Get the issues right

MANILA, Philippines - I was quite taken aback by the article of Carmen Pedrosa on March 15. I am currently in a workshop in NY — out of the loop of happenings back home. There is a need to state some things straight.

First of all when my grandfather took over Meralco and was responsible for both power generation and distribution, Meralco had the second lowest power rates in Asia. In Asia - that’s right. In the late ’60s, Meralco had the lowest power rates in Asia, and its rates were even lower than those in 43 of the 50 states in the United States. The problem began when the government took it over — and when it was handed back to the family — the power generation was kept by the government through Napocor.

“Fused family politics and business to subvert public institutions and amass private wealth” — ouch. That hurts. My father loved this country. When martial law was lifted he took the first plane back to this country and decided to invest in areas which would help build the economy: roads, telecommunications . . . . of course it had to be profitable. But to infer that his intent was exploitative — is hitting below the belt and unrightly so. I know my father, I know my family . . . . that remark is off center.

My family broke off with Marcos — because of the corruption. This ended in our businesses taken away brutally and my dad incarcerated for five years. I know that my grandfather supported politicians whom he thought could make a difference and broke off with them when corruption came into the picture. He knew how to play the corridors of power but he didn’t play dirty.

News has to have broadcasters — and tv personalities. If those personalities decide to go political and people elect them, how does that become media’s fault?

My family has a tradition of integrity and public service imbedded in our culture. I know. I sit at the Lopez Council — and the family is quite cohesive. For the record I would like to state that we are a Filipino family committed to this country and its people — and the way we run our businesses and how we give back exemplifies that.

Ms Pedrosa tends to put families and people in boxes. She needs to get her issues right. The problem is not family, or government . . . . the problem is corruption. It’s corruption that driving this country down. Period. My heart actually hurts when I know of the pillaging of natural resources. Money is not going where it should. From my experience a key strategy for this country is if government and private sector were to work together for the common good. If its clean — and efficient — this brings hope for the future.

Why all these inferences about Cory men? Since when did this have a role on why they would head the institutions. Ping de Jesus is a man of great integrity and efficiency. And so is Peter Garrucho. They were chosen not because of the link to Cory — but because they are good. There is something wrong with the negative inclination of Ms. Pedrosa’s thoughts.

Get the issues right.— GINA LOPEZ, Managing Director, ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.