RAIN OF FIRE

2 lawyers drown in Pagudpud
CESAR G. BONILLA

The nation is in deep crisis due to rampant graft and corruption, greed and mismanagement of officials in power. These are the root causes of poverty, lawlessness and economic stagnation that stalked our economy for many decades. The Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient Seas, is now the “Economic Basket Case of ASEAN” considering that it was one of its more progressive members some years ago.

So many pseudo leaders or candidates are claiming to be qualified as leaders in government but are they really serious in serving the country? The barangay election was successfully undertaken but there is need to educate winning candidates on concept of effective leadership, duties and responsibilities on proper implementation of the Local Government Code in their areas.

Notwithstanding the incompetence and impertinent behavior of some elective officials, there is need for them to attend seminars of symposia so they could be educated on proper parliamentary decorum within their jurisdiction.

In the wider perspective, the people can avoid the vicious cycle of corruption, greed and incompetent administrations if they are provided with clear and well-defined guidelines for selecting the most qualified candidates.

A leader with intellectual and moral preparedness can have the capability to inspire the people to set aside their differences and unite them towards the attainment of common goals and the ability to tackle politically unpopular issues but which are deemed beneficial to the general public.

Integrity must not be tarnished by involvement, either as public official or as a private person in any transaction where public interest is subordinated by personal gain. The capability to subordinate personal gain, glory or ambition when it conflicts with national interest or common good should be emphasized.

To be a member of a lawmaking body in the powerful chamber of local governance is a privilege and one should be called honorable in the right sense of the word – not a sitting dishonorable.

A popular lameduck sometimes gets elected into office not so much for his or her competence but due to brandishment of material wealth and deceptive charisma. Don’t let any hypnotic spell or forgetfulness beguile us in our pursuit of a great leader. Our search is beyond political biases.
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I would like to extend my congratulations to a good friend, newly elected barangay kagawad Napoleon Uy of Laoag City and Maricor R. Labayan who successfully passed the board exam for certified public accountants. No a CPA, she is thankful to her alma mater Maraino Marcos State University for the knowledge and guidance in attaining her dream. To God, all things are possible.
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It was a tragic incident in the town of Pagudpud when two lawyers were drowned a the shore of Sitio Malingay in a beach resort. It was reported in the town police station by lawyer Abigael N. dela Cruz and brother Josh dela Cruz, both residents of Barangay Nalupta, Batac City that between 11:45 a.m. and 12:25 p.m., lawyers Analy Mangalindan, 27, single and James Fernandez, 27, residents of Makati City and Pinili, Ilocos Norte respectively were accidentally drowned due to strong waves.

Mangalindan was immediately rushed to the Bangui District Hospital for treatment after she was rescued by companions and concerned locals but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending doctor.

Until now, the body of Fernandez who was believed carried away by strong waves is still being searched by rescue teams. This is an isolated case. I hope that this painful experience will not again be duplicated and dampen tourist arrival in northern Ilocos.

There is a lesson from this. Warning signs and life guards must always within the perimeter of the beach to protect tourists and local folk.
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According to psychologists, the need for touch is a fundamental human need – a primary mode of communication. It communicates a wide range of meanings which lovers can’t fully understand.

But touching is not good when people of wealth and power use this to victimize innocent girls to satisfy their lust. I was touched by the unfortunate life of a girl named Marianeth who hanged herself due to poverty.

It is a great irony indeed when powerful mortals distribute money to poverty-stricken people with the intention of exploiting them. The young girl, the journey to eternity was a far better and acceptable option rather than to suffer the reality of hopelessness and agonizing poverty.

The challenge is at hand. The gap between the rich and the poor is worst than in past decades. It is high time for everybody, particularly the rich and the powerful to initiate or give a better future for the less fortunate segments of our society.