MikeLigalig.com

Written By Joe Espiritu
Columnist, Bohol Sunday Post

One of the subjects that even the national broadsheets are tiptoeing around is the political kickback. It as been an open secret that an elective position like congressman and senator do not rely upon their salaries but what they can get out of the pork barrel. Any candidate for those positions would land either in the nuthouse or poorhouse or both. Paying millions to be elected i9nto an office, which would pay thousands, is not sound economy. Simple arithmetic.

No wonder, Philippine politics is a dog eat dog environment. Filial and fraternal ties are forgotten. Morality and principles are exchanged for pragmatism and expediency. Millions are at stake for those who dare. If son goes against father, that would not be surprising. No wonder old families ever venture into that field.

In the Third District, several congressmen had served out their three terms. Most ads left the office without fielding successors coming from their families. Perhaps they did not have the manpower; Esteban Bernido left his son to fend for himself.

Teodoro Galagar did not field any successor of note. Isidro Zarraga did give several but his support was only by association rather than all out. It was only Elpidio Jala, who succeeded in leaving his position to his son Adam.

It was not that the Third District did not have anyone who would fit the position.

Rene Relampagos tried for it. So did Dionisio Balite. There was Fortunato Abrenilla but he was edged out by Jala from the Lakas and Balite from the Kampi. Abrenilla being a loyal party man left the field to the three. So it was Adam Jala, some said who is scarcely dry behind the ears, which edged out the former two, thanks to the efforts of Jala the elder.

This time the Jalas are reported to be at odds, which will be awarded the contract of millions. The elder (father) has his preference, those would be who had worked with him while in office while the younger (the son) has his own. Out of filial piety, the son must defer to the father, as father knows best since he has been there for so long However, Adam is said to have defied him hence the spat. Cynics are of the opinion that it is a matter who shells out more for whom. We are of the opinion that the younger may have his own preference as he might have a better confidence of is own set. Let the rest form their own opinion.

Granting that the percent cut or tong may be present. The Bids and Awards Committee has to cook up deals to favor certain contractors. But that is life.

Without the pork barrel no one would run for office. The winning contractor must have to make do with what is left to him. The program of work must be fashioned out to allow him to recover the lost percentage. If certain standards are to be followed, he is going to lose his shirt, as there are others, who will make demands from him.

The multimillion Jagna to Sierra Bullones project might he constructed according to specifications. As a project 0f the President, this portion of the Central Nautical Highway would be noticeable if poor workmanship is evident. Or if the construction is not as long as it is intended to be. By association, many would think that the President may also have a part of the cut though how small. We would to like to encourage that thought.

As we say people tend to be cynical. They are prone to believe the worst scenario presented. The Jalas are in a no win situation. Bidding for projects can be above board or it could be manipulated. Whether it is the former or the latter, it is hard to prove. There would be "sour raping" among the losing bidders. There would be those who would blab.

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