"The military won't be able to stop it."
The military takeover of the Bureau of Customs definitely raises a lot of questions that demand immediate answers. First, is it even constitutional? Second, will it be effective in eradicating smuggling and corruption?
I have gone over the 1987 Constitution many times. All I can see Section 18, Article VII where the President, who is also the Commander in Chief, may call upon the Armed Forces when it is necessary to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion.
The President justified his action on the existing “lawlessness” at Customs that endangers public safety.
But does the President mean that corruption is to be construed as lawless violence?
I laughed at the argument of Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo who said the President can do what he likes because he is both the President and the Commander in Chief of the AFP.
If that were to be the case, Mr. Duterte may as well place the entire country under martial law.
I can agree with the Palace on the need to adopt draconian measures to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs, but I cannot agree on a military takeover. It’s not a guarantee; even soldiers are human beings who can be corrupted.
Isn’t President Duterte aware of the rampant corruption at the AFP? Does he not remember that incoming and outgoing officials get “pasalubong” and “pabaon,” respectively? In fact, surveys show that the AFP is perceived to be one of the most corrupt agencies in government. Sure, there are idealists there, but they are likely the exception rather than the rule.
I covered Customs in the 1950s and 1960s. I know that when new commissioners get appointed, it’s “happy days are here again” for the entrenched syndicates. They run circles around the new chief, who has to spend at least six months learning the ropes.
Other commissioners perform dismally. The release of imports gets stalled, for instance, and to a businessman time is money. Hence, businessmen bribe Customs to facilitate the release of imports.
I only know too well that it takes two to tango at Customs. Smugglers would not have the nerve to do what they do if they are not in connivance with insiders.
Incompetence and negligence are the culprits. This is exactly what happened to the string of commissioners like Nick Faeldon and Sid Lapena.
So why did the President transfer and, even promote, Lapena? My gulay, drug syndicates must now be laughing so hard!
As for Customs personnel whose positions have been taken over by the military, isn’t the President aware that they are civil service-eligibles who cannot be replaced without due process? It’s an insult to have them all packed at the Malacanang gym.
I find it strange that the President believes military people are saints.
His fondness for both the military and police is evident when he visited them soon after getting elected, and when he doubled their salaries and provided them housing. He has not done this to other government workers.
Why?
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There are comments on the fact that three former senators—Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla —charged with plunder in connection with the pork barrel scam of Janet Napoles now want to run for the Senate again.
Charges against Enrile have been dropped for humanitarian reasons. His age and health conditions were considered. Jinggoy is out on bail and Bong is still facing charges.
They remain innocent until proven guilty. Hence they can still run for office.
As for delicadeza, well, every person has the right to vindicate himself. The voters will decide.
To those who say Enrile is too old—he will be 95 next year—I can tell them he is still healthy with a remarkable memory. The chamber can still learn a lot from his experience.
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As a resident of Makati, I appeal to Mayor Jun-jun Binay to let his sister Abby run for reelection. He can still go for the position after her term.
I consider myself a good friend of the Binays. In fact I voted for Jojo, the father, when he ran for president in 2016.
Abby is doing an excellent job as mayor. She has cleaned up city hall of ghost employees. She has also increased the income of the city and has made Makati crime-free. More importantly, she has started a worthy transport project that could very well be her legacy.
The city government under Abby has distributed hygiene and dental kits to thousands of students, and has continued taking care of senior citizens like me.
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