Obscurantism

TO the common “tao,” the government's pronouncements of so-called economic growth may not be effective upon him and his kin, as he and his group continue to exist under grim circumstances and dire financial straits.

While the ambitious Conditional Cash Transfer program may benefit identified beneficiaries, still some inhabitants experience hunger and missed meals, not to mention elusive job opportunities and miniscule earnings.

The problem perhaps lies on both the man and his government. He vacillates and procrastinates while his government engages in lofty issuances mired in obscurantism. Instead of striving to elucidate, it obfuscates. Perplexed with inaccessible promises of grants and benefits, the addled individual remains complacent and then, indolent.

For us who have lived these past six decades, no period of this country's existence can show relief from want and poverty. Every new administration comes up with initial encouraging action plans and engaging programs, only to wither in the middle of the term, fizzle out and become turgid and inefficient at the end of the term. And the overall result to claims of progress? Nada, zilch, wala. We go back grudgingly to square one and wait till the next batch takes the reins of a new government.

We, the gullible suckers and human Sauropods fall prey to the next team of so-called purveyors of public service but next time we look, we become the poor servants ourselves. Ah, can someone be merciful to give us jolting thunderbolts to awaken us from deep lethargy?

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It is about time the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) became serious of its promise to monitor closely traders’ intent on overpricing basic commodities. Warnings are not enough to make them toe the line.
Close monitoring and stern admonition would, as they are prone to jack up prices in order to earn bigger (but dirty) profits to the disadvantage of consumers.

It is good that the agency reportedly has enlisted more monitors to "check the prices (of) goods and commodities in the supermarkets and public markets." I seriously suggest that these personnel include in their monitoring chores the neighboring sari-sari stores whose owners mark prices in double figures over the suggested retail prices of sugar, coffee, canned goods, dried fish and noodles, commodities essential to the daily wage earner especially during this rainy season.

While at it, I welcome the joint efforts of the Departments of Transportation and Communication, Trade and Industry and Tourism to follow up the finalization of the air passenger's "bill of rights" which intend to protect the traveler from abuses of airline companies such as overbooking of flights, bumping off of passengers, flight delays and other disadvantageous corporate practices, depriving passengers of anticipated comfort and convenience during trips, including sanctioning abusive airline employees.

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Angeles City Mayor Edgardo "EdPam" D. Pamintuan definitely needs and deserves another term, if only to provide continuity to his programs and plans for the highly-urbanized city.

Inarguably, Mayor Ed has put order on the erstwhile erratic and clueless affairs of the city when he took over in 2010, and, as records will unequivocally show, he has set the direction of the city's future in the right, productive and progressive course: infra projects done, daily operations streamlined, inherited debts put in current standing, benefits of employees and workers given on time, no hanky-panky on budget and funds dispensation (including ridding the payroll of alleged ghost and 15-30 employees of the previous administration) and, most importantly, putting the city on the top level of the country's competitive cities. And remember, Mayor Ed had been shortlisted for the coveted Global Mayor award, a feat his predecessors never achieved!

Non nudis pactis, sed traditionis dominia rerum transferantur, or roughly it is not mainly the agreement but the tradition (like handling over the keys) that transfers ownership. In the case of Mayor Ed, obviously, he does what he preaches and delivers on his pledges and promises.

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We find ways. At BDO SM City Clark, this slogan is proof of the branch's willingness and readiness to assist and cater to its clients' needs and requirements. This, I personally found out when I visited the branch office to open (again) a savings account. And what do you know? No less than its head, Alma "May" P. Fausto stood up from her chair and warmly inquired about my purpose which of course I reciprocated first, with surprise and then with profuse thanks.

Her staff were also accommodating despite the long line materializing inside the branch. I just hope May and her company continue to render pleasant service to their clientele.