LIFE WITHOUT PORK BARREL

Tayabas, Quezon - Pork Barrel existed for the longest time and obviously since Congress came into being. Let us say, it is a security blanket for districts represented in Congress - that they would not be left out in the distribution of projects or funds for projects needed in their respective areas. Since Congress is in charge of the budget, meaning, it appropriates government funds for specific purposes, it is but logical that pork barrel should be coursed through the Congressmen. This is on the belief that they are more in a position to determine the needs of their respective districts. Put simply, benefits are then deemed equally distributed at the first instance.

But instead of projects, people initially "suspected" that their pork barrel, note - this means the senators or congressmen do not own the pork barrel, are being pocketed or diverted for personal use and gain. Such suspicion is founded on "factual rumors" and thereafter, fortified by "discoveries" now being exposed through the mass media about ghost or unfinished projects, allegations of PDAF for sale, and more recently, the filing of cases with the Ombudsman for plunder, direct bribery, malversation etc.

Let it be clarified that those named in the complaints must be presumed innocent until proven otherwise, meaning, guilty beyond reasonable doubt. We are not even discussing here about probable cause, the quantum of evidence needed to file the charges in court. The other, which is beyond reasonable doubt, is required to convict an accused.

Going back. Suspicions are actually well-founded. Unless, a legislator is really filthy rich or has a business which mills money, with the meager salary and allowances, one cannot reasonably imagine that the legislator can afford a luxurious lifestyle like flashy cars, mansions, glittering jewelry, signature bags and gold watches, among other ostentatious items. In other words, how can they afford these things and at the same time stand as sponsors, ninong, ninang or benefactors. Look. Hard earned money are kept and saved. They are not usually thrown away as dole-outs. They are well spent, and if is for a cause, willingly given without expecting anything in return. In the case of those spending other people's money, like kickbacks, there will always be strings attached when given. Others spend it in casinos, vanities etc.

Consequently, the people and the country have suffered and continue to suffer miserably. Instead of being able to move forward, funds which would have been used for beneficial projects, were embezzled, malversed, or plundered. Health care, education, agriculture and infrastructure development are the hardest hit areas of concern. 

Yes, if finally it is proven and judgment has become final, the PDAF scams will go down in history as the worst scandal ever that struck our nation in the heart. It is painful. It hurts. But we need to be resilient and more importantly, vigilant, truly vigilant, more than ever. Next time, as a bottomline, people must be intelligent and honest voters. Reject the obvious, discern the intention or motive, and choose the deserving and qualified. 

People who are corrupt are easy to decipher or detect. They flaunt their wealth which were not existing when they started in public service. They are arrogant and one can sense an eerie shadow of power. In private, they talk like they own you. In public, they know how to act out a Quezon, a Magsaysay or a Cory. They are cunning and dangerous. Thus, people chose to be quiet and opted to stay in their comfort zone. Of course this is wrong.

However, given the opportunity to unite, we can effect changes. True reforms. The President's vision of social transformation can be realized.

Just imagine, our territorial integrity is being threatened, our OFWs are in trouble, Zamboanga is in distress, floods are inundating human settlements and livelihood, people are looking for work, and yet, we can still afford to throw political mud at each other. To say, "only in the Philippines" is not acceptable. We have to move on.

So, what can we do for now? We must continue to pray. Fortify our faith. Trust the PNOY administration. Yes, this is serious. We are all in it. Politics can come later when 2016 nears. For now, we need to be united as a nation. Social media must be used for constructive criticism. We must be parts of the solution, not the subject of resolution. 

Life without pork barrel may mean a lot. The luxury market may suffer. Who cares anyway specially when we see others suffering. Government funds will now be spent on legitimate projects. Hopefully. Better laws may now be passed. More laws which will be truly responsive to the needs of the people. This is understandable since lawmakers' attention will be focused more on lawmaking or legislation. In fairness though, many significant laws were passed before even with pork barrel, but perhaps there will be some changes now that it is or may be gone. People's lives should improve. And let us hope, and to reiterate, pray, that the "tuwid na daan" will actually be realized and not a mere vision.