Opposition lawmakers keep an eye on Noy's 'cronies'

MANILA, Philippines -  Opposition lawmakers have launched what they called an anti-crony watch campaign on the Aquino administration, which they said is packed and run by President Aquino’s “kakampi (allies), kaklase (classmates), and kabarilan (shooting buddies).”

In statement read by Lanao del Norte Rep. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, the House minority bloc cited cases where Aquino appointed his close associates even if their qualifications were questionable, to the detriment of the agencies they run.

“A year ago, we were promised: a government run by people chosen on the basis of integrity, competence and performance. Today, we have a government where there is a surfeit of kakampi, kaklase and kabarilan,” the minority bloc said.

“And when these close associates run afoul, true to the crony patron he has shown himself to be, President Aquino drags his feet in investigating, reprimanding, and firing, even as he harangues and harasses political rivals with no basis or evidence,” the opposition lawmakers said.

The minority bloc also announced they are set to file a resolution to investigate members of the official family whom Malacañang has refused to hold accountable.