What to do with Loren?

Charlie Solis, a reader, asked if Loren was useless during the negotiations for the release of Ces. Yes, Charlie, she was. I wrote something about it at http://www.filipinovoices.com and at http://newphilrevolution.blogspot.com. 

In fact, I am asking if the Senate could probe Loren for her exact role in the negotiations since it is clear that ransom money was paid. If it was, and Loren was there and even had the gall to tell the world that “no ransom money was paid” and “Ces Drilon was released unconditionally” , then she has an obligation to tell us why she said that despite evidence of ransom payments. I mean, the issue is ethical, since if she’s involved, then, there’s a probability that she knew of these ransom payments and probably (i hope not) participated in it. 

At the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel last Monday, Loren shifted the blame and obfuscated the issue. When asked about her true role in the negotiations, she said that she just communicated with the captors and did not lend a hand in raising ransom money.

What Loren said was probably true but it does’nt absolve her from these ethical questions. In the first place, it is really not the responsibility of a legislator to intervene in purely police matters such as these kidnappings. Loren should have known that she’s negotiating for and on behalf of the Filipino people and whatever things she told those thugs out there in Jolo have a cloak of sovereign power behind it. 

Charlie, Loren’s role, to tell you frankly, is nothing short of dismal. She took part in the later stages of the negotiations when things are as clear as daylight. Obviously, Loren just took advantage of the publicity, nothing more. Sources told me that it was Arlyn dela Cruz who actually facilitated communication between ABS-CBN 2 and the captors. Others, like the Pacer, also did more than Loren. We can’t deny the fact though, that Loren was Ces’ phone buddy during those times and we thank her for it. 

However, next time, Ms. Legarda, try to do things without the fanfare. Try to help without political strings attached. 

By the way, I’ve talked with numerous ngo’s (non-governmental organisations) and within this day, I’ll be setting up a Bangon Bansa Movement. Contribute please, whatever you have. Let’s help our fellow Filipinos out there whose lives were destroyed by Typhoon Frank.

Please help.