Ben Contreras THE Gaston Park fountain had been the source of livelihood of our photographers for decades. The fountain in itself offers a view seldom seen in other cities. For that, people who go there pose for a few pictures for souvenir. When Gaston Park was renovated, many wondered why it was taking long for the fountain to function again. Then people began to ask, “Where are the fountain heads?” An attempt to cover up the truth failed when a photo turned up to prove that it was still functioning under the Moreno administration, belying claims that it was already gone during Dongkoy Emano’s time. It took a while before lawyer James Judith posted a picture showing the fountain heads. That was many months ago. Today, the fountain is still lying idle and the whereabouts of the fountain heads remain a mystery. In a radio program, Mayor Moreno allegedly said the fountain heads were already eaten by rust. Brass does not rust, and the fountain heads are made of brass. So, why lie? A group of concerned citizens would like to offer their assistance to install the fountain heads in order to help the photographers with their threatened livelihood. They are asking Judith to present the fountain heads since he was the last person seen with these. Where are they, James?
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What happened in the province may also happen in the city. Of late, a few businessmen have raised their concern over what the city government, and some city officials owe them. The debts allegedly run into millions. They better check the signatures because it is very easy nowadays to say, “It isn’t mine.” One debt allegedly involves more than P20 million. Wow! This can buy you four units of condos somewhere. As for personal loans, one can always say, “I didn’t ask him/her to do it.” It’s the same modus, same alibi! Some people never learn!
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On Monday, Divisoria was a mess. Some streets had to be closed due to a program held by our Armed Forces and the National Police. Situations like this worsens the parking problem in Divisoria. As such, a little consideration should be given on some traffic violations like that “no parking” rule. When I passed by Cruz Taal amid a long line of vehicles moving at snail pace, I saw one RTA enforcer clamping a pick-up truck. Of course, that pick-up truck was not alone. Were the others also clamped? That I wouldn’t know. But I am sure that in that situation, looking for a parking area at that moment would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Let me quote what my son told me when we were discussing a family problem. He said to me, “Sometimes, it is better to be kind than to be right.”