Where is the old Joker Arroyo?

I was one of those who voted and believed in Sen. Joker Arroyo who, as a candidate for senator, made a pledge to ensure that all corrupt officials in our country would be punished. In fact, his campaign slogan, “Kung bad ka, lagot ka!” continues to resonate in my mind. Thus, I was very disappointed when I read in the Aug. 22 issue of the Inquirer that he had asked his colleagues in the Senate blue ribbon committee to stop their current investigation into the scandalous Philippine National Police (PNP) helicopter deal implicating former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s husband, former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

Why is Senator Arroyo suddenly on the side of those who want truth to be kept in the dark? Where is the old Joker Arroyo who used to lead the fight for what is right and just for our country? Has he been co-opted by the former president to the dark side, like many others once-decent men?

I certainly hope that in his last two years in the Senate, Senator Arroyo would have a change of heart and have the courage to speak and fight for the truth as he had promised the millions of Filipinos who believed he would lead the fight to bring the truth out in the open and send corrupt leaders to jail.

—HARVEY S. KEH,

director for youth leadership and social entrepreneurship,

Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government