GOV'T HAS NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT BOSSI'S RELEASE - ESCUDERO

The release of Italian priest Father Giancarlo Bossi from his abductors is no cause for exuberance from the part of the government, Senator Chiz Escudero said today. Infact, Escudero said the recovery of the kidnapped missionary shouldn't have happened at all had there been concrete measures to avoid such incidents from happening.

"Although we should be thankful that Father Bossi is alive and well, there is nothing to brag about this latest incident. The fact remains that he was kidnapped and held for more than a month leaving this administration in a blind. If there were only current working measures laid out by the government, this unfortunate event shouldn't have happened in the very first place," Escudero said.

The neophyte senator said that PGMA should not keep herself busy with riding high on the media value of Bossi's recovery, but rather immediately address how can similar occurrences be avoided. "GMA should look closer at the security measures mapped out by the military and police forces to ensure that every single individual, foreign or local alike can safely walk on this country. "As such, this is again another blow to our image in the international stage. The government ought to tie every loose ends of our security measures and implementation if we want to attract tourists and investors to our country."

Escudero added the president should also explain what was given in return for Bossi's release for transparency, this amidst talks that there were negotiations between the government and the kidnappers which allegedly led to ransom pay off. "How was Bossi recovered? Did the government used its full power and resources without compromising the government's position and authority? If so, then the public should know in order for everyone to see that we can still rely on our government, that there is still protection to be had from the authorities from lawless elements."

However, if the talks of ransom pay off are true, then the release of Bossi would really reduce this government into a mere puppet stage where hooligans and just about anyone else can manipulate it to any direction they want. "Where do our people go if the very people who the public turns for justice and security are the very first to relent to the lawless oppressors?" Escudero ended.