By MARY ANN MANJA BAYANG

JDV’s speech, before the House of Representatives voted him out as speaker, was pathetic. It was a statement of a subservient person who performed everything that his masters would tell him in exchange for the power that he held. He professed an unconditional loyalty to those he served, in the same degree that he commanded unrestricted loyalty from those who were favored by being subservient to him. But as his flock shamelessly declared their rejection of him, he must have shrunk into oblivion.

While nursing his wounds blatantly inflicted by those he lavished with gifts, allowances, projects and so many other favors, he must have finally realized that in Philippine politics, it is not just about blind obedience to the masters – it is also about keeping quiet and making all those related to you close their mouths as well.

Does JDV blame his son for his ailing fate? Did he know that this is just Philippine politics writhing with too much corruption, red tape, bribery and dishonesty uncovering its face?

In his speech, JDV reminded those corrupt politicians that they owe him so much debt. He was holding on to these debts so that he will stay in power. Now that he was unceremoniously removed from his power, will he start collecting debts? The Filipino people were not at all moved by JDV’s exposé of corruption in government and fraud during the elections. The people knew that this was just a selfish method of self-preservation. Nonetheless, he confirmed what all Filipinos already know – the disquieting corruption in government and the undoubted fraud during the national elections.

In the midst of JDV’s defeat, Lozada came in with all sincerity and courage, exposing more of these corruptions and briberies. Lozada broadcast what is already public knowledge that it is the “norm” to pay people in power enormous commissions for government projects. He mentioned the names of big personalities including the first gentleman himself.

The involvement of the first gentleman confirms that this kind of multi-million corruption breeds from Malacañang itself.

JDV was not a hypocrite. He admitted that he was a player in a corrupt administration he once served. His testimony further showed how these people in power never get satisfied with what they have and how greed engulfed their reasons. It is the greediness to have more for themselves at the expense of their constituents and the Filipino people that keep this people from leaving the posts where they can fully feed their greed.

It must have already dawned upon us all that being in a high government post is a very big investment for more money, power and influence. Facts, testimonies and evidence have poured upon us over the recent years leading to a single indisputable conclusion – we have a rotting government squirming with worms of corruption, red tape and dishonesty. We are witnessing a government that has lost all its senses to these deadly worms.

The Hello Garci?, Jose Pidal scandal, killings, enforced disappearances, torture and unlawful arrests of activists, freedom fighters, journalists and lawyers, Hacienda Luisita massacre, Bicutan and many other massacres, Abu Sayaf deals, PP1017, NBN-ZTE, cash gifts in paper bags, Lozada expose, what’s next?

What now, Philippines? #