The Pork Barrel Kings and Queen

Photo from inquirer.net

By Alon Calinao Dy: Philippines was hit hard when this controversy regarding the pork barrel system exploded, as Mayon volcano  eruption broke the hearts of millions of Filipinos around the world.

Senators Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile are said to be the pork barrel kings who have been charged with plunder in connection of PDAF scam. Also, the queen of the pork barrel fund scam is the infamous Janet Lim-Napoles, a businesswoman who has been linked to be the mastermind of the PDAF scam.

Revilla made a heartbreaking speech and a music video to all his supporters and senate friends. However, he throwed a bold statement against President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III, saying to concentrate on the country's more pressing issues than running after them. Yet, showbiz and queen of the talk host shows Ms. Kris Aquino was hurt and quickly defended his brother by saying, "Silence is better than BS," following Revilla's expression of views.

In my opinion, I do not see any problems with that, when Mr. President is trying everything to clean his government, as popular adage would say "No one is above the law." I think it is just right that President Aquino starts from top to bottom to clean up the mess. If these lawmakers are truly innocents as what they say, then there is nothing to be afraid of. They just have to face their charges with no regrets because the truth will set them free.

Let's all admit, when Filipinos hear about corruption in our country, we are easily distracted and disappointed. For the reason that, this has been a long battle for all Filipinos to stop corruption in all sectors in the government. Parang sirang plaka na lang na paulit-ulit kumakanta, meaning everyone knows a rampant corruption in Philippine government system, but some politicians are still doing the same mistake all over again with no conscience in their hearts, as majority of the population in the Philippines are jobless, poor and hungry.

Tell me, where is the true justice there? I hate to say this but this is the reality in the Philippines, I see many children on the streets who have nothing to eat. I can feel all their repeated traumas because it seems there is no hope to change our corrupt political system. I also heard news that crime rates are on the rise to this day. It only means one thing, we are sending our tourists away from our country. What about the people who depend on tourism alone?

Despite everything, I will still pray for these "Pork barrel kings and queen" to tell the whole truth. So in that way, people will know everything. I also have been praying to make Philippines a safe and better place for everyone.