Senate has better use of its time

It is unfortunate that the Senate is taking the wind from the sails of those who are arguing that we need a Senate composed of national statesmen as a foil to a House that is full of parochial politicians who are easily swayed by Malacañang. That the Senate is wasting its time going over the politically inspired charges against Sen. Manny Villar as a “Committee of the Whole” will certainly provide ammunition to those advocating cha cha for among other excuses, to abolish the Senate for being an expensive but redundant part of our legislature.

It is obvious to all who care to see that the charges against Manny were meant to slow down his declared presidential bid. As it happens, the long festering charges have been largely ignored by the electorate. In its most recent survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) among 1,200 respondents, Sen. Villar emerged the top choice from the opposition slate to succeed President Arroyo in 2010. Manny is now ahead of Senators Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda, former President Joseph Estrada, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manuel Roxas II.

Sen. Villar has also explained ad nauseam that there is no budget double insertion to cover improvements in C5 as charged. Simply, there are two portions related to C5 that are under construction: the one that connects it to Parañaque and the other that connects it to Cavite. Both improvements will result in relieving traffic congestion not just in C5 but in other metro arteries.

As for the charge that Manny’s real estate companies benefited from the road alignment, that is neither here nor there. Given his companies’ real estate developments in the area, of course any road improvement will make them easier to sell.

But Manny disclaims any benefit in terms of right of way payments. If that’s what they are incensed about, they probably should investigate a lay religious leader who was paid billions during the Erap watch for such right of way claims in about the same area. The lay religious leader reportedly got special treatment. But of course, the politicians in the Senate will not dare do that.

The controversy generated by the politically motivated accusations has already caused delays in the completion of the projects. For some reason DPWH was intimidated enough to slow down work so that thousands of commuters who should now be enjoying a more civilized commute still have to go through the hellish traffic jams in the areas.

Actually, people have become cynical of such made to order controversies from the usual suspects. Assuming that Manny used his clout to get those insertions in the national budget, isn’t that what our members of Congress do to benefit their constituents? The only thing that’s objectionable is if Manny demanded a share of the available money from the contractors as some of our legislators are prone to do. But Manny swears he did no such thing.

I trust Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will manage the process well enough to put the charges finally at rest. I am confident JPE will not allow Manny’s detractors in the Senate to use the chamber as a kangaroo court to advance their political ends. The fact that JPE postponed the first hearing to more carefully study the rules and the details of the case should be a good sign for the taxpayers.

I am sure the Senate has better use of its time than this probe on a non issue.

Fighting H1N1

First of all, it is not true that public officials and members of Congress, notably those who went to Las Vegas this weekend, have a natural immunity to swine flu. That is why, as the Health Secretary said, they have to be quarantined upon their return should they show symptoms of infection. Thinking of them as swine is an insult to pigs.

With a vaccine still months away, how do we protect ourselves from the H1N1 virus otherwise known as the swine flu? I called Dr. Art Ludan, a prominent pediatrician who is also my brother in law for advice. He said that aside from fully activating my natural tendency to be a snob I have to strengthen my immune system.

And how do I do that? Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system. Walk for at least hour a day, go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Get lots of fresh air. Open windows whenever possible. Get plenty of rest. Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.

He also prescribed two health supplements that will make my immunity to such viruses stronger. He said I should take two capsules of gastro flora, a probiotic, daily. I should also take two Zinbee tablets daily for the extra zinc needed to improve immunity. I already got both from my not so favorite drugstore chain.

Of course, proper hand hygiene is essential and yes, ogres like me don’t need to be reminded about avoiding crowds, not shaking hands and most of all, resist the social urge to beso beso. My snobbish reputation should be a good protection.

Labor leaders

I got this reaction from JW Arceo, a Pinoy now residing in Fairfax, Virginia.

This is a reaction to your Labor Day article. I have hands-on experience dealing with organized labor in the Philippines, not in the least pleasant. About 15 years ago, I worked for a manufacturing company at Sucat, Parañaque owned by an American family from San Francisco. It had to be shut down permanently by its owners because of the unreasonable demands of the union.

Anybody who has gone through CBA negotiations should know very well that no resolutions can ever be reached without both sides making significant compromises. Our company was not in the best of shape, and management revealed everything it could to prove it. It further made it clear that if we could not solicit any more concessions from the labor side, the company may have to be closed.

Sadly, and almost predictably, the union thought we were bluffing, and ill-advisedly proceeded to call it.  Finally, my American bosses got tired of the other side’s obstinacy and called it a day. When it was announced, the wolves transformed into lambs, like those animated robots Optimus Prime and Megatron. They were willing to negotiate after all and wanted to see how far the owners would go. Alas, the die was cast, and we were all released into the job market.

I recovered soon enough and was able to find work in Manila, but never at the same level as with the company that had closed. The desire to regain what was lost brought me here to the States where I have been for the last six years. It is providential that my wife and I find ourselves witnessing for ourselves America’s worst economic meltdown in decades.  We are fortunate to be working for companies that seem impervious to the current crisis. 

But we have strong opinions about the stimulus package, particularly for the heavily unionized auto industry.  There is no doubt in my mind, and you yourself confirmed it, that the big American auto makers would not be in this untenable position today, had they not allowed themselves to be run over roughshod by the UAW. 

I know it sounds selfish and I don’t care, but as US taxpayers, why would we agree to fork over our hard earned money to have those workers making $60/$70 even a $100 an hour, thanks to their unions, keep their jobs?  That’s a hell of a lot more than we make.

Keep ‘em coming and best regards.

Swine flu

Ruth Marbibi sent this one.

It was once said that a black man would be president “when pigs fly.” Indeed, 100 days into Obama’s presidency.... Swine Flu!

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is [email protected]