The 2012 State of the Nation Address of President Aquino was another attempt to delude the people of Mindanao with promises and claimed accomplishments. Let us start with his crystal clear pronouncements. He, the one who has the power, said: “Kayo ang aking boss. Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” (You are my bosses. Without corruption, nobody would be mired in poverty.) The statements are delusional.
The President must be talking only about people in Manila as his bosses. He stays in Manila, seven days a week, 30 days a month, etc. He looks at Mindanao and the Visayas as his haciendas. He goes to these islands as he wishes.
Line departments are concentrated in Manila. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of National Defense should be in Mindanao.
As to kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap, this is a bad joke. In Mindanao, the ombudsman is only in Davao City. As the saying goes, when the cat is away the rats play, or have a fiesta. The fight for corruption is so centralized. It does not reach the barangays.
It is fervently prayed that the President take notice of this glaring truth and tell it as it is.
—V. EMMANUEL C. FONTANILLA,
3/F Gonzales Bldg., Pioneer Avenue,
General Santos City