‘No politics in pork cases’

NAGA CITY, Philippines—After reflecting on the importance of Thursday’s celebration of Independence Day as the “culmination of all sacrifices, battles and triumphs of the Filipinos’ ancestors,” President Aquino turned to parrying opposition senators’ accusations that politics was behind their being charged with plunder for the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

But politics has nothing to do with it, Aquino said.

Unlike the martyrs from the Bicol region who were meted out the death penalty by the Spanish colonizers without trial in 1896, all those responsible for the pork barrel scam were  accorded due process, Aquino said in a speech at Plaza Quince Martires in Naga City marking the 116th anniversary of Philippine independence.

Aquino did not name the senators, referring to them as “prominent personalities.”

Entertainers

But it was clear that he was talking about opposition Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Juan Ponce Enrile who, together with businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, were indicted by the Ombudsman in the Sandiganbayan last Friday for the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) from 2004 to 2012.

The President urged voters to go for candidates “who can fight for the interest of every citizen” in the 2016 elections.

“We don’t need good script readers, good at dancing or singing,” Aquino said, taking a swipe at Estrada and Revilla, both of whom were movie actors who were elected to the Senate because of their popularity.

“It is important to reflect on our history, especially now that we are treading the path toward reform and justice,” Aquino said. “We are all aware of what is happening at present: Several prominent personalities have been charged with plunder by the Ombudsman for the misuse of the PDAF. Their response to the accusation: ‘We are being singled out for political reasons.’”

Revilla and Estrada delivered privilege speeches in the Senate on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, accusing the administration of singling them out in prosecuting those responsible for the pork barrel scam when some political allies of Aquino were involved as well.

Widely criticized speech

In a widely criticized privilege speech, Revilla urged Aquino to govern with “love, not hate.” His speech included an audio-visual presentation showing him greeting supporters with his “original song” playing in the background.

On Wednesday, Estrada accused the Department of Justice and the Commission on Audit of “selective investigation” in looking into the pork barrel scam.

Estrada, Revilla and Enrile are facing arrest and detention. Plunder is a nonbailable offense punishable by life imprisonment.

Due process

In his speech, Aquino countered that his administration observed due process in investigating and bringing charges in the pork barrel scam case.

The President said news of pork barrel allocations being channeled to fake foundations first came out during the 2013 elections.

He said he instructed Justice Secretary Leila de Lima “not to make any accusations until there is sufficient evidence.”

“We could have done this in haste without any strong basis just to destroy the names of those linked to the controversy, but we went through the right process in ferreting out the truth,” he said.

“We followed the correct process. We opened an investigation, gathered, and are still gathering, evidence, and ultimately filed charges,” the President said.

“But now, we’re the ones accused of politicking. It’s up to you to decide who you will side with in this issue,” he said.

Lessons from Ninoy

Aquino said he would be the last person to accuse others unjustly, recalling lessons from his father, the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who, according to him, taught him that “in a democracy every citizen is required not only to protect the right of those they agree with but also to defend the rights of those they disagree with.”

“If you disregard the rights of others, the time will come that your own rights will be disregarded,” the President said.

“My family’s legacy taught me the importance of fighting for equality to break the vicious cycle of injustice. Now that I am in a position to apply these principles, I will continue to do all in my power to offer justice not to a select few but to the entire nation,” Aquino said.

“Ending corruption and the abuse of the system anywhere in the Philippines, whether in the local or the national level, will create stronger institutions that will better serve every Filipino. Each of us has something to contribute so that the sacrifices our forefathers made for us will not be in vain,” he said.

Projects for Bicol

The President said his administration has been more preoccupied with pushing for projects and initiatives for Bicol, including an international airport in Daraga City in Albay province that, he said, would stimulate tourism and help develop trade and communication in the region.

Aquino also mentioned a one-stop migrants resource center in Naga City that he described as part of his administration’s program for bolstering the qualifications of overseas Filipino workers.

The President also spoke about the  extension of the Philippine National Railways charter, which, he said, would lead to new economic possibilities not only for the provinces on the path of the tracks but also for all Filipinos who stand to benefit from a vibrant economy.

Originally posted at 12:48 am | Friday, June 13, 2014

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