By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
Is Ma.O Rañada Aplasca’s “courtesy resignation” from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) supposed to melt President Marcos’ heart? Clearly, the Chief Executive’s cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, told Aplasca to step down or face him in Congress with a zero budget hanging over the OTS.
In his letter, Aplasca claimed he led an anti-corruption crusade. That narrative should have been kept private because, as a public declaration, it’s as laughable as when OTS personnel were caught on camera pilfering from a traveler’s luggage and gobbling down dollars like they’re at a buffet.
Let’s not forget the lady scanner who tried to convince us that she was simply enjoying a chocolate bar as she magically ingested a stack of hundred-dollar bills. It’s like a bad magic show with no sleight of hand.
Now, Aplasca wants us to believe he’s the virtuous leader, sacrificing himself for a “greater interest.” Spare us the theatrics. Three strikes in the corruption department and Aplasca is finally out, but only because he was pushed. Believe me, it’s harder to take if you stay.
The OTS needs a severe makeover, not another exit speech. Aplasca’s resignation might be courteous and not a cause for celebration for anyone. But it should serve notice to his successor – that it disgusts us all how unchecked corruption has become the norm in the OTS.
Where to, Mr. President?
The President’s staggering P1.15-billion travel budget for 2024 has raised eyebrows and demands scrutiny. It’s no secret that this administration has been jet-setting at an unprecedented pace, with Mr. Junior here seemingly collecting passport stamps as if they were Mabuhay Miles from PAL.
But this massive budget expansion begs the question: are we dealing with a globe-trotting president or a head of state on an extended vacation?
Doubling the travel fund he had this year at P671 million – and nearly being abroad every month – naturally sparks speculation about the President’s plans for next year. Will we witness a doubling of overseas trips or perhaps an even larger entourage enjoying exotic getaways, all courtesy of the taxpayers’ money? It’s a brazen move that raises concerns about accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Proponents argue that these trips are intended to attract foreign investors, but recent data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) tell a different story. Foreign direct investments have declined significantly: 3.9 percent year-on-year to $484 million in June. A report said that in the first half of the year, “FDI net inflows dropped 20.4% to $3.9 billion.
Dare we ask the President about the effectiveness of these costly excursions?
Furthermore, the timing couldn’t be worse. The country grapples with turmoil, inflation, and economic woes, while the President seems more interested in foreign destinations – especially his favorite F1 Grand Prix in Singapore – than addressing pressing issues at home.
Neglect of duty should not be overlooked, and taxpayers have every right to question this lavish expenditure on a president’s globe-trotting adventures.
In a time of crisis, leadership should be present, not perpetually absent on vacation.
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