Today August 26 is a holiday as it's National Heroes Day. Today, citizens will troop to Luneta for a cause dubbed as #MillionPeople March,#ScrapPork. This is to show their stand and angst against the 10 Billion anomaly regarding the alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) more popularly known as the pork barrel. Much is said, discussed, written about this issue. 10 billion is wow!!!!
I try to understand the current news as much as I can by reading the papers, internet links, stands and opinions of those in authority. This I do in an objective way so as not to be blinded by one side only. Two strong thoughts echo in my heart. First, at the end of the day, it is our indigent countrymen who sadly suffer the most as to whether the pork funds are greatly misused. Government money allotted for their housing, education, employment and health go to the pockets of few for lavish parties in Hollywood and fancy houses over the world. THIS is not cute! Just the same, if the PDAF will be abolished, the more chances help will be far catch for them. Can you imagine our dear politicians giving aid from their own accounts? Praise God if they do.
PNoy is up to scrap the pork barrel. His executive government is recommending a "line item budgeting system in which Congress will still have a say."Budget and Management Secretary Butch Abad said line item budgeting would make a lot of difference as this would directly address the specific needs of every community or district. This means there would be no lump sum disbursement. Funding for projects would no longer be coursed through NGOs or foundations. He said the reforms set into motion by the president would require detailed proposals from lawmakers before the latter are given funds for their projects. (Philippine Star, Aug.25,2013) Let us cross fingers this plan would work for the good of the many.
On a personal note, I likewise feel cheated in case all the exposes of the whistleblower are proven true, My gosh, I pay taxes in the most honest and authentic way possible. It is no small amount as I am single with no dependent, that each time I look at my withholding tax on my payslip, I silently wish my share is allocated for good use. Like roads that won't hurt Kobe's tires, books and classrooms for all, livelihood projects for the poorest of the poor housewives, assistance for farmers, urban planning to prepare for climate change effects, better and safer maritime and air transport terminals.
Faith and hope continue to dwell in my Pinoy veins.
Pray.Work. Believe.
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