How to waste Php 2 billion in a month?

Simple. Give alms Php 500 to the poor who are consuming less than 100 kilowatts of electricity. All 14 million of them to be exact.

Kung sino mang opisyal ni Gloria Arroyo ang nakaisip nito, dapat syang bigyan ng award. Kalabasa Award, kung maaari.

Heck, she even argues that this program is funded by the much-reviled VAT. And it “fulfills” the regime’s social justice agenda! Brilliant!

Except the fact that she’s making a fool out of everyone, including the beneficiaries of this one-time doleout. By accepting the doleout, the poor (at least the recipients) acknowledges that this regime is doing something for them, even if the doleout will only cover a month, and is very short term. By allowing this regime to spend the money as if it is one giant donor, the others are giving the regime a free-pass to inefficiently spend our tax money on something that clearly benefits no one in the medium or long term – except her.

I don’t know about you, but this scheme exemplifies her “reform” agenda – alms to the poor, nothing for others, and no substantial changes in the social fabric. It only shows her insincerity.

If she is really serious about helping the poor, she could have spent the money on something more long term. But no. She has other “priorities.”

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There are some political pundits who think that, based on her actions, Gloria Arroyo has thrown in the towel and surrendered to the fact that her term will end June 30, 2010. I disagree. Heck, she remains in a campaign mode, and look at her regime’s previous actions. Why is she doing those things? No, I don’t think she’s thinking of her “legacy” to the country; it is too late for that.

Diversion, yes, but why? To keep herself into power? No, I don’t think so. She has all the pieces in place to guarantee that she lasts until 2010. At the very least. She eyes something else.

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