SOMETHING SMELLS
NEGROS DAILY BULLETIN
By Agnes T. Jalandoni
On a forum held last Dec. 9, 2008 here in Bacolod City, Mrs. Shiela Villa, head of the Commission on Audit (COA) and Ms. Evangeline Nunal, associate graft investigation officer of the office of the Ombudsman joined in the Anti-Corruption Day celebration. Ms. Nunal asked that all of us help them cleanse the government of graft and corruption by calling in any and all forms of anomalies we see. She talked of their campaign “Oplan Red Plate” and gave other examples that can be reported like roads that are unfinished by any government unit. Which leaves us wondering, how will they handle the cases that will be reported? If they are already shorthanded and are unable to monitor all government officials and employees, this campaign will leave them maimed.
But she spoke with such passion and determination. This time they will get things done! The audience, which was attended by mostly student leaders, seemed to be moved. Ms. Nunal even continued to say that unsigned reports or text messages will be looked into. They will act on what is reported and send an investigative team to check the complaint. I wonder if an unsigned complaint will be given some attention, if any. I doubt it, but what other institution can we look to protect us from erring officials?
During the open forum some issues were aired like the recent bidding for the furniture of the government center, the flooding problem in the city, the viability of the proposed site for the landfill, traffic, etc. Everyone listened intently to the reaction of the guests. Mrs. Villa assured the audience that the COA has to follow certain procedures but there have been cases that have been acted on. It just takes time and “tutok”. Ms. Nunal reiterated the same thing. The Ombudsman just moves, and quietly moves. There are 7 investigators, 4 covert and 3 overt.
There is apathy in the air. So many anomalies exposed and no one gets caught. It will be interesting to see if the invitation of Ms. Nunal and Mrs. Villa will have any takers.
For the cynics, the idealists, anyone still willing to give them a shot, more numbers to call:
(033) 509 - 5633 (033) 509 - 4655 (0917) 8898662
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