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Saturday, November 20, 2004
Magbanua: Red plate, red carpet
By Ruffy Magbanua
Hotline
WHILE on their way to school one early morning, the boy, over-excited about the brand new vehicle they're using, asked his father: Dad, I'm wondering why both sides of our car are marked "for Official Use Only?
"Well...replied the father, "it simply means that this car is public property and your dad, being a public official, enjoys this special privilege to use this vehicle anytime and any where he wants to.
Really dad? Does it mean you can use this car everyday to fetch me to and from school, the son, feeling proud of his dad continued.
"Yes of course, my son. We belong to the privileged few, the reason why we have this car with red plates."
Can we also use this car for our trip to the beach on Sundays, Dad? "But of course, my son."
How about our scheduled family visit to my lolo and lola in the province? "We'll use the same car, my son. The vehicle just out from the dealer, I assure you that we'll have a grand time traveling with your Mom.
At the office the public official calls up his driver, "Fill the car full tank, then fetch my wife at the mall at 9:00 o'clock. Be sure to be back before 12 noon, I have to attend to my club's weekly meeting, after which we'll proceed to my farm!"
Reluctant though, the driver had managed to explain to his boss: Sir, the crackdown on the use of public utility vehicles is ongoing, we need to go slow on your schedule, sir.
And besides, there's a standing memo to this effect to limit unnecessary trips, sir, continued the driver.
"Don't worry, we have all the connections, just in case..."
The poor driver, fully aware of his boss' temper, executed a quick about face, leaving his office with nothing but a troubled mind.
Red plate, red carpet?
(November 20, 2004 issue)
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