(Pedxingismo S01 E02)
There is no question about COA’s mandate and their right to publicize auditing findings and reports. In fact the agencies flagged by COA must be held accountable and given due process through an internal standard governmental procedure. But when the publication of incomplete and inconclusive reports flagging various Government agencies becomes deliberate, blatant and serial, it suddenly becomes suspect.
To be fair and non-partisan, prudence dictates that one must make a balanced judgement in publishing these reports knowing too well the consequences such publication might create in a politically charged and divisive environment brought about by the upcoming elections. But then some people may have other intentions.
As expected, the published reports automatically became a political cause celebre. The unsparing and sensationalist media and the issue hungry opposition had a field day in attacking President Duterte using the COA reports as their weapon. The responsible COA officials became heroes overnight of Jim Paredes and the rest of the cabal who’s only interest is to oust President Duterte. The truth behind this COA flagging spree will come out in due time.
By the way there is this cultural trait that has contributed largely to the perpetuation of patronage politics – that unprincipled and blind loyalty enducing “utang na loob” or debt of goodwill/gratitude.
“Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me.”, said Don Vito Corleone to Amerigo Bonasera. That day, apparently, has come.