NONE CAN DESTROY iron but its own rust can. Likewise none can destroy a person but his own mind set can.
— Indian industrialist Ratan Naval Tata
AMIDST THE EXPLOSIVE exposé and revelations of corruption in government and what the public perceive as the lackluster response of the national government, civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia didn’t mince his words in defending the executive branch of government.
The latest political storm stirred by certain members of the House of Representatives appears to be rust destroying the iron foundation of our country’s democracy and has in fact shaken the people’s faith in government.
But for Dr. Goitia, chairman emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, the issue is clear, those now pointing fingers at Malacañan are the very same individuals whose own corruption and failures have long burdened the Filipino people.
‘[T]he Filipino people deserve leaders who stand for truth, not political theater . . . and in this battle, the Executive Secretary and the Cabinet stand on the side of justice, integrity and the Filipino nation.’
DESPERATE DIVERSION
Goitia strongly pointed out that the recent spins are nothing more than a desperate diversion. Instead of cleaning their own ranks, they attack the Executive Secretary and the Cabinet, hoping to distract the public from the rot within their own institution.
Accordingly, at the center of the controversy, he said, is Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, a man whose name is synonymous with integrity. A former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Bersamin’s service has always been guided by law, fairness, and the defense of democratic institutions.
Goitia asserted that to malign Bersamin with baseless accusations is an insult not only to his office but to the very ideals of good governance. He quoted from the official statement of the Cabinet that highlighted its most pointed reminder: “Clean your house first.”
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY
Goitia noted that no investigation, no matter how comprehensive, will bear fruit if lawmakers themselves refuse to confront the corruption festering within their chamber: “How can they demand accountability from others when they themselves have yet to answer for their own betrayals of public trust?”
The civic leader further underscored that this controversy should not derail the larger vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a vision anchored on transparency and good governance.
Actually, President Marcos Jr.’s call is simple: Honest leadership in service of the Filipino people. That is what the Executive Branch is delivering. Those who wish to sabotage this effort are not only undermining the President—they are betraying the nation.
FILIPINOS FIRST
Chairman Goitia enthused that the fight is bigger than personalities or political factions because it is about protecting the integrity of governance from the corrosive games of those who seek to cling to power by spreading lies.
In truthful conclusion, the Filipino people deserve leaders who stand for truth, not political theater . . . and in this battle, the Executive Secretary and the Cabinet stand on the side of justice, integrity and the Filipino nation.
(For your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email at cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171656792 or 09171592256 during office hours from Monday to Friday. Thank you and mabuhay! )