We write in search of a few generous souls who may still have some money tucked away for a possible emergency. Such an emergency now exists with the succession of the Napoles PDAF disaster, Malampaya Fund plunder, unconstitutional DAP realignments, catastrophic typhoons and the Bohol-Cebu earthquakes.
Our government officials, notably lawmakers and bureaucrats, are hard-pressed to decide how our country can cope with these challenges. We fear that funds are insufficient to cover the rehabilitation and revitalization programs that our honest lawmakers and indefatigable bureaucrats must launch to tide us over these crises. It is for this reason that we are appealing to all to be generous, so that we can end the anguish of our impoverished, suffering, hard-working and honest officials.
Somehow, the funds from the PDAF, Malampaya, DAP and others sourced from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Bureau of Customs and even government borrowings can no longer be found. As the predicament of victims devastated by floods and earthquakes pierce our hearts and prick the consciences of our leaders, we must accept the reality that funds must be raised if our officials are to help our countrymen.
As you know, government pay is not at a level that makes one rich. So it is doubtful that our lawmakers and bureaucrats can be asked to make any of their funds available to address current problems considering their simple lifestyles that see them living only in sprawling mansions and ritzy condos and driving Porsches and gigantic SUVs. We also know that our country’s officials are so committed and hardworking that they serve years, if not decades, in elective and appointive positions that have salaries well below what the private sector offers. True, there may have been some scandals and scams like the NBN-ZTE, Bolante fertilizer, bridges-to-nowhere and second-hand helicopters that may have lined some dishonest pockets in the past, but all that was not during the present administration that is ardently pursuing a daang matuwid policy.
Against this backdrop, we have been told that most of us are eminently qualified and endowed, and thus can be one of the generous saviors who can make more money available to assist our officials in raising the funds they need to do their jobs. If you do not have a check to send out now, we urge you to skip a few meals and merienda so that you can save some funds that can ease the burden of our officials in their fund search.
And as we have been taught by our parents, giving is more blessed when one does not count the cost. True patriots and dedicated Christians like us can save the day for our officials with your generosity. Just quickly post your checks either to the Office of the President and/or the Department of Budget and Management or to either house of Congress. Rest assured that these contributions will soon ease the burdens of our leaders.
Please be a savior. The returned cancelled check will be the receipt evidencing anyone’s kindness.
—JOSE OSIAS,