Menace

Ben  Contreras

FOUR people died in a wild party (?) over the alleged use of illegal substances. One was a young college girl. It’s either the parents are too busy making and raking in money that they have less time if not, none at all for their children. And so the children find themselves being with bad company.

Illegal drugs are a menace. Some people ignore it like an ordinary family problem until it hits them.

A mother has this to say: “A rapist should have his genitals sliced like a Chorizo Macao.” No, she is not being brutal. Anyone who can empathize with the victims would readily agree to this.

One may argue that we have no right to take another person’s life. I dare you to tell that to the parents of a newly victim of rape and murder.

Here in the city, concerned citizens have brought to the attention of the city government the problem about “rugby boys.” It’s not even just boys but also girls. What has the city government done so far? A concerned citizen posted on Facebook the exact location or the place where they are often seen, and what they are capable of doing.

These kids or teenagers are future drug users and pushers or criminals. What are the excuses for such neglect by our authorities?

I don’t think our President-elect Duterte is joking when he said he is going after drug pushers and syndicates. We, as citizens, are also duty-bound to help and cooperate by being vigilant and cooperative. Our community is what we make it.

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The Bureau of Customs is one of the most corrupt government agencies, so they say, and I agree. Aside from personal experience, my friends have been victims, too.

You think they find Duterte serious about ridding the Bureau of corruption? Not at all! In fact, some have the gall of attempting to look for a connection and seek a compromise. Compromise what? That the incoming administration goes slow on certain things and leave a little room for status quo? The nerve they have!

Here, we have some Chinese seemingly in control of certain personalities at the BOC. By mere mention of his name, a container van can easily be released but not without a fee.

Of course, you cannot expect anyone to talk or dare to squeal. You don’t dance to their music, you will find yourself accused of trumped up dishonesty. One against the world and under such situation, you’re dead. Not literally though.

I love to see genuine change or complete overhaul of many government agencies, not just the BOC.  And the real test comes when the President-elect finally takes office.