Doing nothing

Ben Contreras

SO, are we so used to that we no longer bother to correct them?

We are so used to seeing our traffic light working on and off. What gives? Was the P99-million traffic light project approved during the time of Dongkoy completed? The last time I talked to the proponent, he said he was being given a hard time to finish the job because of certain requirements and modifications imposed by city hall. If the project contract was defective, then file a case. If not, let it finish.

We notice new installations around the city. Are these parts of the old contract or new purchases? If new purchases, was there a bidding conducted or a prior study?

I was called up by our publisher, blaming me for the traffic jams in Camaman-an due to the newly installed traffic light. Although in jest, he said the traffic light seems to be creating more traffic problem than a solution.

We are so used to watching our priests praying for the survival of a corrupt official in the city and the so-called elders in politics cuddling a mayor with several dismissal orders, and do nothing. We are so used to seeing our court giving TROs like ATMs. We are so used to watching government agencies that seem to be on the side of the sinners.

Where are the people who used to march in the streets, and ranted against corruption and wrong doing in the city government or against the national government? Are their mouths full that they can no longer speak?

The business sector did the unprecedented thing to rally against a BIR official years ago. If they keep their silence today against this corrupt official, then they shall reap what they sow.

We are so used to the dirty surroundings that anyone can just add more garbage to an existing pile of trash. What else?

Alas, we are so used to doing nothing against the wrong. We have become numb to the evil around us. I don’t know the exact meaning of “merese.” Is it happening to us?

***

A city official has turned against his businessman friend like a mini-god, a friend who he and others used to ask or borrow money from. Some don’t even bother to pay back. What’s this government official up to? But he is so careless, if not stupid to leave pieces of evidence.

He has the guts to threaten his friend and former benefactor of harm, although not physical. His mutual friends are trying to dissuade him from pursuing his plans. Well, he’s likely going to open a can of worms.

***

The Marawi crisis is over but the job is still not done. We’ve seen it before and we will soon see another rise from the dead comrades. For this reason alone, martial law has to continue in Mindanao.

Let the critics from beyond the shores of Mindanao say their piece. They don’t live here anyway. But the kind of martial law we have makes most of us safer than before. Yes, we have “antis” among us — let them continue with their dissent as long as it’s a peaceful dissent.

To our brave soldiers and policemen, we salute you for your gallantry and patriotism!