The Pork Barrel scam in the Philippines has exploded revealing more layers of corruption than we ever imagined.  Money from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) was being siphoned to other than that which it was intended for and lining up the pockets of those in power.  The scandal implicates the lawmakers in every hierarchy of the government.  People are enraged and rightly so.  Netizens have taken to cyberspace to express their disgust and have called on President Aquino to act and live up to his catchphrase “Matuwid na Daan”.

People are calling for the abolishment of the pork barrel fund, which will mean that those in question will have nothing to dip their fingers into.   I think not!  They will simply look elsewhere for another jar – another barrel.   The problem is in the mindset.  Power and privilege are deeply engrained in our culture.  As a friend once said, “kahit sino ang umupo gagawin din (no matter who sits, they’ll do the same.)” Sad, but true.

Once they are in the seat of power, a sense of entitlement overcomes them and they think they are infallible and are now bestowed as if magically with invincible powers and privilege to do what they want to do.  The “kaibigan” – “kakilala” – “kapuso” – “kapamilya” prevail.  People will refuse to speak because of unseen ties.   Is it any wonder why we fall over for that photo-op with a title holder?

In the hierarchy of society, there’s always somebody to answer to.  There’s the supervisor, the department head, the boss.  But what about the one up top?  Who do they answer to?  By right, those up top are answerable to the very people who they have proposed to lead. President Aquino himself said “Kayo ang Boss ko.”  But unfortunately, pleas and cries fall on deaf ears.  Oh, they hear – but they refuse to listen except to the beat of their inner desires to cling to power.  And anyone who dares speak is castigated, ostracized and must be eliminated at all costs.

I can’t help but draw a parallel to our own community right here in Australia.  Money may not even be at play but power definitely is.  I can think of organisations and leaders who feel they are impenetrable and untouchable.

There’s the MPC, who call on the community for help and cry out for donations and yet refuse to say anything else.  They were tight lipped even when they sold the Rooty Hill Property without consulting the very people who helped pour in the funds for it.  Why?  Because they thought they could.

The Philippine Australian Community Services Inc (PACSI) is faced with a deluge of problems.  Within a two week period, the outgoing management has padlocked the PACSI premises twice to keep the newly elected officers and members out.   Police have even been called in.  The outgoing management changed the scheduled date of election at a whim disregarding the voice of the members.  Why?  Because they think they can!

And of course the Philippine Community Council (PCC) has been hounded with problems from the 88-98 Amores win, the constitution debacle and lately new problems have surfaced from the misuse of the PADER account and trust is fast eroding for the current Board.  Yet, no one is doing anything to resolve the problem.  Why?  Because they think they can.

After four months of waiting for a reply, Collado has chosen to write to the PADER committee and her own Board through her lawyer expressing a notice of concern.  Translated it’s a gag order – “thou shalt not speak about me”.  The letter continues to say that Collado admits to “no wrong doing”.  So if she did not do anything wrong, why then did she apologise to the Board? Why was Bulseco adamant “that the President has the executive power to juggle funds?”  Banan, the treasurer admits culpability for having issued the cheque without Board permission and with only one signature.  After being a treasurer for three years, did Banan suddenly forget she needed to affix 2 signatures on every cheque released? Why then has no investigation been done with the bank?  Most everyone believes it was wrong. “Mali na sa mali”; “mali talaga pero pabayaan mo na sila” were the comments made.  But in the same breath, some have chosen the option to forgive and Collado has chosen to forgive Banan, her friend.  No one on the board has moved to take action and rectify the issue.  I personally still need to see a copy of the cheque issued.  And Collado and Banan are still answerable to their affiliates who are now asking but are being fed the wrong information.

I have no doubt that other clubs are on the same boat.  Acts of kindness and forgiveness is all well and good but it also means turning a blind eye to the problem at hand.  In all of the above, what is common is the lack of communication.  People sitting in their self perceived realm of power execute their delaying tactics, manipulate retractions, refuse to reply to letters and choose not to dialogue.

So the stakes are neither billions nor millions – they are simply menial, even trivial – for that special VIP seat; for a photo opportunity; a minute to bask in the limelight; or to shush their rambling desire for attention.  However, the repercussions are the same and far reaching.  The bottom line is it’s the power and privilege mentality at work.  Why?  Because we have allowed them.  We are breeding them.

And unless, we Filipinos have the courage to do the difficult, nothing will change.  It’s time to speak up – speak out – and above all else….act!