El Nino and self-discipline

Letter to the Editor

I SAW a copy of Memorandum Circular No. 2015-118 of the DILG which advises local officials and all concerned top take precautionary measures in their respective AOR’s because of the continuing threat of the effects of El Nino in certain parts of the country.

Among the precautionary measures which the DILG has encouraged local governments to take is to “urgently enact ordinances curbing illegal (water) connections and encouraging the prudent use of water.”

Still another measure suggested is to “allow water concessionaires and water utilities to conduct emergency repair of leaks prior to securing the necessary excavation permit.”

The circular looks great at first glance, but on second thought, doesn’t it reflect the lack of discipline of the people?

Should water districts wait for the DILG to propose to the local sanggunians to urgently enact ordinances curbing illegal water connections?  And encouraging the prudent use of water?

Illegal connections are simply that–illegal!  All it takes is concerned offices (water districts mainly) to enforce relevant laws.  An ordinance enacted by the local sanggunian may just add to the useless rules in the dusty cabinets of local legislative bodies.  What for?  For pogi points in the coming elections?

The prudent use of water is a matter that each and every end-user of water should be encouraged to do without waiting for any ordinance mandating it.  It’s a matter of self-discipline which unfortunately is wanting in this part of the country.

Then the circular “allows water concessionaires and water utilities to conduct emergency repair of leaks.”  This is already becoming a big joke!

Why, has anybody prevented anybody else to conduct emergency repairs of leaks?

Is the word “discipline” already expunged from the records? —Liberato Publico, liberatopublico@gmail.com

Response to de Lima

THIS is the reaction of League of Filipino Students (LFS) to former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s statement at the 4th Mindanao Tribal Leaders Congress on Thursday.

Justice delayed is justice denied. After violating the rights of thousands of Lumad, the AFP battalions and its paramilitary forces are still wrecking havoc and terror in Mindanao. We have to see them out of schools and communities immediately.

Fifty-one Lumad were already killed and more than 4,000 people of Mindanao were displaced in their lands. There are 13 cases of massacres and 203 cases of trumped up charges. More than 1,000 students are affected by the attacks of the Armed Forces in 81 schools. Even after starting the protest caravan in Manila, attacks on the Lumad continue. The people of Mindanao need quick actions and speedy resolutions, not promises.

De Lima’s statement is disgustingly covering Aquino’s accountability. She reiterated that the military activities and human rights violations by the AFP are in accordance to the regime’s National Internal Security Plan called Oplan Bayanihan.

De Lima should be reminded that the increase of mining and logging activities of foreign corporations intensified the militarization in Mindanao. Aquino became more desperate to open the lands of Mindanao to foreign control and ownership, the military activities became more ruthless by the day.

Above anyone else, Aquino should be held responsible for taking away the rights and lives of the Lumad. Because of his thirst to attract foreign corporations, the government is willing to kill and violate our people.

We reiterate that we will not stop until the immediate demands of the Lumad and people of Mindanao are met–the immediate pull-out of AFP troops and its paramilitary forces and the re-opening of Lumad alternative schools. —Charisse Banez, spokesperson, League of Filipino Students (LFS)