Scavengers are banned from garbage dumps

A car salesman says “Flashy cars are status symbol among the rich.” Some of them also flash their arrogance by slapping traffic enforcers. Yes?

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I heard icon broadcaster Mike Enriquez say something to this effect: “Mga mayaman kung nakasakay sa magara na kotse akala nila sila na’ng may-ari ng mundo.”

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Mike said this after interviewing an MMDA traffic enforcer who was slapped by a motorist he apprehended for committing a traffic infraction.

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That motorist was caught in the act in a TV-5 video footage slapping the traffic constable. The video grabs were published in the Philippine STAR, Aug. 16/12.

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A big sign on a huge pile of garbage in Manila read: “Scavengers Not Allowed.” Commented Noy Temiong: “Basura na gyud na gihikaw pa sa pobre.”

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Thieves wherever they are, are not choosy. They would steal even “saints.” There’s church in Laguna where the santoses or religious images are protected from thieves. They are enclosed in iron bars making them look like prisoners behind bars.

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Laguna’s religious statues are the favorite of thieves because they are sculpted in hardwood by expert artisans from Paete, the home of famous sculptors.

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In other churches burglar alarm devices are installed instead of putting the santoses behind bars. it’s cheaper they say than iron grills.

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An Indian official is the subject of attacks from different sectors after he was heard telling his men to “steal a little” as long as they do their jobs well. Babe G. Romualdez, author of “Spy Bits” (one of my favorite business page columns in the Philippine STAR) said some amused observers commented that this Indian official could have a bright future in the Philippines.

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I was told by an education official that most of the primary grade school kids from marginalized (meaning poor) families want to be teachers when they grow up. I don’t know what this indicates. It seems these kids have simple dreams. They’re not aiming high, knowing maybe that being a teacher is the only dream reachable by kids like them.

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OVERHEARD. A mother (a widow) with four children was heard telling a neighbor: “Sige kong pusta sa lotto oi. Matud pa ni Father (name withheld) dili man sa (sala) ang mag-apil sa lotto kay pagpaninguha man na nga makalingkawas ta sa pagkakabus.” The neighbor replied: “Ang problema, Day, Kay kilkilan nimo si (name withheld) nga nanguyab pa gani nimo.”