Retards in the Government 29

Part 29 of Retards in the Government. Everyone may be on vacation for the holidays but corruption never takes a break. 

Let's start off with trying to simplify a rather long and convoluted story.

The PCSO is being accused of throwing a lavish Christmas party.  The accuser, Sandra Cam, at first said the total cost was 10 million.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/22/1770851/pcso-general-manager-p6-million-party-its-not-lavish

“It’s a tradition of PCSO ever since… Compared to other Christmas parties in previous years, this is way below,” he said.

But now we are told the amount was only 6 million and that the PCSO board had agreed to this budget as a body. Allegedly this lottery organisation is one of the most consistently corrupt organisations in the Philippines. But the poor people of the land need not worry because Duterte is investigating.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954297/duterte-to-look-into-grandiose-pcso-party

Sandra Cam, the lady who has brought this Christmas party to light, was appointed by Duterte to the PCSO board on December 5th. This lady is a very good friend of Duterte. A few months back Duterte vowed he would appoint her to a position in the government if she asked. This in exchange for her help during his campaign. Cam's appointment to the PCSO board is surely the fulfilment of that promise.

Backtrack to September and we see that Dutere was considering abolishing the agency completely.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/817387/duterte-mulls-abolition-of-most-corrupt-govt-agency-pcso

But why do that?  Why abolish an agency that rakes in billions of pesos every year? Why not instead get someone to head that agency who is completely loyal and will do whatever you tell them? Dutere did appoint the current director Balutan but maybe their relationship is not so good. Maybe Duterte has tired of him. Enter Sandra Cam.

Even Balutan can read the writing on the wall.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954388/breaking-pcso-alexander-balutan-sandra-cam-christmas-party-politics

But he might be forced to resign before that!

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954664/pcso-execs-should-resign-over-p6-m-lavish-party-says-gatchalian

We have not heard the last of this story!

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954282/duterte-orders-travel-ban

The President, who is 72, said he easily got dizzy and that he had some “spinal trouble” that kept him from enjoying travelling overseas. 

“After so many accidents on the motorcycle, I easily get dizzy. Sometimes, I puke. Add the spinal trouble that I have,” Mr. Duterte said.

Interesting little factoid about Duterte. How often does he get dizzy and puke?

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954901/aguirre-christmas-wish-grace-forgiveness-holiday

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954680/pnp-bato-dela-rosa-drug-war-victims-move-on-war-on-drugs

Imagine being so shameless that you will twist the words of Jesus (forgive your enemies, turn the other cheek, forgive them for they know not what they do, forgive your brother seventy times seven) into a cloak of impunity for your deeds.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/26/1771936/china-make-disputed-islands-bigger-using-magic-island-maker

The report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative concluded that Beijing "remains committed" to moving to the next phase of its activities such as construction of facilities needed for fully-functioning air and naval bases. 

However, despite this relentless construction work, the Philippines seemed unalarmed. 

Manila said Monday that despite China's admission that it expanded its islands in the contested waters it would continue to rely on Beijing's "good faith."

This is literally the result of a weak Philippine government who's members are more concerned with enlarging their bank accounts than in protecting the country. Despite his moves to appease China it's not just Duterte's doing. This is a long time in the making since no Philippine administration has had the guts to stand up to China. Soon China will have military bases right next door. And then what?  Rely on their good faith?  How about rely on international law which is in favour of the Philippines rights in the SCS or just plain respect for your neighbours? 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/27/1772226/palace-may-not-dnd-knows-about-china-expansion

It's possible but not likely that the DND knows about these buildings but the Palace does not. What about the boast that "President Rodrigo Duterte spent his confidential and intelligence funds "better than the past administrations"?"  Someone is lying.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/27/1772245/duterte-reappoints-faeldon-office-civil-defense

Sen. Panfilo Lacson accused Faeldon of receiving P100 million in "pasalubong" or welcome gift from smugglers and unscrupulous businessmen. Lacson said his accusation was confirmed by Lapeña.

Duterte has repeatedly said he does not tolerate even a whiff of corruption from his men.

After being implicated in the 6 billion peso shabu scandal this guy has more than a "whiff of corruption" about him and yet Duterte says, "The government needs him."

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955562/lacson-says-faeldon-to-work-behind-senate-detention-cell-customs-faeldon-dnd-senate-detention-lacson-new-appointment

Faeldon is currently detained at the Senate detention facility after the Senate blue ribbon committee investigating the BOC mess ordered his detention when he repeatedly refused to appear before the panel’s hearing.

Lest we forget, this new appointee is currently behind bars at the Senate detention facility for contempt for refusing to appear before the Senate hearing on the shabu scandal. A really stellar choice to appoint to the DND.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955735/lawmakers-urge-senate-to-prioritize-safer-workplace-bill-davao-senate-lawmakers-safe-workplace-nccc-fire-villanueva

“These testimonies substantiate the lack of compliance of some companies on our occupational safety and health standards. We already need a stricter law that would penalize erring employers and impose more stringent regulations on OSH standards,” Villanueva said in a statement on Thursday.

A deadly fire at a mall in Davao kills 38 people and now Sen. Villanueva says this is proof a law with stricter standards and penalties needs to be passed. WRONG! What really needs to happen is that OSHC-DOLE needs to enforce the laws already on the books. How many construction sites are there where the workers are wearing sandals and no shirt or helmet or PPE of any kind? How many obstructed doors and fire hazards are there at malls and stores? Just about every single mall has a one way in, one way out entrance. And no one cares! As with just about every problem in the Philippines it's enforcement of existing regulations and not more regulations one can easily bribe their way around which is needed.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955671/mayor-couple-in-cebu-charged-over-towns-deals-with-familys-bakery

Another tale of politicians using public funds to buy from business they own as well as buying materials without first going through a bidding process. Very common in the Philippines.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/637900/no-mercy-for-cops-who-ll-indiscriminately-fire-guns-during-the-holidays-ncrpo-chief/story/

When the police have to be warned to not treat their service weapons like toys you know you have a problem.

This being the final Retards in the Government post for 2017 I can't think of a more fitting way to end the year than with the following poorlyedited opinion piece:

http://www.philstar.com/freeman-opinion/2017/12/28/1772284/17-biggest-liesand-broken-promises-2017