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Monday, January 30, 2006
Mongaya: The 2006 firedog
By Anol Mongaya
THE year of the Fire Dog, according to the Chinese calendar, started yesterday. Jan. 29, 2006 was the first day of the present Lunar Year. Note that while we Filipinos follow the Gregorian calendar, which starts on Jan. 1, the Chinese follow the 12-year lunar cycle.
According to one Internet source on the Chinese horoscope, the next 12 months bring renewed focus on social issues.
Does this mean a repeat of the political turmoil we experienced in 2005? I hope not. The troubles in mid-2005 resulted in the worst Christmas in my book. I certainly don’t want December 2006 to be worse.
On the contrary, I hope 2006 means the resolution of the issues raised in 2005 and the focus on social issues will be on the level of spreading wide the benefits of economic progress.
***
Nevertheless, some quarters seem to be consciously stirring to unsettle the political situation perhaps to neutralize the pacifying outcome of Manny Pacquaio’s victory.
Last week, the arrest of two possible coup plotters hardly comforted me. One of those arrested was the spokesperson of the agency prosecuting the Magdalo renegades.
Fresh issues are also being raised to place First Gentleman Mike Arroyo on the chopping block again. This time, Vicky Toh is not just portrayed as the First Gentleman’s mistress. She and her brother Tommy were also criticized as among the biggest smugglers. Meanwhile, Customs Commissioner Boy Morales was said to have paid much for his MBA (May Backer Ako).
While I find it good that the issue had been raised so it could be threshed out and solved to level the playing field at the customs front, I do not agree of its use as part of a destabilization plot.
On the other hand, maybe detractors just don’t want the First Gentleman or people close to him as competitors.
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Local customs watchers noted a drop in import volumes the past two weeks. However, they attributed this to the Chinese belief of not shelling out money during the New Year. If this is so, then the situation will last until Feb. 12 or the day of the lantern festival. The Chinese traditionally have a 15-day New Year celebration.
Nevertheless, the bureau had an auspicious start with the inauguration of its new building at the port area. Finance Secretary Gary Teves and Commissioner Morales graced the event.
Amid nasty political rumors, President Arroyo issued an order that insulates the bureau from current political storms. She should if she wants customs men to collect better this year.
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Despite the possibility of serious political troubles this year, I think Cebu will be spared the economic ill effects because of big projects scheduled this year, the biggest of which is the holding of the Asean summit in December. But the center of attention will be Mandaue, not Cebu City.
(superbalita@sunstar.com.ph or anol.blogs.friendster.com/anols_blog)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (January 30, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
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