The power of 25 centavos

WORTH FIGHTING OVER. With the jeepney fare hike from P6 to P6.50, the measly 25-centavo coin has regained its bargaining power, at least among the riding public. Where before, this small coin has been shoved into the dark corners of the house or stepped on in the streets and even ignored by streetkids and beggars alike, the 25- centavo coin is now fast becoming the most in demand coin for the masa. So powerful, in fact, that jeepney drivers and passengers would fight over it. One college student said, “Pangitaon kaayo ang 25 sentimos. Ang kondoktor, maningil gyud usab og dugang 50 sentimos kung P6 ra imong ihatag apan dili mohatag og sukli kung mohatag ka og P7. Ako molalis man gani ko kung dili ko sukli-an og 50 sentimos.”

 
GOV’T SHOULD THINK. An office employee who regularly takes the jeepney to and from work everyday has this advice to the government: “Maghuna-huna unta sab sila una sila magtuga-tuga og patong og 50 centavos sa plitehan. Kay mahulog na man ni nga dili P6.50 ang plite kay dili man mi sukli-an og 50 centavos so P7 na ang minimum fare. Salig lang ning mga government officials kay de-aircon man ilang sakyanan, wala man ni sila kasuway sakay og jeep.”