Truth hurts

Ben Contreras

JOURNALISTS sometimes make mistakes by picking a line or two from a news source as if it’s the gist of the whole story. This led one to comment that President-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte made a sweeping generalization statement against journalists. But she needs to watch the whole press conference that dealt with murdered journalists.

I have said it before and I will say it again. If I were a victim of malicious and unfounded accusations, and as a result, my family was destroyed, I will have no qualms in taking the law in my own hands even if it leads to murder.

I don’t mind members of media taking sides especially on politics. After all, we, media people, are also voters. But to peddle lies or concoct malicious stories to hurt other innocent people, that’s unfair. Nangita ug away, so to speak.

Some love to see others commit mistakes but cannot see what’s right in front of them. Some love to police others but not those within their ranks. There is even so much hypocrisy within that you will never know who your friends are.

I know a few who got killed. Their deaths were waiting to happen, especially when they attacked big and powerful politicians. Some are lucky–they just go to jail.

How can there be no excuse for murder? Of course, there is. Makigsinumbaga gani sa lalis, pangdaut pa nga walay kamatuoran? We challenge one to a fistfight at the height of arguments. What more when one is accused of things that aren’t true.

For many years, I have shunned the press club. I know some of the people, who they are and what they do. That was why I preferred to be just an ordinary columnist until I was invited for a reason.

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Counterflow–this is what motorists who cannot wait for their turn do. Lately, we see people complaining about this on social media.

I’ve been writing about this several times, and it’s very common at the Maharlika Bridge. Nothing has been done about it. Luckily, nothing really serious has happened there yet. And if authorities prefer to wait for something to happen, I can be very sure that it will.

I remember one who countered flow. The car was met by oncoming vehicles. It was caught in a very awkward situation, and horns were blowing at the erring driver.

It all really boils down to attitude. For example, we all know that the time allotted for vehicles turning left is very short. Motorists still find it okay to drive leisurely without considering that a long line of cars are behind. Irritated motorists either beat the red light or counter flow to make it.

RTA, Hapsay and even our CDO-CRCD seem to have given up doing something about it.