THERE are some things to ponder this Christmas break. Points to consider, evaluate, adopt and implement immediately after the break.

For the have-nots, like this writer, there is not much to ponder on except the gnawing poverty and want. For the affluent ones, I suppose they ponder on how they could increase their wealth, fame and power. Which brings to mind my favorite subject: the traditional politician.

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This type of homo sapiens eternally lusts for power, believing, albeit wrongly, that when elected to office, he becomes the owner and can abuse it and the privileges attaching to the said office. He does not live by the oath he swears to, no siree. On the contrary, he sees his election as a license to rob the coffers blind, together with his cohorts, and woe to his constituents who come to him for pittance. For this shady politician, a public office is not a public trust, rather it is a rich source of cash!

It is commonplace in local politics that relatives of sitting officials occupy choice positions in the local government unit: from chief-of-staff to bag man. Why, even illegitimate sons and daughters have the gall and temerity to flaunt and prance about their status, courtesy of their promiscuous politician father.

Some callous-faced politicians consider their offices as their private interest and domain: they travel far and wide, tugging along if not their wives, then their mistresses and their coterie of drivers, masseuses, hair stylists, cooks and maids, all at the abused government offices' expense; they corner all government projects and, in cases of private developers and contractors, these greedy government officials get or demand sums of money upfront and commission for the projects to be done in the city or municipality.

Add to this list the members of Sanggunians who do not do their legislative work but are busy doing things on the side like acting as sales agents of big realty firms and subdivision projects. Ponder on these, ladies and gentlemen and decide on whether or not these types of officials should be retained in their respective offices by 2010.

In perpetuity. A thing or act that is legal may not always be morally sound, but what is morally correct may be legal although there exists no statute to manifest or back it up. Such parallelism applies to local officials particularly those who hold or cling tenaciously on to power, to the exclusion of others who are equally qualified or could perform better than the long staying or overstaying ones.

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Housing technology. I find the housing technology being used by Hausland Development Corporation (HLDC) innovative and useful in constructing a modest house from hard-earned money. This is the load bearing wall system that allows walls to adequately support the structure of the house with the use of concrete hollow blocks (CHB) designed as shear walls.

The quality of the house built is not at all diminished; on the other hand, the use of this technology can translate into savings in time and money, eliminate waste and can be environment-friendly. Give it to Mr. Willy Tan for his untiring search for low-cost but quality fixtures, technology and materials for middle-income earners.

By the way, a Christmas get-together activity dubbed Hair Affair will be done today, 4 p.m. at Shanghai Restaurant, Balibago by officers, staff and guests of Hausland.

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A fine place to go to is Tambous' Diner situated at 0241 Airmens Village, MacArthur Highway, Mabiga, Mabalacat, owned and operated by Lloyd Feliciano, a young entrepreneur. The ambience is good as well as the food and the servers are courteous and accommodating. You may want to try Tambous' Diner for a change.

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Two activities worth going to are: A Concert for a Cause for the differently-abled persons on December 21, a Sunday, at the Petals and Petals, Mabiga, this I learned from Supermario Noble, a member of Mabalacat's Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Another is Family-Christmas Day celebration at Mabalacat College in Northville Subdivision, Atlu Bola, Mabalacat on December 23, starting at 8:00 a.m. up to 12 noon.

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A reason to share. The laudable intent and spirit of Christmas is to share one's blessings with the less-privileged individuals, but this noble stance is not always postured by most affluent people as they keep tight their circle of friends among themselves.

There are exceptions, though, as good samaritans extend good tidings to the less fortunate souls. Although buffeted by crisis upon crisis in 2008, the world is not that hopeless after all. Where have all the good predictions for 2008 gone?

That said, I give my best wishes to every one and may we all have the best and most fulfilling moments of this holiday season.

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila.

(December 22, 2008 issue)
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