Press Release
February 28, 2009

Press statement of senator Loren Legarda

ON US STATE DEPARTMENT RAPS ON GRAFT

Instead of routinely denying that corruption is rampant and unrestrained in the Philippines as declared by the US state department, Malacañang should sincerely and unremittingly run after the crooks and human rights violators in our country. They should not only be investigated but charged, convicted and imposed the proper penalty after trial. By denying rather than acting against corruption and human rights violations, the government only gives the impression that it is tolerating them.

We have enough laws against graft and corruption and enough agencies, including the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice, and the Human Rights Commission in case of human rights violations, to enforce such laws. The fact that no less than the US State Department, as well as other international organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations, have condemned the Philippine government's failure to restrain corruption and human rights violations, shows that such charges cannot be taken lightly. Their reports will have an adverse impact on the flow of foreign aid and investments to our country that may diminish because of such reports.

The world and domestic public opinion are clearly supportive of the US state department's findings. No amount of Malacañang denial will convince the public otherwise. Only hard action with actual results will redeem the administration from public perception that it is not only inept but also tolerant of corruption and abuses.

ON RED CROSS KIDNAPPING

I appeal to the government to allow negotiators to talk with the kidnapers of the two representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and their Filipina companion, Mary Jean Lacaba, for humanitarian reasons. Nothing is more precious than human lives. Having previously succeeded in helping secure the freedom of hostages in similar hostage situations, I know what peaceful negotiations can do without sacrificing the government's duty to punish those who violate the law to attain their own ends. Nevertheless, the government will lose nothing by having impartial negotiators listen to the demands of the kidnapers so the government will have an insight on how to solve this problem and confront larger issues.

I understand that the hostages in the hands of the alleged Abu Sayaff kidnapers in Sulu are now experiencing indescribable suffering. For humanitarian reasons, I appeal to our government: help them!

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