Media lauded for role in governance

CEBU, Philippines - Senate majority floor leader Alan Peter Cayetano lauded the members of the media for their role in exposing corruption in government especially the controversial pork barrel scam.

“What you are doing is a very valuable task. Do not underestimate yourselves. Because of the media and the social media, nawawala ang pork barrel. For the past six months, hindi tinantanan ng media yung pork barrel,” said Cayetano.

The senator, who was the guest speaker during the 17th General Assembly of Cebu News Workers Multipurpose Cooperative, yesterday said that if there is no media in the Philippines, not only we will have many Napoleses but she will become president.

Cayetano was referring to businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind in the multi-billion pork barrel scam.

Cayetano said that in any aspect of governance the media play a big role because when media report something, the people response.

“The power of traditional media and social media are the catalyst of change despite of its weaknesses, problems and everything. Kapag tinanggal yung media makukurap ang buong Pilipinas,” said Cayetano.

Cayetano, recently named as among the senators who allegedly channeled his pork barrel to fake non-government organization of Napoles, said that he is willing to resign should there be anyone who can prove such allegation.

“If anyone can show me the truth on such allegation, not only I will resign but ako mismo ang pupunta sa Ombudsman para kasuhan ako,” Cayetano added.

On the proposal to make Napoles a state witness, Cayetano find it unnecessary.

“Kung magiging state witness siya, its either she can tell all the truth or tell all the lies. DOJ and Ombudsman said na airtight na yung case, if she becomes a state witness, what do we gain?” Cayetano asked.

According to Cayetano, Napoles is the most guilty and with or without her testimony, the present evidence are already enough to convict her.

 â€œIf she becomes a state witness, it is sending a very bad signal na in this country okay lang magnakaw ng malaki at kung mahuli ka, kumanta ka lang at mayaman ka pa rin. Of course, this is not the lesson that we want to impart to the Filipino people,” Cayetano added.

He said it is both funny and tragic that in this country, those who steal a small amount of money would end up in jail. But those who steal huge amount of money can become a mayor, a congressman, a senator, and even a president of this country.

“I am trying to be sarcastic but there’s an element of truth to it,” Cayetano added.

Cayetano also reiterated his call to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to immediately make public the affidavit executed by Napoles and have her cross-examined in public through the Senate.  (FREEMAN)