A One-Dollar Moral Crusade Against Graft and Corruption Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS* Chairman, Filipino United Network (USA) How would you like to launch a historical fight against graft and corruption in the Philippines and “buy” back morality in our government --- all for just One Dollar? You and I have always abhorred the corruption among our government officials in the Philippines, from top to bottom, and deplored the sad state of our country, where more than 70% of our people wallow in massive poverty. While the issue is a complex one, the most obvious etiology of this shameful malady is the overwhelming graft and corruption among our amoral and decadent government leaders. Would you be willing to invest a dollar --- yes, one single US dollar --- in the fight against graft and corruption in the Philippines? Leading us in this battle is a man of God, the Reverend Father “Among Ed” Panlilio, the newly elected “Miracle” Governor of Pampanga, a man of dignity and integrity. What happened in that province is amazingly unbelievable. A humble priest, without political experience, without a bank account, without a political machinery, beating two “unbeatable” seasoned, well-funded, and powerful political giants. “Impossible,” said the political gurus when “Among Ed” first started his crusade. But the Greater Power above obviously had a grander plan for “Among Ed,” and proved the pundits wrong. Suddenly, there was hope for the Philippines. Armed with his unblemished character, moral ascendancy, love of country, and a strong commitment to honesty and transparency in government, “Among Ed” handily won the election, in spite of widespread vote-buying and rampant cheating. It was evident that a visionary leader with integrity can truly inspire and bring out the best in the Filipino. The billions of “missing” revenues from the Lahar collection under the past administrations, which Governor Panlilio has discovered since he assumed office June 30, 2007, is only the tip of the iceberg of the invasive cancer of graft and corruption afflicting every level of government in the entire country. Unfortunately, an honest man makes crooks and villains nervous and uncomfortable, so there is now a move to eliminate “Among Ed, or oust him thru a Recall, courtesy of his enemies, including the majority of the town mayors who have lost their personal cut from the Lahar collection and other government projects., since Governor Panlilio took over. One can easily imagine what he, as a man of God, of honesty and decency, of principle and genuine love of country, can do when elected President of the Philippines. A dream, yes. A tall order, definitely. An impossible task? No, not with the Divine Providence, you, and people power on his side! Governor Panlilio has adopted Gawad Kalinga as the pillar of his vision for Pampanga and the nation. His crusade is gaining speed and momentum, and like Tony Meloto’s GK, it will soon be unstoppable. Two giant national religious groups are now supporting “Among Ed.” Filipinos around the world are rejoicing and rallying behind him. And we want you to be a part of this historical transformation. Come fly with Governor Panlilio in this moral crusade. Our country and our neglected poor need heroes like you in our battle for morality in government, for justice and dignity for our people. This is, indeed, a revolution. Not a revolution of arms where blood will be shed, but a revolution of ideals and of principle, where dreams and vision, sweat and tears shall bathe the nation clean. All this crusade needs is your personal commitment and moral support for “Among Ed,” an investment for the future of the Philippines. Let’s not miss this opportunity. Let’s use our power to help change our country for the better. The Reverend “Among Ed” Panlilio is heaven-sent and is the hope for our ailing nation. Please make your check for one dollar, or whatever amount you wish, payable to: FUND FOR HOPE, and mail it to: 1830 Mirmar Road, Munster, Indiana, 46321, USA, or to Buenaventura Condominium, 62 E. Osmena St., Guadalupe, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines. Kindly include your full name and email address for our Historical Archive. This will be the best one-dollar investment you’ll ever make. The funds will be used to purchase media time and space for Among Ed, for flyers, posters, newsletters, brochures needed in the crusade, and to fight the Recall planned by his political opponents. Join the revolution, help our country and our people, and leave a proud and lasting legacy for our children and the future generations to cherish with honor and dignity. May God bless you and your loved ones! God bless the Philippines! PLEASE SEND THIS LETTER TO ALL YOUR EMAIL CONTACTS AND REQUEST YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME. *Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana, USA, is Chairman of Filipino United Network (FUN-USA), Vice Chairman of Filipino American Leadership Council (www.FALCONadvocacy.com) and Vice President for Far East of Cardiovascular Hospitals of America (www.cvhospitals.com), Wichita, Kansas. He is a columnist for five newspapers and one magazine in the United States and five newspapers and one magazine in the Philippines. Google him for more information. His email address is scalpelpen@gmail.com