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Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Malilong: Oh, those streamers
By Frank Malilong Jr.
The Other Side
The trouble with the owners of some business establishments is that they act as if they’re politicians. Look at those who hang their posters and other advertising materials in public places. They ought to know that only politicians can do that without running the risk of getting punished.
There is, of course, a law that prohibits candidates from putting up campaign materials in places other than those designated by the Commission on Elections but nobody minds that law, not even the Comelec.
Alas, unlike the politicians who do not need a mayor’s permit, businessmen have to deal with City Hall. So now, they’ll have to reckon with an irate Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who has threatened to make life difficult for those who are violating the city ordinance on the hanging of streamers, among others.
Way to go, Mayor. Crack the whip on the unrepentant traders for dirtying our beautiful city. And while you’re at it, include the gangsters and the activists who paint our walls with slogans and those who spit and relieve themselves on the streets. They may not have any use for a mayor’s permit but I’m sure there’s a way you can make their lives miserable, too.
And while we’re on the subject of advertisements, have you noticed that billboard along P. del Rosario St. with the picture of U.S. President George W. Bush? The concept is clever although I’m not sure if it is ethical.
And what about that radio commercial that uses our national anthem? The anthem is supposed to be outside the commerce of man. Isn’t anything sacred anymore?
* * *
Rasheed Wallace, dubbed as the “motor mouth” of the Detroit Pistons bragged that they would win Game 4 of their best-of-seven series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association. He wrote off the Cavaliers as goners even before the opening horn has sounded.
Wallace’s boast however exploded in his face as Lebron James and company beat the Pistons yesterday to level their series at 2-all and more, importantly, ensure that there will be a game six to be played in the Cavaliers’ home court.
I am reminded of the Wallace boast because of the bold prediction made by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago that the Senate would be extinct by July, this year. Like Wallace, Santiago is quick with her tongue. Will she suffer his fate?
I will sing no sad songs for the Senate if and when it is abolished. But I am bothered by the willingness of the administration and its allies to cut corners and risk a constitutional crisis if only to rid itself of the institution that it has regarded as a pain in the behind.
The constitutional assembly or ConAss being pushed by Malacanang’s allies in Congress proposes to do away with the established and time-honored tradition of both houses of Congress voting separately. This is constitutional adventurism, pure and simple.
Let’s amend the Constitution if we have to but let us do it the proper way.
(fmmalilong@yahoo.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (May 17, 2006 issue)
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