No more to anonymous accusers

HOW do we treat opinions and reactions from readers in the form of text messages?

People who love to send their messages across sometimes find no other avenues but through my column. For this reason, I couldn’t help but oblige and make their viewss and reactions part of my column.

But there is, of course, a dilemma. Anonymity makes it difficult to ascertain the veracity of what they say or their motives especially so when they refuse to identity themselves. Some would even ask not to print their cellphone numbers for fear that they would be identified.

There are do’s and don’ts for newspapermen, and so, our editor-in chief reminds me every now and then to be careful about text messages from people who I don’t even know. He asked me via SMS: “I thought you dislike trolls?”

As much as I would like readers to express themselves through my column, I need a bit of cooperation. First, identify yourself (don’t use fake names), state your address, and other contact information so we can check and double check.

While it is everybody’s right to express an opinion, this column will not be used by those whose only intention is to malign others especially without showing evidence. How do we know there is truth in the accusation when the accuser won’t even say who he or she is? And so, without an identity, I may no longer oblige. So, it would just be a conversation or an exchange of text messages between you and me.

If it’s an exposé, the more the accuser has to identify himself so he or she, not us, could prove his or her allegations in court in case of a lawsuit.
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With the blackouts back, I think it’s the best time to go solar.

There’s no need to be ecstatic about more malls and big hotels coming in. When they do come in, they would require huge loads of power and more water. Think of what it is to residential owners. It means, we, the residential owners, are going to be sacrificed to answer for their needs.

Malls and hotels are sure captive clients that are capable of on time payment. As for residential power consumers, there’s always the risk of delinquency.

The solar power technology is now available. There are installers existing in the city. It may look expensive, initially, but in the long run, it’s going to be more economical.

Ex-councilor Bob Ocio, who recently had Dave Tauli and wife and a couple pastors as guests in Canada, said solar energy can be easily done in the country. In fact, many are already into it. In the city, check out with Dave Agudo.
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I just received information from PIA about an ambush in Gingoog City that resulted in the death of three militiamen, the oldest of whom had nine mouths to feed.

Such news is very heart-breaking. Ideological struggle is hard to contain if the government continues to be wracked with controversies and endless corruption. In war, there are no winners, only victims, so they say. How true!
I remember Maj. Gen. Victor Felix when he said, “I will bring the government to the people. It’s the only way to solve insurgency.” I believe his sincerity.

Bringing the government to the people will also solve our problem with Muslim Filipinos sans BBL.