He isn’t called the “Chuck Norris of the Philippines” for nothing.
General Dionisio Santiago has the good looks and muscular built of the Hollywood actor which is still evident in his 60s. If the American martial artist served in the United States Air Force prior to becoming actor, film producer and screenwriter, Santiago has been public servant for more than 40 years since he graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1970.
His biggest military accomplishment, of course, was his appointment as Commanding General of the Philippines in the early months of presidency of then Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Later, he was appointed Director of the Bureau of Corrections of the Department of Justice and Executive Director of the Dangerous Drugs Board.
His most notable ‘beat’, however, remains to be his stint as PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) chief until he was replaced by the Aquino administration in 2011.
Norris was remarkable for action movies where he plays hero or the good guy, who, despite having punishing martial arts skills, would always rather find a better solution than fighting. Santiago, on the other hand, had earned praises for his no-nonsense military tactics in dealing with drug lords and abusers during his time at PDEA.
But like other public servants, Santiago also has his shares of flak and controversies. The general brushed them aside. As he said during the controversial Alabang Boys case: “Malinis ang aking konsensya hanggang sa huling taon ko sa pwesto.”
Sporting the moniker, Heneral Santiago (a name recall from the famous Heneral Luna movie), it didn’t came as a surprise that he is running as senator for the 2016 elections. He admitted that it took him some time to decide about running for a post with much prodding from family, friends and associates who believe in him and who are more than willing to give him full support. In a mini press conference with entertainment press, he admitted that his decision to finally run and serve more was strengthened by his desire to continue the battle against the ever increasing drug problem in the country.
“When I was chief of PDEA, bumaba na ang percentage ng illegal drugs sa bansa. Pero ngayon, hindi lang dumoble, talagang talamak na. It is no longer abnormally high, parang naging norm na!” Santiago said.
The former officer also revealed that during his tenure, there were already big names involved in illegal drugs – both as users and pushers. He mentioned several known personalities, including showbiz celebrities, who were in PDEA’s watch list. Some of them luckily are still active in their career today.
“May mga pulitiko rin, nandiyan pa rin sila. Hindi na ako updated masyado kung nagbago na sila. Of course, may mga nahuli kami noon na naibalita naman. Sa showbiz, nakakalungkot lang na nasisira talaga ang career ng mga nalululong sa droga. Nawawala sila. Nakakalungkot lang din na role model sila ng mga fans nila. Kung ano ang ginagawa nila, minsan yun ang ginagaya ng mga tagahanga nila,” he said.
“Drugs is not a local problem. This is a big international money business, kaya mahirap na talagang sugpuin. Pero kaya pa ring mapigilan by prevention,” he added.
Thus, if given the chance in the Senate, the general’s foremost concern is to be watchful of the country’s corruption and criminality status and to strengthen family relationship.
“When you cover criminality, papasok na lahat dyan: drugs, peace and order, poverty and development. Tapos palalakasin natin ang education. I-improve ang mga bata. E pano mai-improve kung drug addicted na?” he explained.
“Kulang sa pagmamahal ang karamihan sa mga nagdodroga. Mahirap din yung minsan e sobra-sobra ang naibibigay nating pera sa mga anak natin, tapos kulang sa guidance naman. Nandiyan din ang peer pressure. Napapasama sa mga masasamang barkada. Pinatikim ng isa, hindi na napigilan. I strongly believe lahat ng mga masasamang nangyayari can be prevented kung magsisimula tayo sa pamilya.
“A drug addict will always be a drug addict. Pag ang droga umabot na sa utak at nasira na ito, wala na talaga siyang pag-asa. Para na siyang living dead. I strongly believe lahat ng mga masasamang nangyayari can be prevented kung magsisimula tayo sa pamilya natin. At ang drug addiction ang talagang tututukan natin ng husto kung mabibigyan tayo ng pagkakataon sa senado,” Santiago stressed.
Intense, courageous and honest, the be-medalled warrior running as independent candidate could be one of the best senators this country could ever have if and when he puts drug addiction among the youth to a halt and gives them better opportunity through education.
Aside from his colorful military training, Heneral Santiago’s forays in education (master in public administration, UP 1974 and Seattle University 1983, plus various courses in systems analysis, real estate, airport and transit management and security management) and success as family man would attest to his sincerity to serve.
About the author:
Tres Marias are ‘sisterettes’ who bond by doing things together, but have varied interests. One is into culinary arts and girl fashion, while the other is concern with the country’s economy and spiritual well-being. The eldest is the certified ‘lakwatsera,’ yet like any working mom, is workaholic but still knows how to have fun!
