Not only abolish pork barrel, but also prosecute all those involved

The continuing reports on Janet Lim-Napoles (the alleged mastermind of the P10-billion pork barrel scam) and how deep and far-reaching is the  extent of her hold on the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of a number of our senators and congressmen in the past 10 years, leave one nauseated and seething with quiet rage. How can a family of five live in such ostentatious display of wealth illegally obtained and not be bothered the least by their conscience? Only unbridled greed can explain that.

What makes this case even more outrageous is the reported involvement, in what appears to be a conspiracy, of some senators and congressmen who, according to the “whistle-blowers,” received a large chunk of the loot by way of “kickbacks” and “commissions.” Not to forget the others down the line who also were rewarded for helping “pave the way” for the scam. How many more of our lawmakers are involved in similar schemes that have yet to be uncovered?

It is not enough to abolish the PDAF. All those involved, no matter how high up in government they are, should be prosecuted. Only then will government corruption lose steam and only then can government regain the people’s trust.

President Aquino must also be willing to keep transparent all pork barrel-related projects, transactions and expenses of his office. Better still that he abolish as well his pork barrel for it, too, can be a source of corruption for him and for the others who will come after him.

—THERESA PILI-NISPEROS,

Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila