Missing the genuine public service legacy of the Aquinos

August 1 is the death anniversary of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino. Oh, how we miss her and her son, PNoy, their legacy of genuine and transparent public service.

- Cherry Piquero-Ballescas

We remember Ninoy as well for his commitment - “the Filipino is worth dying for.”

Most of the other officials of this country ignore, dismiss public service, transparency, and accountability. Greed and corruption are rampant and have taken over as norms among the powerful.

Personal/familial/dynastic interests are consistently and shamelessly prioritized over the needs of the marginalized/poor constituents --the last, least/lost. Never mind if those in power now are not knowledgeable, uninformed/ignorant even, or undeserving/unqualified for their positions.

Unapologetic, shameless, and arrogant, many assume committee leaderships even without the slightest of qualifications for their patronage-obtained appointments!

Together with the gun-goons-gold supremacy of the past, the game in Congress at present involves connection, patronage, and budget insertions. Billions of public funds intended especially for the poor and needy are instead siphoned into private pockets of officials and their cohorts.