Controlled by oligarchs?

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile disagrees with Chief Justice Reynato Puno’s declaration in Davao City that the country is controlled by oligarchs.

JPE asked CJ Puno to name the oligarchs. He said: “Who are these oligarchs? John Gokongwei, Lucio Tan, the Lopezes of Meralco, Danding Cojuangco, the Enriles?”

We agree with CJ Puno. The controlling oligarchs are FG Mike Arroyo, the Aboitizes, Ricky Razon, the Alcantaras, the Yuchengcos, the Ayalas, the Gaisanos, Andrew Tan and Manny Pangilinan in addition to JPE’s list.

The Moral Force Movement, Kaya Natin, Change Politics Movement and other poll watchdog groups should focus on the big political contributions given by these oligarchs to candidates. That is the source of their influence and control.

To begin with, elect a president who is not a close friend of these oligarchs. Elect a president who has no big businesses or connections with big businesses.–Amb. Ernesto Maceda, Daily Tribune