Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

FINALLY, (it seems) we’re getting through to the government.

After being pummeled with never ending criticism and contention over the controversial $20,000 New York Le Cirque dinner that the first couple and their 65 cohorts partook during their US trip, and the disclosure of yet another lavish $15,000 dinner in Bobby Van’s Steakhouse in Washington DC, Pres. Arroyo’s request for a brand new presidential jet is perhaps, the most preposterous proposition she’s ever made as president of a poverty-stricken country.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde has announced Pres. Arroyo’s retraction from the said purchase. The P1.2 Billion that was previously earmarked for Pres. Arroyo’s new ride will be utilized, instead, to fund the expansion of the government’s anti-hunger and poverty alleviation programs, Malacañang stated on August 17. (And thank heavens for that!)

 Remonde said that Pres. Arroyo "doesn’t want people to say that she was putting her needs ahead, although come to think of it, it’s her successor who would benefit from it." Should Filipinos even be compelled to thank Pres. Arroyo for such a wise and magnanimous act?

Isn’t it enough that Pres. Arroyo’s declared net worth (based on her SALNs) has doubled, from P66.8 Million in 2001 to P143.54 Million in 2008? A $20,000 wedding anniversary dinner, though seemingly excessive, would hardly make a dent on the Arroyos’ wealth, that’s for sure.

And yet, even after it has been decided that the solons who went with Pres. Arroyo will have to pay for expenses incurred during their US trip, the audacious of them are only willing to foot the bill if they pay with taxpayers’ money.

Pres. Arroyo and her cohorts from the government should realize that governance is a social responsibility, not a privilege. After all, they are elected public servants, not monarchs to be afforded such a life of opulence.

Being the chief executive of a republic, "a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them," Pres. Arroyo is not entitled to luxuries, and especially not, since more than half of the population she governs continue to live in meagerness. (AJPress)