DUTERTE’S CORRUPTION DRIVE AS SHALLOW AS DRUG WAR

“STOLEN wealth does not make the thief respectable. Neither will the trappings of wealth mask [nor] cap the stink that thievery exudes.” (President Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address).

In most of his public appearances, President Duterte has stressed his hate for corrupt officials. He has fired executive officials whom he had accused of stealing public funds. But, at the same time, he has recycled Customs chiefs under whose watch billions of shabu were smuggled into the country.

The President’s fight against corruption is also being overshadowed by the acquittal/granting of bail/bestowal of honor to big-time plunderers who happen to be his political allies. It is during his administration that the dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani; former president Gloria “I am sorry” Macapagal Arroyo was acquitted; and bail was granted to former senators Jinggoy “Sexy” Estrada and Juan “No one was arrested during martial law because of their political beliefs” Ponce Enrile.

And now, the acquittal of former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Can one really believe that Revilla’s chief of staff engaged in those transactions without his approval and knowledge?

The President’s fight against corruption is as shallow as his campaign against drugs.