Rina David’s blah, blah, blah

Ben Contreras .

THE recently held Mindanao Peace Forum at Conchita Hotel was well attended. There were around 250 participants.

Peace seems to be a rare commodity for decades, not because it is not achievable but because those who are supposed to work on it have their own agenda. Insincerity is not a monopoly of one or two stakeholders. But its presence makes it difficult for the stakeholders as a whole to achieve its goal.

It was not the first. In fact, there were several fora before. But each time, speakers talk of the same problem everybody already know but without offering a doable solution. Some speakers are seen as merely building their own political stock. Their lines have been a repetition of the previous.

Who want peace? We all want peace for along a time already — peace, not just for Mindanao, but for the entire country. If a forum is about passing and putting the blame on one party, then nothing will come out of it.

Accusations and counter-accusations will achieve nothing but more distrust. Trust can bring people together and become productive.

I wish I will live to see the Mindanao Railway functioning. Nothing should hamper the completion of this project, not our brothers from the left, not our secessionist brothers, and not those with vested interests.

The government still has a lot to do for its people but the people need to help the government accomplish its goal. We need to work together, not kill each other.

***

For two days, I’ve been trying to understand what Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Rina Jimenez David has been trying to tell us. She wrote: “Leading this descent into barbarism is no less than President Duterte…” blah… blah… blah.

Citing Duterte’s penchant for cussing before and after being elected president, Ms. David concluded that we are descending into barbarism. Are we? Perhaps, Ms. David has not heard of “hijo de puta,” “coño, “Indio” “ sinverguenza,” etc., coming from the mouth of the well-dressed. Perhaps, too, she heard of it too often that it has become mere expressions.

I know Ms. David is a multi-awarded columnist. She shouldn’t taint it with her biases by looking only at one side of a person. Duterte is not perfect. He never claimed to be one. But with his imperfection, he must have done something good for our country, and the people. If she could see none, then she is not doing justice to her awards.

***

You complain of dirty water. You complain of no water. But the big bang has yet to come when you will be slapped with higher water rates. Then, you’d probably say: “Enough is enough.” So, what are you going to do?

I know what you can do. Support the plan to file a class suit against the Cagayan de Oro Water Districtt’s Board of Directors. Otherwise, shhhhh.

Seriously, the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (Cobi) may have violated the contract. Cobi is supposed to deliver an additional 20 million liters a day within a certain period. That time may have lapsed already.

We need lawyers who will work, pro bono. Walay pugsanay. After all, lawyers are also consumers. Alang-alang ba puro na lang beer imnun! Do we have volunteers? I have copies of the contract for your review.