Deep water

Ben  Contreras

IT was raining hard that afternoon. But I came home early and never bothered to go out and see what’s happening outside.

Through Facebook, I saw a few pictures of what it was along the highway: flood. Not surprising really! I had my fear months ago over the prospect of flood coming easy due to that bridge being constructed along Recto Avenue.

Such heavy rain in so short a time flooded the whole stretch of Osmeña Extension as reported by my son. I dread what could happen during long heavy downpour.

What concrete and serious step has the government, local and national, taken? Only former Mayor Tinnex Jaraula and Cong. Rufus Rodriguez took step to do something but all in vain.

Is it not serious? Well, judging from the influx of malls, hotels and big establishments in the area, flood has not been a deterrent for such investments.

Were they affected? Of course they are. That attitude of not allowing people to take pictures of what’s going on is telling.

When green turns gray and no more open areas left for rain water absorption, you can expect flooding. And that is precisely what is happening in the city.

Not in my life time perhaps, but there will come a day when the city might be submerged in deep water.

• •

My friend Rolly asked me on Facebook if I had a beef with Mayor Oscar Moreno. I told him we can talk about it over a cup of coffee which will be my treat, anytime, anywhere. And I left him my number. His reply was like Egay Uy’s: “Noted.” That was months ago.

Reading his comments on Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, I smiled and asked the same question. What’s his beef with Duterte?

Rolly accused Duterte of many things, and called him names. But I like that, not because he is correct in what he is doing and saying but because I think he just answered the question he asked me.

The only difference I could think of is that he has no personal knowledge of Duterte while I have personal knowledge of Moreno.

I am not taking it against Rolly. Like I said repeatedly, we all have our own biases. We believe what we want to believe and choose what to believe.

In the end, it’s still the ballot that will decide.

• •

A barangay official from Iponan did it again. It seems that only these people are concerned with the drug problem.

Drug is a menace, and the drug problem in the city is serious. Who are in cahoots with them? While we don’t want to point fingers sparingly, our authorities should put a stop to the claim of the suspect that some are under their payroll. It’s demeaning if not, insulting.

The good ones die in service while the bad ones live a lifestyle way beyond their means. If we citizens do not help, we could be the next victims.