Madame Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo - after ruling the country for nearly a decade, “GMA” is the  most corrupt Philippine leader in history, more than Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada, who were ousted from office, according to an opinion poll conducted by Pulse Asia Inc. as reported by Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSP30281220071212) .  This observation may have been due to her comparatively short stint in the Presidency compared to the deposed dictator.  However, with the top graft prosecutor Office of the Ombudsman being run by her appointees, Filipinos are doubtful that GMA will ever end behind bars.

 

Senator Ping Lacson- After surviving the Kuratong Baleleng incident where he was accused of ordering the summary killing of suspected criminals, Senator Lacson’s luck ran out when he was indicted for the deaths of PR man Bubby Dacer and his driver.  He has since gone into hiding and vowed no die rather than end up in a jail cell.  This is very unlikely statement from somebody who has sworn to uphold the rule of law in the Philippines.

Ex- COMELEC Commissioner Benjamin Abalos – Implicated as the alleged mastermind of the multi-billion dollar ZTE Scam, Commissioner Benjamin Abalos’ political career has never been resuscitated.   According to Joey De Venecia, son of Speaker (of the Lower House of the Philippine Congress) Jose De Venecia, ZTE advanced  1 million dollars to Abalos for allegedly brokering the anomalous transaction.  This is bolstered by testimony by another cabinet secretary Romulo Neri who claimed that Abalos told him “Sec, may 200 ka dito (You have 200M pesos in this deal)” while playing golf at Wack Wack Golf Club; they had been discussing the ZTE deal at that time.  Of course, Abalos denied making the apparent bribe attempt.

AFP Comptroller General Carlos Garcia - General Garcia allegedly  brought $800,000 to the USA over a three-year period. He is said  to have  three sons studying in US universities and  owns two condos in New York and one house in the US valued at $1.4 million.   Just recently, his wife sought the return of money seized from her by the US Customs.  She reasoned that it was rightfully earned by her husband as “perks” and “bonuses”.  Gen. Garcia is reported to have availed of plea bargaining where he will only be convicted of a lower offense.

Ex-Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolantes – He used to be a Seminarian back in his home province Capiz.  But when he joined the Arroyo administration, he was accused allegedly diverting at least 728 million pesos in fertilizer funds to President Arroyo’s 2004 election campaign.  Members of the opposition brand him as the Presidential bag man.  After evading several Senate hearings which inquire the anomalous transaction, Bolantes came back to the Philippines and faced his accusers.  President Arroyo cleared him paving way for his bid for a Congressional seat in this home province (which he lost).

Ex-COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcilliano – Best know as “Garci” , he is allegedly the mastermind in rigging the 2004 election in favor of  President Arroyo who won over a popular movie actor, Fernando Poe, Jr.

Senator Manny Villar – UP economist Prof. Winnie Monsod believes the controversial C-5 road extension was an “unnecessary” and “wasteful” project where Senate President Manuel Villar benefited tremendously.

Congresswoman Imelda Marcos. 20 years of alleged plunder and conjugal dictatorship which the rest of the world knew and have already forgotten.  All the major players – Marcos, Ver, Ninoy and Cory have died.  Except Imeldific.  She is currently a Congresswoman whose children are all influential in their own turfs.  Imelda’s return is the best evidence that Filipinos have short memory.

Dr. Hayden Kho – Those who allegedly rummaged through his secret files claim that he has other sex videos with other equally pretty, sexy and popular women.   Aside from being his record of conquests, it also profiles Dr. Kho as a Dr. Giggles of Perversion.   And what did he get for filming his sexual encounters?  Maybe media mileage and instant popularity.  His name is now synonymous with hidden camera.  But then he is still a full-pledged doctor, a popular brand endorser and back to the arms of his rich doctor girlfriend.  Some guys have all the luck, indeed.