Good Morning Judge: Systemic corruption

DUE to internet glitches we were not able to send our prepared column last week which dealt on the death anniversary of the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo and the inauguration and dedication of the Robredo Museum in his honor. The speech of Senator Panfilo Lacson aired last night on TV detailing and naming the personalities involved in the corrupt practices at the Bureau of Customs negates the President’s campaign of corruption-free administration. The appointment of former PDEA director Isidro Lapena as Chief of the Bureau of Customs was welcomed by the Senator who said that he knows Lapena personally whom he hoped would prove equal to the challenge of cleaning up the Bureau. Reportedly, corruption in the Bureau of Customs has become systemic and involves the entire hierarchy of the Office such that practically all the employees in the Bureau are on the take. Be that as it may, it is the hope of this writer that the new Customs chief will lead by example by keeping himself untouched by any hint of corruption. Parenthetically, the reported involvement of presidential son and Davao City vice-mayor Paolo Duterte in the alleged smuggling into the country of P6.4B worth of shabu from China is another black-eye to the anti-corruption drive of DU30. Presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar, in a media report, seems to take the report for granted by saying that evidence is needed to prove that the presidential son is involved, even as it reveals a double standard approach by this administration on the matter of government corruption. TRIVIA: Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Domingo R. Floreda for the successful one-day Parish Evaluation and Envisioning held at the Sonrisa Farm in Carangcang, Magarao, Camarines Sur. The activity involved three sessions with three topics, to wit: “Remembering the Past with Gratitude”, “Sharing the Love for the ICP Parish” and “Forging a Praying, Welcoming, Caring And Sharing ICP Parish Community.” Belated congratulations to the members and officers of the Knights of Columbus, Nueva Caceres Council 7995, Our Lady of Penafrancia Parish, this city, for celebrating its 37th Anniversary and Installation of Officers for Columbian Year 2017-2018. The Guest Speaker was SK Rico E. Albia, Worthy District Deputy C-20, South Luzon Jurisdiction, Magellan Province, that is also due to hold the installation of officers for this coming Columbian Year. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “THE WORK GOES ON, THE CAUSE ENDURES, THE HOPE STILL LIVES AND THE DREAMS SHALL NEVER DIE.” EDWARD F. KENNEDY FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “LET EVERY THING THAT HAS BREATH GIVE PRAYS TO THE LORD. HALLELUJAH.” PSALM 180;6