THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has declared the official start of the dry season in the country. This means that we need to prepare and brace for warmer temperatures. Officially, it's summer.
Aside from the weather, there are things that are getting hot or hotter. Recently, heads of motorists went hot due to the onerous increase of fuel prices. The price adjustment was just too high that it was a pain in one’s pockets. The public transport sector is now crying for fare hikes but cannot unilaterally do so unless government authorities would allow such.
Prior to the increase, vehicles piled up in gasoline stations to somehow avail of the yet-to-increase fuel. Sadly, after such has been consumed, motorists have to purchase again for the price-increased fuel. While the government is giving away some subsidies to some public utility drivers, the same is not enough to cover up other costs of transportation maintenance.
Another hot item these days are the words being exchanged by political groups as the Election Day nears. The exchange of tirades during campaign periods is not new in the country. It is in fact part of the political battles that aspirants engage into. They dig into one’s issues to let the people know and guide them where to cast their votes.
Some non-issues become issues during campaign seasons. It’s a part of the propaganda of political camps to throw mud to their opponents to discourage the electorates from voting for them.
In Nueva Ecija during the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas sortie headed by presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr., some white envelopes containing P500 bills were distributed to people. Coincidentally, some critics saw such as vote-buying. Governor Oyie Umali was quick to react saying that the said envelopes were “ayudas” or financial assistance by the local government unit to augment the economic needs of the people due to pandemic.
The issue was so hot that many eyebrows were raised and even woke up the most famous election-related issue that is vote-buying. The lowly financial assistance was thought to be used to buy votes.
Another hot issue today is the pressure mounting on law enforcement authorities on the disappearance of sabungeros in various parts of the country. Alleged to have cheated on the kind and condition of fighting cocks they threw in, those involved were said to be kidnapped by big-time gambling groups. It's been a couple of months now since they disappeared and their relatives are seeking answers and justice too.
Law enforcement agencies who are investigating the disappearance cases are now rushing to find clues on the missing persons. They too are under pressure to find out the culprits.
***
For any comments, suggestions or opinions, text or call The Advocate at 0921-3636360 or send email at dencious@gmail.com