A shipload of dough to make credibilty
Posted on April 10, 2007 - Filed Under Punch Forum |
Eduardo Pontaoe
10 April 2007
Ms. Nini Centeno, Top of the morning to you, Ms. Centeno.
Where have you been? It’s been a long time. You might be right on Lambino’s dignity, integrity and wisdom to offer Pangasinan his unblemished kind of public service. The only place where we can scrutinize his brand of service was when he was mayor of Malasiqui. Eleven years of unheralded performance. I can’t find any demonstration of outstanding delivery for the public good if his tenure as mayor is put into consideration. He came into Pangasinan’s consciousness after he was cast in the provincial spotlight thru Agbayani. His performance at Urduja was overshadowed by the governor which everybody knew was a man-in-waiting, a second fiddle if you will, but he was into everything what Victor had in mind. Possibly, even the kitty.
Most importantly, I see no declaration of principles or policies where he based his desire to be elected. He's only telling the people that he will deliver them from hell, that he is a good man, that it's his turn to serve.
To me, it's all cliché. Elsewhere, its pure conjecture what he would do upon election. If elected without a vision, would he be blamed like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Ms. Centeno?
With all due respect, my post on March 22nd did not deviate from the truth or the issues. Running for any public office in the Philippines, it’s a fact, needs not only a bundle to run but a shipload of dough to make credibility.
Lambino must have…I reiterate…a sustainable war chest to compete. He can rely on Arroyo to have that advantage over the competition but not all of it. If he is not rich where he shall get the money unless it’s from businesses that would do business with the province? So, if he does that, his being governor is compromised before the gun.
Don’t get me wrong. I have no animus for Lambino. Being a politician himself, he is open to the rough and tumble of politics. For all I know anybody can be governor. You and I knew why this problem of political financing arises because there is no statute that governs financial disclosure.
Like what we do here in America. Election statutes are in place to curb political financing. Political action committees (PACS) are gone. Donations from individuals and businesses are limited to certain amounts. All contributions must be accounted for and filed with government. Though it’s not perfect, at least it’s deterrence to wrongdoing, it’s a felony to cross the line.
Let me give an example how strict election in America is. If the candidate is in a restaurant campaigning, he cannot offer anybody even a cup of coffee. Under election laws that’s vote buying… illegal by all means. All this limitations are imposed to give everybody a level playing field. Equality in a chaotic political world.
I hope, your epiphany on Lambino should come to fruition. I’ll wait, watch for the coming. But, I would be your worst nightmare, the avenging angel Moroni on your head if you misjudged it.
Have a nice and wonderful day, Nini!
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