Press Release
February 27, 2009

Gordon laments over public cynicism towards fight vs corruption

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today lamented what he referred to as the growing public cynicism towards the fight against corruption in the government.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, said that because of mounting controversies haunting the government, the people have become cynical, almost believing that nothing can be done about corruption in the country.

"The Senate must not allow this public cynicism to have the last word. If we are to combat this culture of corruption and dispel this cynicism, we have to develop what one writer has called 'a concept of enough'," he said.

Gordon, who has released the committee report on the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, said that constant conflicts and scandals in the government continue to sap the public's moral stamina and instigate their cynicism.

He explained that issues, such as the anomalous fertilizer project, the National Broadband Network-ZTE deal, and the World Bank report on collusion in the bidding process has put the country's integrity in question.

He added that the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy has rated the Philippines as the most corrupt Asian economy.

Gordon however said the public's perception can change into a more positive outlook if they see that something can be done to fight and avert corruption in the government.

"Change cannot be done overnight, or from a single inquiry, or a piece of legislation," he said.

"But we believe that every step we take in the fight for integrity in government is a step forward to better governance," he added.

Gordon, who has headed the blue ribbon committee's inquiries into the fertilizer project from Nov. 13, 2008 to Jan. 26, 2009, was able to compel witnesses and key personalities, some through issuance of arrest orders, to surface and testify before the Senate.

Aside from former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante, tagged as the architect of the scheme, other witnesses who were made to appear in the committee hearings are Leonicia Llarena, Marites Aytona, Julie Gregorio, Redentor Antolin, Jaime Paule, and Marilyn Araos.

In the committee report, it was recommended that the witnesses mentioned, together former agriculture assistant secretaries Ibarra Poliquit and Belinda Gonzales, be charged for plunder.

Gordon said it is the task of the Ombudsman to act immediately and file cases against these witnesses to show the people that the government can do something to fight corruption.

Recommendations in the report also include amendments to five laws aimed to make the government more effective in battling corruption.

Proposed to be amended are (1) the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) of 2001 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, (2) the Procurement Act, (3) Secrecy of Bank Deposits Act, (4) the General Appropriations Act (GAA), and (5) Senate Rules of Procedure Governing inquiries in Aid of Legislation regarding Direct Contempt.

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