Monday, November 03, 2008 Mongaya: Obama or McCain? By Anol Mongaya
JUDGING from reports from US-based publications Republican presidential contender John McCain has only one chance to win the US presidential elections against the Democratic bet Barack Obama tomorrow—the racial factor. Deep-seated discrimination could surface at the last moment and white Americans, who otherwise had already made up their minds for Obama, will change their minds at the last moment.
But then, it seems times have changed. Even American television has no qualms about casting black men as US presidents in shows like the suspense thriller “24.” As of this writing, various surveys in the US point to an overwhelming victory for Obama and the Democratic Party in both Lower and Upper House.
Thus, we would likely witness a Barack Obama victory.
But how will an Obama presidency affect the Philippines? After all, America continues to play a powerful role in the country’s politics and economy.
With McCain, I am quite sure that he will bring more of what outgoing President Bush dished out. Obama, on the other hand promised change.
Change for Obama is however primarily for the benefit of Americans and American leadership of the so-called democratic world. Expect massive American government efforts to avert a recession. On the other hand, expect more jobs for Americans, which may mean lesser opportunities for OFWs and BPOs.
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Filipinos should not pin hopes on what changes will happen in America with an Obama victory. We should rely more on our resources to cope and shield our economy from the adverse effects of the American-induced world economic crisis.
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Talking of the economic crisis, poor Filipinos have various ways of coping. For instance, at various cemeteries in Cebu City last Saturday, some cashed in on the practice of “palina.”
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Let us support Sen. Mar Roxas’ efforts to get oil companies to further reduce oil prices to reflect actual world prices. On the other hand, his efforts will go to naught for ordinary Filipinos if authorities continue to allow PUJs and taxicab drivers to enjoy the existing fare rates.
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The customs grapevine is in uproar over the transfer of a new customs policeman who apprehended a tanker filled with alleged stolen used oil from foreign vessels. The new customs man was surprised by the order because everybody in customs knows the shipment was illegal. The used oil was reportedly bought by a Cebuano merchant with connection to the powers that be in Manila. His idealism blinded him to the reality that powerful men can make black turn into white and vice versa.
Now I know why the smuggling of sludge oil has gone on for so long. Powerful forces have put a lid on the nefarious activity.
Various agencies like immigration, quarantine, port authority, maritime police, coast guard and customs have kept silent.
Fortunately, the transfer of this customs man has given us a glimpse.
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Cebu City officials are pinning their hopes on the South Road Properties (SRP) for the expected benefits once investors start buying land. As of the moment though, Cebu City has the distinction of being number one in liabilities because of our multi-billion SRP loan.
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The online controversy at tagasanfernando.blog.com has spread to another blog at tagasanfernando. blogspot.com.
According to the blogs, the limit of the first site was reached because of the volume of responses.
The posts in the second blog are more sober and have attracted even Steve Enad who was party to the donation of computers and books from the US.
Enad defended Mayor Neneth Reluya. His explanation however has raised further questions about the controversial donation to Sangat National High School.
I just hope the Visayas Ombudsman will take cognizance of the case so an impartial body could look into the bottom of the controversy.
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The National Press Club Cebu has expressed support for the entertainment night for the feast of Birhen sa Regla hosted by the Philippine Airsoft Club of Mactan (Pacman) tomorrow night. They will bring to the Lapu-Lapu gym on Nov. 4 the popular hip-hop bands Suburbia and Urban Fusion.
