Something has got to be done

Ben Contreras

A RED and blue RTA Multicab was seen on Monday in Barangay 21. It was loaded with sacks of “ukay-ukay” shoes and socks. Witnesses saw the RTA people helping themselves with the goods. “Iya-iyapamili RTA bisan naa sila sa atup.”

If the ukay-ukay were meant for certain people and not for RTA personnel, then an investigation is in order.

Here’s another: a concerned mediaperson passed on the message to Hapsay chief EgayUy about the use of Corrales Avenue by Ayala. He said, “Nahurot na man nila both left and right outer lanes fronting Avida Tower.”

As for the use of Corrales Avenue by Ayala, there has to be an explanation. Uy should investigate and explain.

Corrales Avenue is becoming very busy day and night. The stretch has become famous for roadside eateries and night life. If there are now complaints, it means it is no longer what it used to be. Let us not make the fiesta as an excuse for anarchy.

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Tomorrow is going to be a big day or so it seems. The focus would be Gaston Park where Duterte supporters from all over Mindanao and beyond will converge in a show of number and strength. The presence of Duterte himself is unclear but he just can’t afford to fail his mammoth supporters who have been waiting for his open declaration to run for president.

This is exactly what makes Duterte’s popularity phenomenal. Under normal circumstances, it is the candidate that woos the people’s vote. In Duterte’s case, it is the people clamoring for him to run. I wonder if there is a precedent.

Of course, I will be there to witness this event if only to see for myself. Maybe then, I could tell my sister about it. She promised to come home and monitor how events will unfold during Duterte’s campaign. Like many, of course, she is also fascinated with Duterte’s phenomenal popularity.

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A woman was hit while crossing the pedestrian lane near a traffic light. Who is to blame? The reactions vary. In our city, this is very, very common, and our RTA enforcers just watch without doing anything. Perhaps, they, too, are waiting for another to be hit.

Every morning, I pass the Marcos Bridge on my way to RER Subdivision to supervise the construction of my brother’s house. I realized that counter-flowing has become a practice not just by jeepney drivers but by others as well. Oh, even drivers of government vehicles, too. Nothing is being done to correct this.

On Aug. 22, 2015, another seminar for traffic volunteers will be conducted. I hope to take this matter up with the RTA hierarchy. Something has to be done or accidents will surely happen.

It is when traffic is very heavy that counter-flowing occurs. Another reason is when motorists drive too leisurely on a short count, leaving those at the back impatient and irritated of this attitude. We badly need road courtesy which is lacking.

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The World War II Sino-Japan war will be commemorated by Tsinoys and Chinese nationals with a photo exhibits in schools, universities and malls, if plans don’t miscarry. Now on its 70th year, more than 300 pictures will be displayed for public viewing.

These photos may be painful reminders but they also tell us that in war, “there are no victors, only victims.”