By Ismael Amigo, Sr.
ISA lang po ang ibig sabihin nito: hindi na po sila takot mag-voice out ng kanilang saloobin.
No, not anymore po, people.
House leaders are unfazed, they’re not afraid of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte anymore, it seems.
In the world of Philippine politics, it seems that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is not one to back down from a fight. His recent threat towards party-list congresswoman France Castro for bringing to light the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) expenditure of P125 million confidential funds in just 11 days in 2022 has left many wondering, “Who’s really afraid of Digong?”
But, in a bold and resolute response, Santa Rosa City’s very own Rep. Dan Fernandez has made it clear that the House of Representatives, under the steadfast leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, cannot be easily swayed by distractions or intimidation.
Despite the session adjourning in late September, the House’s various committees have been given the authority to hold hearings to expedite the passage of essential measures.
Fernandez emphasizes that the commitment to the people is unwavering. The duty to the nation remains paramount, and they will not allow political noise to divert their attention from the work that needs to be done.
In a time when political bickering and distractions seem to be the norm, this unwavering commitment to the people’s welfare is a refreshing departure from the status quo.
Duterte’s latest “kill you” threats against Cong France Castro was in defense of his daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, over the use of confidential funds in both the OVP and the Department of Education, that raised not only a few but many eyebrows.
He justified the (CIF) allocation for the creation of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program but targeted Rep. France Castro and others, leaving no room for compromise.
It’s important to note that both the OVP and DepEd sought a total of P650 million in confidential funds, but House leaders rejected it and instead realigned these funds.
Fernandez, who chairs the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, made it clear that the redistribution of P1.23 billion confidential funds is essential.
Redirecting these funds toward agencies tasked with providing security for the nation is a strategic move that aligns with their commitment to reinforcing programs that improve the lives of Filipinos.
Fernandez states, “Our intent is to ensure that these funds contribute effectively to the well-being of our citizens and the advancement of the nation’s interests.”
In a time of political posturing and power plays, this commitment to the nation’s welfare is something that the Filipino people can look to with hope.
As it is, the political landscape in the Philippines continues to be marked by confrontations and controversies, the unwavering commitment of leaders like Rep. Dan Fernandez to prioritize the nation’s interests is a reassuring sign.
The House of Representatives, under his and Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, is resolute in its mission to serve the people and to ensure that the country’s resources are directed toward the betterment of Filipino lives.
So, “Who’s afraid of Papa Digs now?”
It seems that the answer, at least in the House of Representatives, is resoundingly clear: not them.
Ngunit, kagaya ng dati sa mga katulad ni Cong Dan na tumayo at nanindigan, kasunod nito ay ang tiyak na pagbalikwas ng kampo ni Papa Digs, upang gibain ang kredibilidad ng sinumang bankala na kagaya ni Cong Dan.
Abangan!
