|
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Flavier: Land-grabber
By Juan Flavier
COMMENTARY
IF THERE were anyone widely detested in the town, he would be the middle-aged landowner. For he was the ultimate land-grabber.
His original property was acquired through inheritance. But with single-mindedness of purpose, he coveted all the lands in the other villages.
Their family controlled the town rural bank. Through easily obtainable loans and usurious rates, the farmer soon took the mortgaged lands of the farmers.
Being a lawyer, he knew every trick in the legal system regarding titling of lands long occupied and farmed by the ignorant barrio folk. Suddenly, the greedy landowner would appear with a document attesting to his ownership of the lands. He did it quietly but systematically.
Yet the people could do nothing. The landowner controlled the town officials including the law enforcers. Any attempt to complain or organize was immediately quelled. All that the farmers could do was speak ill of the despicable land-grabber.
He even succeeded in grabbing the position of the duly elected mayor. The land-grabber ran for vice-mayor. But abruptly and mysteriously, the mayor resigned. Before anyone realized it, the landowner had succeeded in grabbing the position of mayor.
But his life was not destined to be a long one. The combined secret wishes of the whole town were realized. The landowner had a tragic accident. His swanky Mercedes Benz fell off a bridge into the deep river. Two of his farmer tenants perished with him.
At the gates of heaven, Saint Peter sat on a throne fronting a huge table with his Book of Records. When the two farmers approached, the good Saint stood up and shook their hands. With the landowner, the Saint also offered his hands but remained seated.
An angel nearby said, “Saint Peter, I know that landowner is an evil man. But that does not justify your discourtesy and lack of consistency. If you stand for one, I think you should stand for all.”
The Saint smiled and whispered back, “It is not a question of courtesy or equal treatment. I was afraid that landowner might grab my throne if I stood up.”
(Juan Flavier writes for Sun.Star Baguio)
(November 22, 2003 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
