Friday, February 15, 2008 Wenceslao: Rallies and Cha-cha By Bong O. Wenceslao Candid Thoughts
THE doomsday scenario for the Banilad-Talamban traffic does not seem to be playing out, and we should thank our lucky stars for that. Since work on the controversial Banilad flyover started on Feb. 1, we still have to hear of any monstrous traffic jam occurring there. The disruption caused by the construction, though, is not yet intense.
Citom’s “no scheme” traffic scheme is working so far, thanks to the effort of traffic enforcers and the Ban-Tal residents’ valiant effort to steer clear of the flyover construction site whenever possible. But that should not absolve all the government officials concerned for failing to prepare adequately when flyover work started.
While we are still on the topic of traffic, can’t Citom find ways to discipline public utility jeepney drivers appropriating the junction of Colon St. and Osmeña Blvd. as their own from 10 p.m. up? Commuters almost always are stuck there, like those going south. This happens when traffic enforcers leave. Or are cash-sabutans in place there?
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Will today’s rallies all over the country be any bigger than the ones held in the aftermath of the “Hello Garci” controversy? Or how big is “big,” the adjective used by Metro Manila media to describe the protest actions that will be held today? I talked with some colleagues about this yesterday and the consensus was that rallies won’t be “big.”
Chances of Arroyo critics to oust her were actually bigger when the “Hello Garci” scandal erupted. Some Cabinet members resigned. Groups that supported Arroyo let go of her. That was the closest to People Power II the President’s critics moved. But there was no getting over the hump, and the oust-Arroyo movement weakened through time.
The Arroyo administration should not be complacent, though. I think it will take but one other insider (Secretary Romulo Neri?) to shift allegiance and testify on the corrupt activities of high officials for the Arroyo’s government to crumble. Frankly, no matter how much you extol witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr., his testimony is incomplete.
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I agree that government resurrecting talks on the Charter change (Cha-cha) is diversionary. As Tagalogs would say, “kumita na yan.” The strategy was used at the height of the protests sparked by the “Hello Garci” controversy, thus using it now is already insulting. Those behind it should better back off because nobody is buying it.
But Cha-cha should still be discussed---at the right time, in the future. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines wants it tackled after 2010. I agree, considering that another president and not Gloria would have more credibility in pushing the idea forward. I think many people believe that Cha-cha is a compelling proposal.
What makes Cha-cha difficult to push, however, is that it will inevitably land on the laps of politicians. I myself worry about what will happen once Charter amendments are discussed. Politicians have their own political and personal interests to advance, and they easily succumb to moneyed lobby groups. Thinking about that worries me.
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I hope you spread love yesterday,. Actually, I do not think about Valentine’s Day much because the celebration now is highly commercialized. But still, it pays to consider love from time to time.
