lead over Roxas was much too wide to overcome but the difference between Marcos and Leni Robredo, the LP’s vice presidential bet, was slim enough.
While the husband-and-wife issue may be fodder for newspapers and voyeurs, we should not forget that there are bigger things that are involved.
* * *
The recent 10-man summit of Asean nations brings to fore the question—who won and who lost?
No doubt about it, the joint communique of Asean was tepid to say the least. It was an obvious attempt to placate China which has all but claimed the entire China Sea as its own despite the fact that the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan have conflicting claims.
The Philippines as host and other Asean countries tried to push for a maritime Code of Conduct at the South China Sea, but China would have none that would be binding. A non-binding Code of Conduct was better than none.
Only the United States, Australia and Japan dared denounce Beijing’s island-building and militarization of the South China Sea.
China’s known allies like Cambodia and Laos all stood behind China’s claim to the entire South China Sea. The Philippines? It all but dropped the ball on its West Philippine Sea claim even as the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in its favor.
The Philippines got a rebuke for the first time from its trading allies, the US, Australia and Japan for not pressing its legal victory against China.
In a joint statement last Monday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Kono expressed serious concerns over reclamation and militarization. They called on the Philippines and China to abide by the ruling of the PCA.
* * *
Why are there basketball and volleyball players who act as consultants at the Bureau of Customs? This shows Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon’s lack of regard for public funds.
Santa Banana, Faeldon gives each of them P50,000 monthly—and for what? Don’t tell me it’s intelligence work.
They do not have to show up for work like other employees do—their records are done by somebody else. This is clear malversation of public funds!
* * *
Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno claims that the 2018 National Appropriations Act is “pork barrel-free.” He said the same thing for the 2017 national budget. But why do some congressmen and senator claim they got theirs?
According to Senator Panfilo Lacson who gave up his pork barrel several years ago, some congressmen said they got theirs and it ranged between P5 billion and P6 billion.
So whom do we believe—Lacson or Diokno?
* * *
When I go to the mall with my wife and daughter, I see salesladies in high heels. I ask them if they can stand working eight hours a day wearing those. They say they are required to do that by management.
Isn’t this dangerous to their health?
* * *
I cannot end this column without extending my deepest condolences to the widow and children of Roy Sinfuego, former Manila Bulletin reporter and columnist. He was a regular at the 365 Club.
Another journalist who died recently was Roy Acosta, who used to be with Manila Standard. He was also my good friend.
Both Roys will be missed.