- Advertisement -

Batas Mauricio . 

THERE is something that President Duterte, and our senators and congressmen, must explain to the Filipino nation, regarding the P3.97-trillion national budget for 2019.

- Advertisement -

Is there any truth in the accusations of Sen. Panfilo Lacson that the country’s budget for this year is riddled with funds requested by lawmakers to be inserted as part of the 2019 budget, for them to spend for their own benefit?

Many in our country see the insertion of funds in the 2019 national budget as a result of the lawmakers’ maneuverings, so they can have funds that they could use for the mid-term elections in May.

If these insertions are true, many contractors and businessmen will surely and readily agree to shell out “advance” commissions during the campaign period to lawmakers based on the funds that they allotted for themselves in the 2019 budget.

I want to ask Sen. Lacson and his allies who are criticizing the alleged insertion of funds in the 2019 budget to reveal the following: First, how much, really, is the total fund inserted or allocated as pork barrel for his fellow lawmakers?

Second, who are the politicians who successfully inserted their pork barrel funds, and how much did they allot for themselves? Too, along the same lines, does Lacson have any proof that almost P2.9 billion was allotted for the current Speaker of the House, Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, from the 2019 budget?

Third, what is Lacson’s plan, now that the proposed budget for 2019 is already awaiting the signature of President Duterte for it to be implemented? Will he file a case before the Supreme Court toquestion the fund insertions? Or will he file cases of plunder or graft and corruption against lawmakers who were behind the fund insertions for their own interest?

Overwhelming and consuming greed on the part of the leaders and top officials of many nations appears to be a normal occurrence since time immemorial, and is not merely a present-day phenomenon. For those who read the Bible, they are aware that one of God’s great resentment is directed at leaders who are greedy for stolen money.

In Exodus 18, Jethro advised to his son-in-law, Moses, regarding whom he must choose as leaders of the Israelites, who are known as God’s people. Jethro warned Moses that only those who hate dishonest gain, and are against corruption, should be installed in positions of leadership. Clearly, Jethro made the warning to Moses as many officials were already corrupt and greedy back then.

In Isaiah 1, God is angry with leaders who care for nothing but bribes and gifts. The Lord said this kind of leaders are the reason behind the destruction of His nation. So, what weapon can we use against greedy and corrupt leaders? A nation that listens and studies the Word, and follows, the commands of God. Now, more than ever, is the time for all Filipinos to listen to the Word and follow God’s commands.

Disclaimer

Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.

- Advertisement -