‘Social firebrands’ dwindling

Amid the many scandals that have been rocking the country, it is disheartening to note that the number of our “social firebrands” is dwindling.

Gone are the days when progressives and reform-oriented personalities would mount the platform, even on top of trucks and jeepneys, to denounce shenanigans in public service. Then, whenever there were irregularities in government, firebrands would expose them to the hilt. They would oppose moves by public officials, which were seen to be contrary to honest, clean and effective good governance. Ane they proposed alternatives that upheld public interest.

Sad to say, today, even the representatives of party-list groups in the House of Representatives are noticeably silent and indifferent to anomalies that have diverted government funds intended for programs and projects for the poor to the pockets of unscrupulous officials. Instead of being used to alleviate the gnawing poverty that has long been hurting the majority of  our people, especially those that have been mired miserably in economic hardships for decades now, the funds go to greedy and insatiable “public servants” whose penchant for robbing the people’s money is so infuriating. And very few representatives denounce that.

The party-list representatives are supposed to speak and act for the truly marginalized sectors of society, but their silence and inaction are repugnant to progressive and reform-inclined service and leadership. At times, they would issue statements and press releases that make them appear concerned with the wellbeing of the poor, and as nemesis of graft and corruption.

But the Filipino people are already tired of publicity stunts and gimmicks of heretofore “progressives” and “reformists” who have become traditional politicians or trapos. The people are asking for, nay, demanding more than lip service. They want action, such as the filing of and fighting for legislative measures that will really address their problems like corruption and poverty, as well as institute meaningful programs for education, health services and other basic needs of the people.

Government officials, particularly the senators and members of the House of Representatives, receive huge salaries, allowances, bonuses and other perks, as well as pork funds. The people are aware of this. In fact, they have long been clamoring for the passage of the Freedom of Information bill so they will have unfettered access to records pertaining to deals, transactions and other expenditures of government.

But alas and alack! Thick-skinned and unprincipled officials don’t give a damn about what people need and want. And they still have the gall to think of spending  huge sums of money in amending the Constitution! Garapal na talaga!

—EUSEBIO S. SAN DIEGO,

essandiego@ymail.com