Ticking fuel bomb

We received reliable information that geologists from the UP National Institute for Geological Science (NIGS) have reportedly determined that the source of the gas leak at the West Tower condominium in Makati are from pipes shared by Shell and Caltex that supply aviation fuel to the airport. The gas leak which started in July has already dislocated condominium residents, affected business establishments near the building and has not only sowed fear among residents in Barangay Bangkal but convinced them that their lives are literally in danger particularly because exposure to the noxious fumes are causing health risks, with many already complaining about difficult breathing. It has also been determined that the water table around the area may have been contaminated, my sources added.

The information we received shows that as much as 20 barrels per day are being extracted from the building basement, and the worst part is that the waste is reportedly being dumped daily in Laguna Lake. This problem could develop into a major catastrophe like what happened in Bhopal, India several years ago where thousands of people died because of a gas leak in the Union Carbide pesticide plant. Up to this day, residents in the area continue to suffer from serious health problems such as chronic respiratory ailments, dizziness and headaches. The Bhopal tragedy has been considered as the worst industrial disaster ever that has also caused untold environmental damage.

If the people responsible for this ticking fuel bomb in Bangkal, Makati don’t act quickly and swiftly, the situation could develop into another major catastrophe that the Philippines is beginning to be known for.

For better or for worse

A resident of Ayala-Alabang told us it took him nine hours to get home after leaving the office at 3 p.m. for an early dinner with his wife. He got stuck in one horrendous traffic jam at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) because of the usual suspect – an old bus conking out in the middle of the highway. But the worst was yet to come. This poor man not only had to endure the traffic; he also forgot his cell phone in his office. His wife tried to call him several times, with no answer. Obviously we all know what happened next when he finally got home.

People are not only getting angry and frustrated at the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, worse, some of them even get “beaten up” by their wives. The MMDA should just go ahead and strictly enforce the number coding scheme and go after colorum buses that are one of the primary causes of traffic gridlocks, not to mention accidents especially in EDSA – before implementing the proposed “odd-even scheme” that could end up expanding the traffic mess on the side roads. Let’s face it, as we see more and more cars on the road, traffic will just get worse before it gets any better. Meanwhile, even marriages are being severely tested to withstand the traffic “for better or for worse.”

Rigodon

 A regular balikbayan who enjoys watching local television said he is getting confused figuring out which channel is what because of the rigodon of TV personalities from one channel to another. It seems more and more broadcast and showbiz personalities are moving over to TV5 like Cheryl Cosim, Erwin Tulfo and Willie Revillame, all of them with brand new shows. Obviously, the Kapatid network is offering more lucrative contracts to these TV personalities. Princeton graduate and award winning journalist Maria Ressa, who has filed her resignation from ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya network, is rumored to have been offered a multi-million peso a year contract to hop over to MVP’s TV5.

More P-Noy ‘classmates‘

 When you’re President, a bachelor and just turned 50, somehow you tend to have more and more people claiming to be your classmates especially when you appoint many of them to key positions in government.

Some members of Ateneo’s Class ’78 which includes Monch Cruz, Noel Bautista, Al Tengco, Ting Feliciano, Mikey Cojuangco, Joe Fores, Rene Banzon and a host of others are turning 50 with a big bash at the Establishment in Fort Bonifacio Global City to celebrate their “golden year.” Monch Cruz tells me they’ve invited no less than P-Noy to their party but assures us they are not claiming to be his classmates. “Not at all,” Monch says. “He is an invited guest because he has many friends and relatives from the Ateneo class of ’78.” PNoy belongs to the Ateneo class of ’77, so puwede na rin!

Spy tidbit

We are very sad to hear about the passing of Sophia Roco-Avanceña, daughter of the late Senator Raul Roco, who joined her father earlier than expected. The 40-year-old Pia passed on to her next life due to a severe allergic reaction that caused acute respiratory failure. The condition of people with allergies and lung conditions such as acute asthma is definitely exacerbated by the worsening pollution in this country. Our deepest sympathies go to Raul’s widow, Mrs. Sonia Malasarte Roco, for the loss of her daughter.

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