In search of integrity in government

The flood control scandal remains as the headline material as of this date. I expect that this story will continue to dominate headlines because historically, the major floods are yet to come in September, October, November.

- ELFREN S. CRUZ

One of the saddest news in this whole tragic episode is the fact that former Public Works secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson was offered the position of Public Works secretary under President BBM to replace the beleaguered Manuel Bonoan but refused to accept the appointment. I recall that Sen. Kiko Pangilinan in a privilege speech said that it was time for Bonoan to resign. My own personal speculation is that President BBM is having a hard time looking for a proper and capable replacement.

The tragedy is that Singson turned down the offer because he was afraid of the security of his family and even himself, if he took the job. The tragedy is that the national government cannot guarantee the safety of its Cabinet members who are willing to go against entrenched political and business syndicates who will presumably go against any threat to their money-making projects at the expense of the Filipino people. This reminds me of the movies about the Mafia and people who refuse to testify against the Mafia because not even the American federal government can be relied on to protect their lives and those of their families.