***

On the part of AFP chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, he admitted that some military men are involved in the killings of activists. But he said that the military command neither encourages nor condones the killings. He seems to say that the soldiers involved in the killings did it on their own.

***

Obviously President Arroyo is very much concerned with the findings of the Melo Commission. That’s why she wants a much deeper continuing investigation into the killings to establish the identities of those responsible for the murders. Aside from directing the Melo Commission to continue its inquiry, the President said she asked the European Union (EU) to join in the investigation of the killings. The EU member-countries expressed alarm over the unabated killing of leftist activists, and called on the Philippine government to put a stop to the murders – not only once, not only twice, nor thrice but many times during the past several months.

***

The President has always responded positively to the concern of EU on the killings of activists. But the EU has not sent any individuals or groups to join the investigation, despite the fact that they have raised a howl over the violation of human rights. This can mean that either the Philippine government or the EU is not sincere in stopping the killings.

***

The final report by the Melo Commission on the rash of extra-judicial killings in the country has been completed. And from initial statements from some commissioners, it may be concluded that the report provides a balanced view of the killings which involved activists, journalists, students, and public officials. According to a commissioner, Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos, military generals appeared before the inquiry only to deny their involvement in the murders, but they did not make any attempt to explain or investigate the killings. "I do not believe they have to do more than just that and wash their hands," the bishop said. Same as saying the military is not cleared of culpability by the commission report.

***

The Melo Commission report says there are different causes to the killings. "There are killings by politicians and the military, politicians and their goons, and killings as part of a vendetta, the bishop said. But leftists referring to the communist New people’s Army and its front groups, were not left innocent by the report, although what is bad in the overall incidences is the tolerance of vigilante killings. That is bad for the country," De Dios Pueblos noted.

***

But the concluded work of the Melo Commission doesn’t mean all is now well for the human rights situation in the country. Sad to say extra-judicial killings continue as cases of three human rights lawyers and a judge ambushed and killed were reported last December and January this year. Recently, an Amsterdam-based lawyers’ organization asked President Arroyo to form another commission after judging the lack of independence, powers and credibility of the Melo Commission.

***

In particular, the Armsterdam lawyers recommended that the members of this new probe group shall be composed by those appointed or are represented by human rights organizations, religious groups, local government and other sectors of civil society known for their independence and integrity. A call for government to take a second shot at responding to the culture of violence in our midst.

***

As politicians prepare for elections, it is worthwhile looking into a November 2006 Voice of the People (VOP) survey which says most Filipinos (62 percent or close to two-of-three) think politicos are dishonest. Already some politicos have reacted adversely to the survey saying this is another obstructive criticism of government.

***

But it must be clarified that the World Economic Forum, which commissioned the survey, is an independent organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders to discuss issues of global concern. Obviously, dishonesty among Filipino politicians should prompt our leaders to reflect on the issue and find ways to regain their constituents’ trust.

***

For a change, Malacañang has set a new standard in the campaign against graft and corruption. The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) has adopted a new method by conferring certificates of recognition to the "Top 10 Most Compliant Agencies for 2006" and for successfully implementing anti-graft and corruption measures. Formerly, the news is concentrated on the most corrupt agencies of the government.

***

This year’s awardees in the successful campaign against graft and corruption include the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

***

PAGC Chairwoman Constancia de Guzman said "the recognition does not only distinguish the extent by which anti-corruption schemes have been put in place by these agencies, but more importantly, an indication of the political will and leaders in supporting our readers to minimize if not totally eradicate corruptions." Please lang huwag naman total eradication ng corruption. Paano naman yong mga mangungurakot sa gobyerno?"

***

Former Undersecretary of Finance Milwida Guevara, now with Synergeia Foundation, revealed that she often leaked information that was otherwise inaccessible to the media so that the public would be better informed. When I was in charge of public relations in the Department of Finance, I invented my own "Progressive News Manufacturing Program" which insured the availability of news developments even Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. I implemented the same program when I was press secretary of President V. Ramos. It was a successful endeavor because everyday there was a major news story.