Press Release
September 1, 2008

Loren calls for government accountability

If the government is to become responsive to the needs of long-suffering Filipinos, its leaders must be accountable, transparent, ethical, efficient and confident, Senator Loren

Legarda stressed yesterday..

She said that in the absence of any of the four desirable governmental traits, any administration is doomed to fail in addressing dehumanizing poverty, the lack of job opportunities, hunger, social injustice, and political instability.

Legarda issued the statement in reaction to comments by some Ramon Magsaysay awardees that non-government organizations (NGOs), the private sector, the media and people's agencies are useless unless an honest and dependable government reciprocates their social contributions.

"Hence, we need a new breed of leaders who will run our government and not run our country to the ground; leaders who will make our country strong, not weaken it further," she said.

Legarda minced no words in describing the present government as a family headed by someone who needs straightening.

"No matter how good the children are and no matter how willing they are to help the whole family, it is useless and will result to nothing if the father who is the head of the family is a crooked one."

"By accountable, we mean that the government must listen to the voice of the people from who its mandate emanates," she added. "Most of our leaders seem to hear only what they want to hear, without caring anymore to what the people say."

The government must also inform the public of its actions to show transparency, and not resort to do a lot of explaining just because its faulty and immoral actions had been exposed.

"This is a sign of a weak government. And it's not proper to say sorry just because you were caught," she said, referring to the botched memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain drafted by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"What's hilarious about it is that, the government does not want to own up to its mistake and more often tells lies," said Legarda. "It has become an obsession for our leaders to cling on to their positions by hook or by crook."

"What's sad is that many in government play up their imagined achievements. What we need is a leader with clear vision and plans. But he or she too must not forget the private sectors and their invaluable contribution to nation-building."

"The government must stop thinking that the private sector is only milking cow. It must recognize and reciprocate. The people must also do their duties. In their role in a democratic country, they must also start change. In the election in 2010, people can show their change, but do we have to wait for the election?"

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