'Dick Gordon You're the weakest link'
Published in Today
December 12, 2001
We like to see the problems of the tourism industry resolved and child-sex tourism stopped. But we do not see how the appointment of the former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Richard Gordon, as secretary of the Department of Tourism can accomplish these.
The Commission on Appointments has impressed upon us that after the confirmation of Gordon, everything will be all right in the industry because, as one senator has put it, he has remarkable achievements as former SBMA chief.
In contrast to the CA’s mindless repetition of Gordon’s achievements, his confirmation now entails a heavy price for the tourism industry. His graft cases before the Ombudsman leave a bad taste in the mouth. His high-profile cases of unliquidated funds before the Presidential Commission on Good Governance during his term as SBMA chairman leave a cloud of doubt about his honesty and integrity. Then there is his doggedness during the glory days of US military bases in the country when prostitution fronts mushroomed in Olongapo City, employing thousands of Filipino women and children in the flesh trade.
The allegations against him give the chance to declare that the most suitable place for Gordon is the kangkungan, taken in the language of the street, but not in the tourism department.
It is hard to see how Gordon can exemplify good governance and leadership. The fact that he speaks with flowery words, without contrition, doesn’t mean everything he says is right. The fact that Gordon is facing the public with a halo doesn’t mean he is a good leader and an upright administrator.
The CA confirmation of Gordon has struck at the heart of the civil service creed – that people involved in cases of flagrant immorality or blatant graft have no business in government.
It is in this context that we take Gordon to be the weakest link. He is totally unfit to be the head of any government agency. The same principle applies to his appointment. It we dream of a child-friendly and vibrant tourism industry, President Arroyo should rethink and recall what Gordon has done to protect and promote children’s rights. Recall what he has done to the moral landscape of Olongapo City and to the countless women and children who became victims of sexual abuse, leaving indelible marks on their souls. Indeed, as everybody succinctly says it: Gordon, you’re the weakest link!
JERBERT M. BRIOLA
Information and
Advocacy Officer
EndChildProstitution,
Child Pornography and
the Trafficking [in] Children
for Sexual Purposes
124 V. Luna Extension
Sikatuna Village
Quezon City
