Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Editorials: Challenge for the government
THE announced deferment of the implementation of higher transport fares has become a cause of deep concern of thousands of transport sector dependents.
Talks of a transport strike in Metro Manila have emerged.
There is every reason for people to be wary of the deepening difficulties in our economic life.
A worsening inflationary trend has prices of basic commodities continuing their rise.
This has affected food and fuel, and placed in jeopardy the country’s economic stability, as well as its peace and quiet.
True, government is trying its level best to contain the onslaught of inflation on the nation’s economy, and indirectly on our
people’s lives.
But the situation may still grow worse with transport hike and wage increases.
Thus, the current national condition demands an almost instantaneous solution to the problems that have wrought havoc on the inhabitants.
Concern
There are quite a number of socially divisive concerns that the national leadership needs to face immediately to preserve the stability and equanimity of our citizenry.
Foremost is the unmitigated inflation that has gone up to almost nine percent.
This has raised havoc on the large low-income sector of the republic’s almost 90 million people.
The past few weeks saw the rise not only of basic food prices but in criminality as well, with crimes against person and property causing the loss of a number of lives.
Also, as a result of the increase in the prices of food and fuel, the transport sector demanded an increase in transport fares.
This brings forth the other side of the problem the government must face.
And this is the employers’ side as against the interest of the workers.
Solution
Thus, it falls upon the government’s shoulders to satisfy both sides.
The point is, the hard life that is upon us right now, is affecting everyone.
Workers group, in a collective petition, has asked for a P150 minimum wage hike, which the business group considers as “shocking.”
Here, the resounding cries from both sides are in effect conjoined.
It behooves thus on the national leadership to come up with a just solution.
