Abaya’s ‘escape’ more than an oversight, it’s shady double standard

It is disturbing and a blatant oversight how Al Vitangcol could be facing charges in connection with the alleged MRT scam, yet Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Chief Joseph Abaya escapes any form of charges. This is actually more than an oversight, it is an example of the shady double standard prevalent in and around the Aquino administration.

Abaya is a friend of President Aquino and, as critics are wont to say rather with some justification, all “Aquino KKK” (kaibigan, kaklase, kabarilan) buddies are protected and live above the law. Mr. Aquino has used his power and title as president to cover up all the misdeeds and corruption of his buddies and close allies. This is the reason none of his Cabinet officials and close friends have been charged with corruption in connection with the pork barrel scam.

Now, despite Abaya being the head of the DOTC and declaring the MRT deal aboveboard and signing off what eventually was exposed or alleged to be a scam or shady dealing, he somehow walks away unscathed while someone under him like Vitangcol is charged with and being made accountable for all the wrongdoing.

This type of practice in abuse or misuse of power is exactly why there is so much corruption in the Philippines. Seeing Mr. Aquino covering up corruption in government, legislators and other government officials follow his lead.

—ALEXANDER MILLER, [email protected]