[OPINION] Canary in the coal mine
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How the VP/DepEd CIF controversy is resolved will send a signal. Many more issues will surface that require legislative oversight and action.
Critical Thinking (CT) does not necessarily mean opposing the issues under consideration. Politicians feel safe enough to lecture the youth on the value of cultivating CT and criticizing schools for failing to teach it. CT does require subjecting an issue to rigorous questioning.
But those who practice CT find themselves in dire, dangerous situations. Ask Maria Cielo Magno, who said she was “forced to resign” her post as finance undersecretary after explaining supply and demand principles that related to the government price cap on rice. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin interpreted this academic exposition by the former UP economics professor, which other analysts had also publicly raised, as “clearly set on maligning” the Marcos administration.
Consider also the red-tagging accusations of government agencies that paint a bullseye target on people who question the basis for these charges. Or note the current obstacles that elected opposition politicians encounter when they question the rationale and use of confidential, intelligence funds (CIF).
Security issues legitimately require CIF. But these are inherently problematic.