Polibiz
By Nelson C. Robles

Who to blame for the waste of electricity

Many reporters who exposed the abuses of some government offices on the misuse of electricity in computer games and other personal activities have failed to pinpoint the real culprits behind this anomaly.

For instance, a daily newspaper that published the photos of employees in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan playing solitaire and other built-in games in their computers during office hours, could be guilty of sin of omission after it published only the names of the board members where the employees belong, but not the so-called “mastermind” who should be made to answer for the blatant misuse of government property as a command responsibility.

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The head of office in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is no other than the presiding officer or the second highest official of the province. What has he done to stop all these abuses by irresponsible staff members under his department? Recite na naman a line from Shakespeare's play? Or deliver quotations from a certain philosopher to camouflage his incompetence? Just like in a corporation, the qualities of its employees depend on the office's brand of leadership. Incompetence in a workplace is contagious anti-progress. It reflects the kind of work ethic in a certain office—both private and government.

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If the boss is inept and always absent (going in out-of-town trip to justify the expensive reimbursements and astronomical cash advances), the employees will also wallow in mediocrity. And while the cat is away, the mouse will play. The reason why so many Sangguniang Panlalawigan workers are like cats playing computer games and wasting the taxpayers' money is because the mouse, their boss, the department chief, is always absent and is not a good role model for the employees.

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Iloilo media is in need of a true leader, somebody who is knowledgeable of the press works; a leader who has a tested leadership and competence in media industry. That's why so many young reporters nowadays are demanding that any existing press club should elect a leader who can speak their language; someone who has a good standing and credibility. A leader that possesses practical intelligence and strong moral values. Iloilo has seven universities and most media practitioners nowadays are college degree holders and talented individuals. They want an icon and inspiration, a leader that can best represent their ideals and conviction.

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The Commission on Audit (COA) report that exposed the misuse of government vehicles to city hall officials and employees was very laudable. However, it must recommend the filing of graft charges against those who have been found to have abused the privilege given by the government in availing of the free transportation service. For instance, COA must disclose to the public the total gasoline consumption of every official and how much was spent for the repairs of their cars. Also, it should indicate why the vehicle underwent repairs and how many trip tickets were issued to every official that availed the free use of government vehicles. There should be no holy cows here. This is the only way to send corrupt and abusive government officials a strong message that they are the servants of the people, not the bosses.