Monday, July 21, 2008 Pangan: Apres moi, le deluge By Benhie R. Pangan At Close Range
AFTER me, the deluge. This famous quote from an equally famous tactician and war icon might as well describe the situation after the 'tarpaulin' king leaves Metro Manila and goes for the jugular.
The inimitable BF or Bayani Fernando, the current chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority or MMDA is making himself very visible nowadays, not only in the crowded metropolis but also in the provinces. Reason for these lightning trips? He may be talking about flood control and effective garbage collection, disposal and management and after doing these, curry favors from local officials regarding his presidential ambition. And why not? Bayani may be an icon to his thousand employees and residents who love the color pink and admire Bayani's innovative, if not popular, ideas to make Metro Manila livable. After all, Bayani would rather be right than popular, especially in nemesis Jojo Binay's turf.
Well, if one is observant enough when he goes to Manila, he may see metro buses' windshields pasted with replicas of the Philippine flag with 'Bayani' superimposed on the center. What would all these mean? Bayani wants to make himself the next very important person in the country in 2010. Dig?
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Simmering down. The furor over the increasing prices of rice and basic commodities may in due time settle down with the consumers getting used (or immune) to the increases. Masasanay na, they'll get used to it, as some economists claim. Is that right? With fuel, gas and oil prices going up almost regularly, the poor people turn to charcoal for fuel but dealers of this commodity have wisened up to the harsh reality that they, too, are now marking up their wares. When this now-popular fuel alternative becomes more expensive and scarce, where would the poor people turn to or look at next? Well, your guess is as good as mine- the trees or whatever is left of our forests. What follows next is not encouraging. Wooden beams of houses may be the next fuel alternatives. Wag naman sana. Remember, the lean months are just about on us now.
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Take time out for PWDs. Without too much fanfare, the province observed activities for the people or persons with disabilities, from July 13 up to 19th when a free concert was held with these physically disadvantaged individuals as beneficiaries of the proceeds. According to friend Super Mario (Noble), wheelchairs have also been given to several recipients based in Dau like May May Maderazo of Roxas Street, Dau, Julie Pineda of Lakandula and Bernie Balenton of Balaba Phase I. This is one activity which merits attention and focus on our PWDs.
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Recall moves. The provisions of the Local Government Code embolden constituents of sitting officials to rely on this 'weapon' to remove from office any official perceived to be ineffective and lacking the trust and confidence of the people or electorate. With this not so fatal ground, any official may be booted out unceremoniously out of office.
The current move to oust Guv Eddie T. Panlilio is one example of how facile he can be ousted but, note, it is not that easy as the proponents claim for there are safeguard mechanisms built into the law to prevent or forestall abuse by the recall proponents. So, the priest-governor may not be unsettled by the threat of recall knowing that time and momentum may yet be on his side.
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As reported, Mabalacat Community College in now in full blast in giving instructions to IT and Education students. I just hope the graduates from this college will get that degree of academic refinement that can compete with other products of schools elsewhere in the country. I learned that Mayor Boking Morales and other LGU and barangay officials were in the college last week to make first-hand assessments on the new college, its facilities, faculty and student population. So, let's see what comes up next, George.
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Northrail delay costs $20 million a year - news item. Reports have it that whistle blower Jun Lozada said that the Philippines pays China about $20 million a year as 'commitment fees' representing 2% of the more than $1 Billion loan for the suspended Northrail project. That's not all, folks. The country reportedly pays some P1 million daily interest as a result of the suspension. What about this, Secretary Ed Pamintuan, sir?
