EDITORIAL

Standing up for the right

WHAT is right must be kept right. What is wrong must be set right. This was the
mantra of Sen. Panfilo Lacson when he was chief of the Philippine National Police
(1991-2001).

Wed like to believe this is what P/Chief Inspector Raymund Nicolas, chief of police
of Balungao town has in mind as he remains unfazed by the political moves resorted
to by Balungao Mayor Philipp Peralta, who led a protest rally against him, and by the
members of the Sangguniang Bayan who declared him persona non grata.

From all indications, the elected officials of Balungao decided to circle the wagons
around erring barangay officials because of their ugly patronage politics.

Unfortunately for the towns politicos, their slip is showing for all to see while the
police chief is in the right to stand his ground. Indeed, no one is above the law. The
barangay officials, like the mayor and councilors, are accountable if they violate the
laws of the land. No amount of political pressure can save anyone who violates the
gun law and those suspected of being involved in illegal drug trading. Instead, those
who seek to cover-up for the guilty unwittingly expose their ill motives.

If the towns officials have proof of their police chiefs corrupt activities, then a by all
means seek his immediate ouster but to declare him persona non grata for supposed
administrative failures, only confirms that the chief of police refuses to be corrupted
and coopted for their devious politicking. The politicos ought to take a lesson from
President Dutertes recent decision why he removed Mindanao mayors control over
their police.

Lesson: The President moves against those who refuse to set things right.

GSIS & SSS

NICE to know that the GSIS (Government Service and Insurance System) has quickly
acted on the plight of our poor and hapless brethren victimized by the crazed-laden,
Maute-instigated Marawi war. By offering P20,000-emergency loan each to
displaced folk in strife-torn Marawi (P40K to others), the GSIS has proven itself once
more to be an instant ally of the people in both times of war and peace.

Not to be left behind, the SSS (Social Security System), through its benevolent
director, Dagupan-born Gonzalo Duque, has also done its share by likewise offering
financial help to its members from the private sector as soon as the President has
formalized the declaration of a state of calamity in Marawi.
When institutions like GSIS & SSS act with dispatch, it means the government is
absolutely pro-service and pro-needy, reinforcing the republics mantra of existence
as for the people, by the people and of the people. Applause applause!