A group of lawmakers from the House of Representatives today launched a ‘Truth Drive’ aimed at raising funds for Ms. Heidi Mendoza who appeared on national TV to expose the controversial AFP ‘send off’ or ‘slush fund’ scam.
This lead group consists of Rep. Winnie Castelo, Akbayan Party List Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, Bagong Henerasyon Party List Rep. Bernadette Herrera who are all willing to donate P5,000 from their salaries as a start up financial aid for Ms. Mendoza.
“This is actually a fund-raising project for the former State Auditor Heidi Mendoza who has demonstrated extraordinary courage in testifying against alleged corruption in the military risking her life, family, career and the comfort of home”, Rep. Winnie Castelo of Quezon City made this in a statement.
“As a consequence of her revelation before the House Committee on Justice, the poor public servant now went into hiding and is jobless”, Castelo said. According to the QC solon, the public is also enjoined to donate and support Heidi for her crusade and the cause she is fighting for.
Apparently, many sectors of society like the CBCP, the Senate, the House as a whole, UP, Gabriela, AMRSP, and like-minded organizations were amazed at the sincerity of purpose demonstrated by a lone crusader of truth in the person of Heidi Mendoza hence the outpouring of support from the public.
“This is why our group did not have second thoughts in thinking about giving Heidi all the support she needs as she began to disclose with indicative expertise the whole web of corruption in the military organization. We all can see that there is light at the end of the tunnel here”, Castelo strongly pointed out.
As a parting word, the reform-minded lawmaker cut a quote for the beleaguered Heidi when he said, “To see what is right, and not to do it, is wants of courage or of principle”. Additionally, Castelo said, “And so when we have one in the person of Heidi as well as Rabusa, there is no reason not to militate against corruption since they can light the way to the truth”. 30
