This is a reaction to the news item titled, ?Businesswoman dies in ambush.? (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 11/26/08) I am a friend of the businesswoman in that report. I was waiting for Marianita Dizon here in the United States for a much-needed break.

I believe her murder is not merely about a ?botched business deal.? It is about corruption in high places, among the country?s highest officials and their families and lapdogs in Congress. Marianita would tell me stories about politicians who did not care about projects but were merely concerned about their ?share of the projects.? She would be angry and sad about contractors who would cheat just to earn more at the expense of public interest.

And hell Marianita got from the cheaters who could not pass her honesty. She was a consultant and she knew of the raw deal the people were always getting from government construction projects and ?business partners.? What is happening indeed to our country?

How many more unsung heroes will this sad country sacrifice? No, Ninoy, this country is not worth dying for. This country is worth living for?for Filipinos like Marianita Dizon!

RAUL SANTOS (via email)