For Bikol and the World

Dear Sen. Noynoy,

I wish to respond to your call for comments or suggestions as you discern whether or not to run for higher office, and rightly so, what mission to pursue if ever. You may please consider then-

Cory has left us a great many challenges to continue fighting for like a new president in 2010, clean and honest elections, stamping out graft and corruption, and building a better future for our people. The spontaneous outpouring of love and support for her and the indubitable rekindling of the EDSA spirit vis-à-vis the widespread sentiment of wala-kang-mapili from among the "presidentiables" and GMA's cryptic SONA in sharp contrast with Cory's Paalam before, all seem to point to one thing that can give us reason for hope: Noynoy for President.

For sure, Noynoy's silent courage in the midst of unfathomable grief, just like Cory's after Ninoy was assassinated, did not go unnoticed. Standing out, too, was his steely resolve for principle and honor like Ninoy's, readily seen in his outright rejection of the state funeral dangled by the administration. More, he showed graceful statesmanship in attending to GMA's presidential visit with dignity despite her being personally unwelcome.

On Monday, July 27, GMA is set to deliver her State of the Nation Address or SONA. Many would rather pass this one up given her utter lack of credibility now. But one thing is clear: this SONA will be her last. Otherwise, any Con-Ass for her term extension would plunge the country into chaos.

On June 20, the Naga City Government launched its self-styled "Governance Institute." It is reportedly supported by World Bank money, so I will not quarrel with its establishment for now.

Early morning of Thursday, May 28 (Wednesday, May 27 in Rome), I watched the UEFA Champions League Roma Finale 2009 between defending champions Manchester United (Man. United) and the Spanish La Liga and copa del rey champions FC Barcelona ("Barca").

On May 11, ANC sponsored a “Leadership Forum” at the Ateneo de Manila University for prospective presidential candidates for the 2010 elections. Those who attended were Chiz Escudero, Dick Gordon, Ed Panlilio, Mar Roxas and Gilbert Teodoro.

Last week, I brought out the unauthorized P2,085,000.00 election-timed loan that was released to an NGO (SPUKOI) on February 17, 1998, in aid of Cho Roco’s election as Robredo’s interim successor. And to this date, it remains unpaid. Thus, I called for an Ombudsman investigation for graft and corruption of all responsible officials for this loan.

On Robredo’s “Transparency at Work,” which is actually “Transparency at Worst,” I cited last week COA’s findings of unliquidated cash advances for year ended Dec. 31, 2007: “Cash advances amounting to P1,896,885.55 were granted without first settling or a proper accounting thereof was made of the previous cash advance, while cash advances totaling P8,168,269.61 were not liquidated within the prescribed period, contrary to Sections 4.1.2 and 5.1 of COA Circular No. 97-002, respectively. These defects created doubts on the validity and regularity of the grant and liquidation thereof.”