WB country director for the Philippines Bert Hofman: “It’s the discretion of the Philippine authorities to pursue or not to pursue anything that we referred to them in the Referral Report, It does not mean that since it is confidential, it cannot be used.” “We’re looking forward to that (Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez’s assurance that her office would come up with its own findings by the first week of March). ”
Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez: “We are not aware of the circumstances surrounding the report sub- mitted to them by the World Bank regarding the said irregularities. We do not know if the WB in those countries submitted solid evidence or even leads which is wanting in the Report they submitted to us.”
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=443351&publicationSubCategoryId=63
They are talking about the same report and the same objective: to check corruption and make sur public money is not stolen.
But unbelievably, a wide gulf separates the perspectives of ‘the honorable’ Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and World Bank Country Director for the Philippines.
One thing is undisputed though: the Ombudsman has had more than two full years to complete its legal mandate to determine if anyone should be hailed to court for the alleged collusion of contractors to corner WB-fund road projects.
That during this period of inutility the implicated firms have landed billions of pesos more in contracts from the DPWH is testimony to the ravages of an agency that is blind because it refuses to see that what has been put before it.
What further grates our sensibilities is how the holder of the constitutional office feels she is being criticized “unfairly.”
Popularity: 1% [?]
Theatrics, dramatics, histrionics, whatever can buoy her up – and its soothing effect.
Can anyone post the resume of the lady Ombudsman whom the taxpayers are paying for her (dis)services?
Given those ‘skills’, karlpopper, maybe ‘Tita’ ~Mercy should have been a finalist at the Oscars.
Let me forewarn you though, we may be in for a scolding from the protectors of the ‘faith’. :)
she’s so pathetic…with the drama and all
What’s up with your use of bold font all over your post, Ding? :D
Hey, BennyBoy, how’s your day? Cone cofee yet? :)
Cmon, buddy, shine your brilliance upon us on this issue. :)
Don’t worry, I’ll use all caps next time :)
The World Bank has all the rights to deny loans
to countries that are high on corruption index
rating lists.
They are the lender. We are the borrower. They
are just sending those in power a good message.
Clean up your Acts. Clean your government. Before
we loan money to you.
What is wrong with that ? Some sensitive people
just cannot stand the truth…