‘Pork scam won’t lead to Thai-like unrest’

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is confident that the multibillion-peso pork barrel fund scam will not spark unrest similar to that being experienced by Thailand.

Speaking on state-run dzRB yesterday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the country’s democratic institutions are strong as citizens remain vigilant against abuses.

Filipinos, Coloma said, “won’t allow abuses by anyone or the existence of disorder or unrest.”

“That is the biggest deterrent or guarantee against disorder or unrest in our country,” he added.

Earlier this month, a Thai court ousted then Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and nine Cabinet members for abuse of power but this did not stop protests and violent acts.

Last week, the Thai military declared martial law in the wake of a political crisis that stemmed from corruption issues that hounded the civilian government.

Two days later, Thailand’s Army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha declared himself as acting prime minister and will remain in the post until a new leader is selected.

In the Philippines, the pork barrel scam, which stemmed from the diversion of billions of congressional funds to fake non-government organizations and ghost projects, has triggered several protests but has not sparked riots or other violent acts.

More than a hundred senators and House members have been implicated in the scam, said to be the largest political scandal in the country in recent years.

The Philippines is no stranger to abrupt changes of power, with two of its past presidents – Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada – ousted through popular revolts.

It was also a witness to several failed military coups and attempted power grabs by young officers who claim to advocate good governance and reforms.

Security officials have previously said that the days of military adventurism are over and that soldiers are now professional and loyal to the chain of command.