Economic reforms in the new frontier

TWO business organizations have joined forces to host the 2022 Presidentiables and Vice Presidentiables Fora with the theme of “Economic Reforms in the New Frontier.” These are the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

This is the second time for FINEX to organize such an event. The first was held in October 2003 with the theme, “In Search of a Servant Leader.” What’s common between both editions is the format: not a debate but a presentation of candidates’ platforms. The big difference is that this time it will be virtual via multiple online platforms, unlike 18 years ago when it was face-to-face in a hotel venue.

Invited guests for the Vice Presidentiables Forum on Oct. 23, 2021 are candidates Lito Atienza, Bong Go, Willie Ong, Kiko Pangilinan, and Tito Sotto. It will be the turn of candidates Bato Dela Rosa, Ping Lacson, Bongbong Marcos, Isko Moreno, Manny Pacquiao, and Leni Robredo during the Presidentiables Forum on Oct. 30, 2021. They will present their economic platforms including the reforms that they plan to implement should they win in the May 9, 2022 elections.

FINEX President Francis Lim and FFCCCII President Henry Lim Bon Liong will keynote the forums moderated by veteran journalists Tony Lopez and Mike Toledo. Sponsoring these events are the W Group, United Auctioneers, and Grab Philippines as part of their voter’s education programs.

For the first time in the 2022 electoral season, Filipino voters shall witness how each candidate intends to address the worst economic crisis in the country’s postwar history.

Both forums will be aired on two Saturdays starting at 7:30 p.m. over Cignal’s One News and One PH channels with live streaming on Facebook, YouTube, and Daily Motion. Interested parties may contact FINEX Executive Director Michael Vinluan at [email protected].

SOCIAL AMELIORATION PILFERAGE
While all eyes are on the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, the people of Camarines Sur province have intensified their call for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor regarding at least 16 graft complaints filed against her.

During his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, President Rodrigo R. Duterte underscored the role played by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) in running after wayward government officials and bringing them to justice. He said corruption “is but another term for stealing people’s money, dashing in its wake a nation’s goals and aspirations.”

With less than eight months to go before the end of Mr. Duterte’s term, the Ombudsman, DILG, and PACC have yet to prove to the public that they are bent on heeding his stern directive to uproot corruption in government. They need not search far and wide, though, to set an example by going after pilferers of public funds occupying elective positions.

Most of the complaints against Ms. Alfelor were lodged before the Ombudsman. Some had been filed by the Criminal Investigation & Detection Group of the Philippine National Police for alleged anomalies in the distribution of ayuda or cash grants to unqualified recipients under the National Government’s social amelioration program (SAP).

Another involved a P275-million loan obtained from the Land Bank of the Philippines to build an amusement park at a time when mobility restrictions continue to be imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several whistleblowers attended a hearing conducted by the House of Representatives Committee on Good Government last year and testified on the mishandling of SAP disbursements in Iriga City after the passage of the “Bayanihan I” law in 2020.

CamSur’s concerned citizens are wondering why the DILG, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the PACC are not taking immediate action in compliance with the President’s drive against official corruption, especially when there are allegations of ayuda irregularities. Perhaps they should approach the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is presently investigating a bigger irregularity in the spending of pandemic funds.

J. Albert Gamboa is the chief finance officer of Asian Center for Legal Excellence and co-chairman of the FINEX Week Committee. The opinion expressed herein does not necessarily reflect the views of these institutions and ����ý.