Who to blame if anti-corruption drive in Philippines fail?

Four years ago, the entire nation seethed in anger after learning that a woman by the name of Janet Lim-Napoles bragged thatch can get away with anything, even after her nephew, Luy complained against her at the National Bureau of Investigation. Luy accused Napoles of kidnapping and illegal detention. Napoles angrily replied that the reason why she prevailed Luy from going out of her condominium unit is Luy wants to get her clients and want to start his own racket. And what racket is that? It's a multi-billion peso racket which involves re-processing public funds.

Yes, re-processing public monies. What began as a simple kidnapping case turned into one of this country's most embarrassing scandals which involved several high ranking politicians, including Senators and some government officials of the Aquino administration.

If I remember, several officials of the administration tried to downplay and even manage the scandal by asking Napoles to come out of hiding and when she agreed, Mar Roxas and even the president met her inside Malacanan palace. And for what? To convince her to go to the PNP jail. What other things did they discuss? Malacanan kept its silence.

A list of names came out, names who reportedly transacted with Naples. From an initial more than 100 names of politicians, it whittled down to a few tens of which names came were opposition names like Enrile, Honasan, Estrada, and Revilla.

When the senate hearing was called, Napoles and Luy were invited. And for more than three months, the public heard the sleaziest, most salacious things our politicians did with our monies. Billions and billions of pesos which were supposed to have funded several developmental projects were outrightly stolen by these politicos some of whom even professed their "nationalist selves" and being "born again" Christians. A son of a preacher who ran for the presidency was mentioned. Several other names came out and were charged by the Office of the Ombudsman. And before everybody knew it, big names such as Drilon's, Enrile's, Sevilla's and the Estrada's were mentioned. They were immediately accused and their cases filed before the Ombudsman. IN no time at all, these big named personalities were ordered arrested by the Sandiganbayan.

Most applauded the fast processing of justice against these alleged corrupt officials. Yet, a pertinent question came out---what about the others named initially by Napoles?

How about Pinoy, who was rumored to have dealings with Napoles? How about Butch Abad, whom Napoles blamed as her "mentor"? Other names came out including those of the Executive Secretary and big-named people from the Liberal Party.

Now, 2017, and we see those accused being released from jail, one by one. First off was JV Ejercito. Today, we learned that JInggoy Estrada, the second son of former president Joseph Estrada is preparing his things at the PNP custodial center as his release is expected soon.  Bongbong Revilla expects to be released soon inspite of alleged overwhelming evidence against him.

It seems that the scenario is getting interesting as the days went by. There is that possibility that those who led the campaign against these jailed Senators will also experience trial and eventually, jail time. Sources told me Naples have lots of incriminating information against officials of the former dispensation and she is itching to reveal those in public. Anyway, Naples is already damned. She has lost control over her multi-billion peso racket and there is no hope for her to be released anytime soon.

Naples has lost something but her clients from the previous administration, none.

I bet my bottom dollar that people will go to the streets when Jinggoy gets himself released. They will then accuse the present government of destroying the anti-corruption drive.

Wait a minute---is the present government responsible for the failure of the anti-graft and corruption drive? No.

By not prosecuting all those accused of toying with public monies, the Aquino administration compromised the integrity of the campaign. The drive got tainted by accusations of favoritism and political maneuverings. Less Liberals got the rap, especially those involved in the Malampaya fund scam.

Is the anti-corruption drive already destroyed? Yes, it is. Is Duterte to be blamed for this? No. However, allies of equally vicious thieves of the previous government will surely raise hell the minute Jinggoy leaves jail. Why? They will howl and even make foul statements against Duterte in the hopes of casting aspersions against the eventual release.

If the lucky wheel would have its way, it would definitely will the incarceration of those who destroyed the anti-corruption drive and release those who already served time.

A Pnoy behind bars? Not if the Liberals would stop it. And don't try to accuse Digong of letting these thieves go and campaigning for the ruining of Duterte's political nemesis, Pinoy, Mar and Butch Abad. Will we see the trio in jail? Let us see.