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Whistle blower laments snob

Cris Saavedra, a whistle blower and just recently recognized by Cebu City for his efforts at exposing corruption in government agencies and projects is disappointed with the treatment he got from his erstwhile 'idol'- Broadcaster and Station Manager of DYAB and ABS-CBN, Leo A. Lastimosa.

Lastimosa heads the Cebu Chapter of the KBP (adjudged as the best KBP Chapter in the Philippines) was to be inducted as its President for 2008 on March 1.  Learning about the event recognizing Lastimosa as a leader, Saavedra inquired whether he might be invited by Lastimosa as a guest.  He did this with a  text message that may not have been received by Leo.

Apparently, Saavedra did not know that the event was being co-sponsored by PAGCOR, the state's gambling operator. The induction affair was held at the Waterfront Hotel Casino.  More importantly, he was not aware that the guest of honor was Cerge Remonde, head of the Presidential Management Office.

Recently (February 21), the Capitol had this to say about Lastimosa:

Quote:

Sepulveda reminded Lastimosa that “if he only conducted himself in the manner he conducts himself now, there wouldn’t have been a case at all.”

He said he had been listening to Lastimosa’s radio program and read his column and observed that “lately he’s doing responsible journalism.”

“He’s (Lastimosa) not calling anybody’s name (sic). He’s not resorting to allegory,” said Sepulveda, who maintains that the phrase “Doling Kawatan” was an allegory.

Having considered Lastimosa as his close ally in exposing the over-priced projects during the hosting of the ASEAN Summit in Mandaue City, Saavedra now asks whether Lastimosa has started 'sleeping with the enemy'.  

Cris Saavedra must be made aware that Remonde and Lastimosa's friendship goes back to the time when both were working over at Station DYLA, then owned by the ASSOCIATED LABOR UNION which had Atty. Democrito Mendoza as its President.  Ika nga, 'mayroon din silang pinagsamahan.'  Furthermore, Cris has to realize that whistle-blowing can sometimes be a lonely crusade.  Not everyone becomes a Jun Lozada.