Ben Contreras
ON my way to pick up my wife and niece who’s been at the NSO (or is it now Philippine Statistic Authority?) almost the whole day for a simple transaction of getting an authenticated birth certificate, I saw the one end of the coastal road that would connect to the Gusa highway.
It may have took the government to reach this point but Kagay-anons have a lot to thank former 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez for hastening the realization of this project, including that secondary road that connects to Opol, Misamis Oriental which is now abuzz with economic activities.
The ex-congressman has been criticized for claiming projects that were never his. He was even called “Epal King.” But politics would rather see the sides of it than the reality that the congressman never ever claimed the project or this project in particular was his. “Through the effort of Cong. Rufus Rodriguez” is certainly not hard to understand. As for “Epal King,” well, who wasn’t and isn’t?
I admit, I have not come to terms with his defeat. He could have been a better mayor unlike the one we have today who is beset with cases and controversies not knowing when the sword of Damocles would finally claim his head.
Do not underestimate the impact of the coastal road as evidently shown by the secondary coastal road at the other end. The economic activities it may generate and the contribution to ease up traffic congestion. Besides, it will change the landscape of once an eyesore in that part of the city into a beautiful and scenic boulevard.
Going back to NSO or PSA, the regional director should now find ways to improve the situation by improving their services. The long line that extends up to the highway under the heat of the sun and probably empty stomachs for some can be cruel.
The President has warned that this kind of queuing has to stop. The message is clear: simplify and minimize the requirements, improve services, add more men and women to do the job, and computerize.
I see the need for a national ID here. A law has to be passed and implemented.
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A hospital in Metro Manila is known as a refuge of big political figures in time of political troubles and imaginary health troubles. Indeed, it is known for having the best physicians for more serious illnesses, physical and psychological, but they can also be conspirators to evade justice. Who’s going to question their findings anyway?
Lately, however, it was proven that there are people better than doctors who can cure physical maladies: the justice of the Supreme Court.
After ruling favorably for GMA, she suddenly recovered from her illness. No wonder, outgoing leaders are subject to this “wheelchair” joke albeit proven to be very effective.
Let’s hope this joke stops with Duterte.
