Signs of Impunity and Desperation

Last week the Ombudsman, after weeks of being in the center of criticism for not doing its job of investigating corruption scandals – which are numerous under the Arroyo administration – and for, instead, doing a good job at protecting the Arroyo family, finally announced the results of its investigation regarding the corruption in the bidding and awarding of road construction projects, which was revealed in a World Bank report. The Ombudsman recommended the filing of charges against former and current officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways but stopped short of knocking at the doors of Malacañang. The participation of President Arroyo’s husband Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo in the corruption-ridden deals was mentioned by witnesses in the World Bank report, but the Ombudsman chose to ignore it. Mike Arroyo even had the effrontery to declare that he would “clear” his name. This shows that the impunity in corruption still exists and what the Ombudsman has been trying to do is to pin the blame on underlings while desperately shielding Malacañang.

Impunity and desperation in a murderous, corrupt, and undemocratic regime is a dangerous combination. It brings back memories of Martial Law. It would then not be surprising that if the Arroyo government fails in its Cha Cha bid, it would resort to massive cheating during the 2010 elections. Worse, it could declare Martial rule before or after the elections. The only thing that could prevent it from doing so is the militant action of the Filipino people.(Bulatlat.com)