Work harder!

I’m quite happy to note that I see some effort done by some of P-Noy’s cabinet members to improve government services. However, I am pretty sure that they can very well do more. P-Noy must continue to push hard and follow through in even the smallest details in order to get things done.

Last Friday on my way home at around midnight, I saw policemen patrolling different sections of EDSA (from Manila to Quezon City). For the first time in many years, I experienced the feeling of being safe and secure. I have many qualms about the police force believe me but I want to be positive that P-Noy and his team will make a difference this time. I’m crossing my fingers.

By the way, I also saw a group of MMDA workers planting palm trees along EDSA. Wow! It makes me happy to see that this Administration is making an effort to beautify EDSA. The traffic, of course, is the ultimate challenge!

I remember writing about the Philippines being rich in flora and fauna and how we do not know how to flaunt these gifts of biodiversity that God has given us. We just take them for granted. I shared the contrast between the lush green plants and beautiful colored flowers at Singapore’s Changi Airport and their highways that create a beautiful atmosphere of welcome to visitors.

I also wrote about what plants would thrive in our highways. Philodendrons, bachias and palmeras for shady areas or perhaps bougainvilleas, mayanas, caballeros, santan, ficus and eugenias for areas with direct sunlight. It would truly be a sight to behold!

But anyhow, as I continued to watch the men planting while some were watering the plants, I noticed that they did not use enough soil because the pavement did not have enough space. I suggest they put these palms in big pots instead. I hope that whoever is behind this program has enough knowledge of horticulture so that we can help these plants survive.

With a plus for P-Noy comes a minus though, corruption in major bureaus is getting worse. Many of my friends have shared their experiences with me. They have even started to compare the practices done by government officials during the GMA administration with this current one. They say that since P-Noy became President (last year and this year) people working for certain bureaus seem to be ‘partying’ as if it were their last hurrah! They are collecting various fees but not giving all collections to the government. In other words, the large chunk that they collect is divided amongst themselves and only a little goes to the government. Sanamagan!

No matter how busy the ‘bosses’ are in trying to resolve the bigger problems, they must kill the ‘termites’ down under who continue to chew on the foundations of their bureaus (or offices) not unless they themselves are the ‘queen’ termites.

* * *

By the way, I received a letter from the Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David, Jr. in response to my July 18, 2011 column. I wanted to personally thank him but when I called the numbers he had written in his letter — no one answered. I tried calling from 8 am-5 pm persistently trying to get a connection. Unfortunately, no one answered. Susmariosep!

As for my cousin’s experience with the BI, well it still remains to be a problem. As a matter of fact she just went through another frustrating ordeal. She received a letter from the BI mailed on July 19, 2011 and reached her hands on August 3, 2011 asking her to attend a hearing on August 1, 2011. What a shock it was for her! She tried calling the number at the bottom of the letter wanting to ask what she should do because she got the letter late. Sadly, no one answered the phone.

P-Noy should direct the heads of the different bureaus in government to be more vigilant on what is going on in their respective offices. They must not be complacent and be oblivious to malpractices happening under their noses. They need to clean house.

Another concern brought to my attention is the issuance of plates by the LTO for newly bought motorcycles. There seems to be some discrepancy noted. It takes two months for a motorcycle owner to have his plate released by the LTO. Meantime, he is issued a permit to travel by the dealer. Unfortunately, the permit is not honored by traffic enforcers. So, the bike owner needs to get an ‘official’ one from the LTO. How complicated can this be? It gets more frustrating when you find out that the LTO permit is only good for a week. What happens then when the week is over and the plate has not yet been released? Of course, the poor bike owner has to get another permit from the LTO. Mind you, this owner is not a rich man. He cannot afford to keep on paying. He has no choice but to follow this “crazy”, inconspicuous and foolish guideline. Is our government screwing us up?

Aside from the cost to be incurred, it is also time consuming for a regular citizen who needs to work. He does not have the liberty to take a day off every week you know. Why is our government making it so difficult for citizens to apply and pay for basic government requirements? This shouldn’t be a business venture for them. It should be a service-oriented climate given to the citizens.

Following suit is the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on matters concerning the issuance of NBI clearance for employment and other purposes. But this is another story for another column.

* * *

The course of events and unforeseen circumstances in the previous weeks have brought to a close, at least temporarily, the political career of Senator Migs Zubiri.

First, we must all change our mindset and agree that it is never a demotion for any man in public life to be once again a private citizen. Second, we must acknowledge the humility and courage that this politician has done. Third, he must give himself some quiet time now lest we accuse him of taking advantage of the situation and conditions of what his actions have brought about.

Whether it was for the peace of mind of his family or not, it is not for us to judge. The man just did what he had to do. His loyalty to principles and duties as he sees them has been a cause for misunderstandings, difficulties and hurtful insinuations. But as I looked at him deliver his farewell speech, I saw a man with no regrets. He showed courage of his convictions, regardless of the consequences.

Senator Zubiri owes to his constituents and to his country his sincere judgment of what is right, proper and patriotic, unbiased by any extraneous considerations, influence or pressure.

The true representative of the people as my late grandpa Benito put it, “is not the cringing, fawning tool of the caucus, or of the mob, but he who rises to the full stature of political manhood.” Zubiri did not resort anymore to grandstanding (he could not) for purposes of display just to catch the public eye but he stood with dignity and pride as he put to a close an important chapter in his life.

Our people are hungry to see men who do honorable deeds. Unfortunately, we have so little of them. We need men with sincerity and honest conviction. We do not need men who will create false issues before the people for their own glory. This will only cause further delay, obstruction in the public service and unnecessary misunderstandings.

Miguel Zubiri humbled himself before his countrymen. Let us give it to him for doing such a bold and fearless act. I hope other leaders follow suit!

God bless this country!