National Whistleblower Day

Photo c/o whistleblowers.org

It had it's origins simply as a way to alert people in a bad situation or the breaking of rules in a sports game.  It then began to be used by journalists in the 1960s for people who exposed wrongdoings.  There are many reasons for people doing this.  Please click this link to know more about this day.

One can go to Wikipedia to find a long list of whistleblowers dating back to 1515 with Bartolome de las Casas to 2016 with Edgar Matobato who exposed about the Davao Death Squad.  Edward Snowden, a National Security analyst is just one of the many well-known whistleblowers at present time.

The Philippines has it's own share of in/famous whistleblowers.  It seems to me that it is generally politically motivated.  Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr. implicated PGMA, Atty. Mike Arroyo and Benjamin Abalos Sr. in the reportedly overpriced National Broadcasting Network (NBN) deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp.  Clarissa Ocampo exposed President Erap that eventually lead to him being deposed as sitting president.  Chavit Singson also exposed his dealings with Erap which then contributed to Erap's final downfall.

Some would say that it takes courage and bravery to be a whistleblower. That once the act is done, one's life, as well as those whom he/she loves will never be the same.  Most are placed under the witness protection programme, others go overseas, many are constantly on the move, while there are some who have to be heavily guarded.  It is a life changing situation just like winning the lotto. I'll take winning the lotto anytime.