DR. LYDIA Depra Ramos, Department of Health (DOH) regional director for Region 6, has been repeatedly announced as “outgoing director” of the region. But she is still lording it over, notwithstanding the fact that other officials and employees of Region 6 are already nauseated at the very sight of this notorious person. She must really have used a magic wand waved on my good friend, Health Secretary Duque. Otherwise, why has she remained an immobile object in DOH-R6?

I wonder how Secretary Duque reacted after being informed that Director Depra Ramos claimed attorney’s fees amounting to P250,000. According to information, Madam Ramos had also claimed the same amount as attorney’s fees from former Health Secretary Romualdez, which is clearly a double compensation claim. Records also show that the P250, 000 claim was denied by the Regional Legal and Adjudication Office of the Commission on Audit. Ramos was ordered to refund the amount but we heard that until now, she has not done so. Anong say mo, Mr. Health Secretary?

****

There was a column item in the Opinion page of the Standard Today warning about what the writer, Alvin Capino, claims as “selective prosecution,” because of rumors that in the syndicated estafa case against the Manila Electric Co. filed by Nasecore, the Department of Justice (DOJ) may unilaterally drop lawyer Arthur Defensor Jr. as respondent because of pressure by Visayan political leaders on Secretary Gonzalez. Well, I can assure the whole world, especially this writer, that there will be no “selective prosecution” by the DOJ as long as I am secretary of Justice, and each litigant will have his share of attention, and we will apply the law before we condemn.

****

The President’s call for support from local Muslims to help achieve genuine peace with its Christian brothers is a prayer that highlights the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan in the Muslim world. The greatest test that continues to challenge the Muslims in Mindanao and elsewhere is to learn to coexist with their Christian brothers, as the Christians, too, have learned to honor and respect the symbols of Islam and the Muslims in their midst.

****

Tiya Dely, the venerable icon of local broadcasting and known as the First Lady of Philippine radio, has signed off, literally dying with her boots on. She suffered a stroke while doing her Saturday show and died on Monday. For years and years, her radio program gave hope to those burdened with problems, which endeared her to millions of fans in the Metro. Goodbye, Tiya Dely. Philippine broadcasting has lost one of its most credible and enduring superstars.

****

Kampi’s new member, boxer Manny Pacquiao, is considered a great asset to the President’s party. Pacquiao is a crowd drawer, a local folk hero and a people’s champion. His drawing power, especially during a presidential election year, is tremendous, and we will not be surprised if efforts are afoot to secure his endorsements in the next polls. “Presidentiables” must be hard-pressed to get on his good side, and it appears that Ronnie Puno has won this round.

****

The Commission on Elections chairman has promised full automation of elections beginning in 2010, after the successful road test in the recent Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao polls. There are fears of ballot-switching once the optical mark reader is used, as compared with the direct recording electronic system; however, the latter is much more expensive, which demands an outlay of about P50 billion. Let us consider the huge outlay involved not as an expense but an investment for the future of this country. I am sure many will agree with me that to ensure a clean and promptly resolved electoral contest, what we need is the application of state-of-the-art technology that could give the people prompt results without the attendant long delays.

Leave a Reply