BULL'S HIT

Coups, demolitions, stinky fish and cop
RUDY GARCIA

It’s a wonder why the government is reluctant in giving a definite answer whether there is a rice shortage or none, and what are their priorities or plans to avert this rice crisis? I believe what Department Of Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap said that there is really no rice shortage and the public should not worry.

But he fell short of explaining to us why the prices of commercial rice on the market have gone too high that ordinary Juan de la Cruz could not afford. Even NFA rice sold at rolling stores started to run out of supply.

Some say this rice crisis is another tactic of whoever is the spin master to divert the attention of the public from the corruption scandals of the administration, but I believe this is far from truth. More so, it’s also hard to believe that this Banana Republic rich in agricultural lands, technical knowledge and geniuses are left with no other choice but to import rice on other countries.

This is a big black eye to this country where most foreign technical men have learned their knowledge and expertise in producing rice crops in this country, and now here we are importing rice from them. What a shame!

We have lots of good economists and more so have good leaders yet here we are in a situation seemingly caused by a poor management of food production. Well, a co-columnist could be right when he said that definitely we don’t have rice shortage but shortage of good managers, the fact that what the government is doing now is more of a cure rather than prevention is somewhat giving us the idea that they have been managing our agricultural products below par. Otherwise they should have had foresight and instituted appropriate actions earlier.

Sad to say but this country can be compared to a vehicle who has a driver pretending to be good in driving but surprisingly allowed his vehicle to ram a post first before applying the brakes. Unbelievable!
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The recent verdict of the Makati Trial Court on the case of Magdalo leaders regarding the 2003 Oakwood mutiny had drawn different reactions. Some said it is fair and square while others said otherwise. Malacanang and the AFP welcomed the decision saying this will serve as a lesson to those members of the armed forces trying to overthrow the government, and those who are planning to do the same.

Well and good, but, may I ask if there was anyone from the 1986 Edsa Revolution who was meted the same punishment as these Oakwood mutineers? And, why is it that when a mutiny fails or did not succeed we call it a coup and when it succeeds, we call it revolution?

I remember this retired AFP general who was the first to break away from the chain of command to join the group overthrowing the Marcos Administration. They succeeded, the reason why we call it Edsa Revolution in 1986 and the rest is history.

Automatically this general was given a high position in the military and upon retirement was given a cabinet post as a secretary and now enjoys a juicy position in the government.

On the other hand, if the Oakwood mutiny could have succeeded, will we see these Magdalo soldiers especially Sen. Trillanes and Gen. Miranda in the same feet of this retired general enjoying his appointment as one of the administration’s cabinet secretaries?

Are we not going to call it Oakwood mutiny but rather Oakwood or Makati City Revolution? I guess, it will only be Juan de la Cruz who could give answers. After all this is part of the game of politics.

For a change, why don’t we urge the senators to conduct probes on cases of rebellion like the 2003 Oakwood mutiny and the Manila Pen siege and let senators Panfilo Lacson and Gringo Honasan chair the committee? This could be interesting and can add more entertainment for us watching the funny circus of events in our political arena.
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This goes to Baguio City Councilor Galo Weygan. It is better late than never to commend him for his political will in demolishing establishments without permit at Lower Magsaysay, former rabbit sinkhole area.

The demolition was conducted last month wherein almost all eyesore structures on the said area were dismantled. However, some people particularly barangay officials in that area are wondering why this establishment call kapihan which doesn’t have a permit was not demolished and still operates up to this date. Is this establishment untouchable? Ask some of the residents.

Further my bubuwit informed me lately that there is again some illegal vending at the area which was and even turned it into a wagwagan open center. I personally visited the area and found some sari-sari stores operating without any permits.

Attention city administrator Peter Fianza, business and licensing office chief Cristio Lagyop and POSD Chief Greg Delegero. Kindly check those stores operating without permits at Tabora Park, formerly Rabbit Sinkhole!

Attention also Punong Barangay Amagen and officials. Huwag naman kayong tutulog-tulog! Gising!
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So who is this cop called Noe whom my bubuwit saw apprehending a jeepney driver of the Baguio-La Trinidad route for a traffic violation along Lower Magsaysay but did not issue any traffic citation ticket and instead according to my bubuwit saw the driver gave P 150.00 pesos under the table to this cop?

I don’t want to think that our Baguio’s Finest are now swarming with rotten eggs like this cop unless BCPO Traffic Chief Insp. Samuel Bumangil and BCPO Chief Supt. Moises Guevarra are doing something to get rid of their crooked men. Right gentlemen? Sampolan!
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The Sanitation Division of the Baguio City Health Department should look into the violation of sanitary standards by some suppliers and traders of fish and hog meat at the city market. There are these trucks loading fish particularly tilapia near the intersection of Zandueta and Kayang Street daily, between 4 am to 6 am.

They unload these on banyeras but after which they spill these on the dirty road without any cover or protection from dirt and germ carrying particles like human and animal urine, spotum, human vomits, hence, you could just imagine dirty fishes bought by the consumers unaware how they were delivered to the rolling markets.

I guess this will be a good challenge to test the efficiency of the Baguio health department sanitary division. Why don’t they assign personnel who will monitor and inspect the delivery of these items at the market in between 4 am to 6 a.m.? For sure, their stomach will turn upside down on what they will see. Hoy gising!
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A concerned citizen called the attention of my bubuwit regarding the arrogant taxi driver of Kia Pride Tree BOR taxi with plate No. AYK 930. Pakibusisi naman ito BCPO Traffic Chief Samuel Bumangil
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I was really impressed by how our Filipino boxers slugged it out against their foreign opponents in the recent boxing match entitled Invasion Philippines against the world. It was amazing watching them fight bout by bout and knocking down their opponents. We really have great boxers, we need to support them.

In this summer capital, it is a great disappointment to see youngsters who have good potentials in this sport but are only using their talent and skills in nonsense street and bar brawls, I cant help but say saying.

If only the local government will use some of city funds for purchase of more equipment and construction of gyms for training, I bet we can produce lots of Pacquiaos and Penalosas. Wanna bet?