Today, the elected officials last May 13, 2013 take office

Social and political criticisms

All the elected officials last May take their oath of office today - a rain and typhoon filled day. Perhaps it does foretell the troubled and difficult journey ahead for the officials.

For most of us, both the governed and the officials, some clarifications have to be made on the role of government.  Government can not be an employer or providential. Its role is to govern rather than take care of the needs of the underprivileged and less fortunate. It does not have the resources to do that.  The European countries that did it are now bankrupt.

Many citizens think it is the government's duty, including that of the officials to provide them with their daily needs;  forgetting that the duty to live and survive, and thrive belongs to the individual.  We are all against politics of patronage and dcpendency and feudalism yet this action is clearly that.

"Ask what you can do for your country, not what your country can do for you" (John F Kennedy) should resonate in to the ears and heads of this fellow citizen parasites/dependents.

The elected officials, one Senator in particular pander to his particular need of the electorate.  And at the end of the day, we do not alleviate poverty;  we worsen it.  If we have majority of our citizens working hard to produce goods and services, then we may get out of the pithole of poverty. 

If we still continue to see a beeline of citizens at DWSD, PCSO, the social secretary of the Mayor, then nothing has changed and the whole cycle of dependency continues

Is the tirade vs Cebu Pacific from Davao residents justified

Social and political criticisms

Philippines  June 6, 2013

Calls for boycott of Cebu Pacific Airlines (that included a pres of a religious run school in Davao), congressional inquiry (called for a former head of that unit),  and a class suit followed the missed landing of an Airbus 320 at the Davao International Airport.

The plane blocked the runway which caused its closure for other airplanes and causing more delays.

It is sad that such lack of logic and critical thinking take place and spurt of the moment pronouncement, albeit wrong, take place.

What happened?  The accident took place during a thunderstorm and now many are saying the pilots are overworked and that there is a mechanical error (what?)

And that Cebu Pacific is being pilloried because of the plane blocking the runway.  Who is supposed to have the towing and rescue equipment?   Isnt it supposed to be the airport management?

And who are talking?  Are they perfect, without sins in their own businesses or agencies so that they can cast the first stone.

What about the low fares and other good services done by Cebu Pacific before?

And the generous donation made to the school of the prelate running into hundreds of millions.  Bad PR for the school

"Aalagaan ko po ang mga kapos palad - po"

Social and political criticisms

I hope that the one who said that will be able to keep her words.

One of the test of integrity and success is the ability to keep the words and promises. Otherwise you just become another loud mouthed trapo politician;  or a promising solon -  full of promises.

Let us go back to the promise.  How will she do this?  By having many social welfare programs.  Where do you get funding from this?  From taxes or deficit spending.  How do you raise the taxes?

Will the public agree to more taxes?  Who will pay the taxes?  The very small tax base we have?  We borrow more?  Who will shoulder the costs/expenses?

If the taxes cant be raised, the good senator will be forced to dip into her office funds -  her CDF and the whole cycle of patronage (albeit corrupt) practices kicks in.

Good luck po

Fees for toilet use, parking fees at malls - arent they illegal?

Social and political criticisms

Manila PHL  |  May 26, 2013

I came from the provinces today.  On the way to transportation terminal, I passed by the paid parking multi level buildings and while looking for the bathrooms ;  I noted that some of them have resorted to paid toilets.

Tha sanitation code   PD 856 is clear that establishments must have toilets.  It is correct to say whether they are for a fee or not is not clear.  But if the law says they must provide, then it is presumed that they are for use of public for free, as are ramps, stairs elevators,  alleys.

HLURB also provides for  parking for x number of units.  The late senator was right in pursuing this advocacy.  Perhaps the son and daughter can pursue this

Who is winning the Taiwan PHL rift?

Social and political criticisms

Rich and powerful countries continue to flex their muscles and cow PHL to submit to their whims:  China with regards to Spratly's, Malaysia with regards to Sabah, and Taiwan with regards to allegedly killing of Taiwanese fisherman who intruded into PHL territory.

PHL does not have balls?  But we are great in basketball, arent we?

Let us analyze the trade retaliatory acts of Taiwan:   Taiwan about $4 billion worth to PHL, PHL imports $2 billion from Taiwan.   Taiwan tourists only rank no 5 among arrivals.   So maybe PHL economy and businessman may be resilient and flexible enough to make up for the losses.

We are not losers, nor cry babies, are we?