Killer usok, gambling, business permits, etc

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

I really regret to miss writing my column of this newspaper last week. I blame it on a public utility jeepney spewing killer usok from its tambutso I happened to inhale while walking along lower Zandueta St. one afternoon, I also saw some passersby covering their noses to avoid inhaling the dirty smoke. I had some difficulty breathing that night and got sick for almost three days.

I was happy to know that authorities acted on smoke belching vehicles a week ago, but I still wonder why there are still plenty of those vehicles with killer usok running on our public roads.

If the Department of Transportation and Communication is really serious on its campaign to eradicate smoke belching, I don’t see any reason for even one vehicle spewing dirty smoke to roam freely on the streets.

Take for example here in the city of Baguio. A person who stands for few minutes along sidewalks near the roads going up Session and SM, Abanao and extension just beside fire department, Bokawkan, lower General Luna, lower Magsaysay, etcetera, could surely list these smoke belching vehicles without no need to have a smoke testing machine to determine if a smoke he inhales is harmful or not.

What about this, DOTC-CAR regional director Federico “Bong” Mandapat, Sir?
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I was impressed by the privilege speech delivered by newcomer Baguio city councilor Edison Bilog before the city council last Sept. 13. His speech was in tagalong, so simple but full of sense.

He tackled the problems being encountered by the city. In fact, I can say that he did better than some of his colleagues when he read his speech and presented his proposed resolutions to prove that he is not only talking, but means to do something for good.

Well it’s also a first time to note that a councilor identifies and names some illegal gambling dens or poker joints operating in the city of Baguio. Perhaps he will also identify and name where jueteng operators and stations in the city. I salute the good councilor; he started good and hopes he end up better if not the best. Sige tamaan mo sila apo councilor Ed Bilog!
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May I ask local authorities in the city of Baguio who really owns the 3rd and 2nd floor of Rillera Building, located at Zandueta St., at the city market? A source told me that the Rillera building was proclaimed “condemned” right after it suffered structural damages caused by the killer earthquake last July 16, 1990 and after three persons accordingly claiming to be representatives of vendors association in the market were given verbal blessings by then and now Mayor Mauricio Domogan to clean and maintain the 2nd and 3rd floors of Rillera building for a period of seven years.

Now, many are wondering why these persons (minus one who already died) continue to lease and collect money for the premises until now when they were only given seven years. It’s almost more or less 20 years now and yet no one among city officials seems interested in digging up this issue.

Well, perhaps this building is now on their drawing board after the demolition of block 3 at Hilltop market. As councilor Edison Bilog said, development is good if this is not done in haste. It should also be done in good faith and should I also say, development is good if this is done in good faith and not by the color of money.
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Is it true that an employee under the public order and safety division at Baguio City is facilitating the business permit of videoke bars just a stone’s throw away from the regional jail management office and Baguio city police office?

These establishments are now operating without permits and it could be difficult for them to secure one unless they shift line of business from videoke to restaurant as the case maybe.

These establishments have become “untouchable” because of some people in the government who are in position to protect them. If videoke establishments at Abanao St., could have their business permits despite the prohibited distance of serving liquor or violation of liquor zoning ordinance, then perhaps it is true that this employee at POSD who is reported to be a close relative of a top city official and a powerful official at the permits and licensing office is behind the issuance of their permits. Tama ba ako po ginoong L as in luko-luko?
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I wonder why the authorities could not put a stop or even send to jail people who employ deceiving tactics to promote marketing or sales for their products.
Years ago, I was nearly a victim of this scheme while window shopping at Cooyesan plaza along Naguillan Road in Baguio.

An agent of a marketing establishment approached me and told that I just won an appliance among their giveaway promos of their anniversary celebration. He invited me to their show room so I could see the said appliance. From there another female who seemed to be their supervisor made sweet and convincing talk. I was glued at my seat listening to them.

However when I told them that I was going home and about to get the appliance I won, they refused to hand it and instead told me that I have to buy first the required appliances on sale at their show room. Holy cow, the amount of appliances ranged from P50,000 to P150,000. Whew, I knew I am not that rich to buy any of those appliances!

Four days ago, a friend of my cousin complained about a similar incident. This time he was made to pay more or less P 13,000.00 with a balance of a big amount from a marketing company at Abanao Square.

When he went to file his complain at the barangay and the police, it was found out that many have also been a victim of this kind of scam and it’s a wonder why these people who were taught to fool other people continue to roam freely, looking for their next victims.