Obstruction and corruption by design

During our weeklong vacation in Lipa City, I noticed how the local or national government was deep into rebuilding sewage canals and making sidewalks. To ordinary citizens, such projects are always welcomed because they are considered as an investment for the well being of the community.

But in many instances such projects can open a can of worms.

Since there are no signs, it’s hard to tell who’s responsible for the blessing or the curse. Just like when the DPWH in the region decided to rip out the island-dividers on the national highway, which were constructed when Vilma Santos was still mayor.

Back then the idea was to physically separate the traffic on the national highway and provide a dedicated lane for tricycles. When the DPWH ripped out the islands, they achieved a “new and wider look” for the old highway. Unfortunately they also turned the highway into a no man’s land. Anything with wheels now occupies any lane that the rider or driver chooses to drive on. As a result driving through Lipa is now risky business as well as slower. Because there were no signs the new/current mayor got blamed for the mess!

It is also interesting to note that whoever is behind the extensive drainage project still utilizes culverts instead of box type flip top drainage systems that are stronger, durable and easier to clean. Even in our humble barangay, the builders were a lot smarter by adopting the removable cover design instead of culverts. Another disadvantage of culverts is that the government does not make them but buys them, which insures a higher cost!

Perhaps it is high time for the office of the President to put a stop to this racket of planned obsolescence or obstruction and corruption by design.

Finally, the best comment I heard was from a local lady asking “why do they keep spending money on the highway and the drainage that has never flooded when there are so many other places in Lipa that need paved roads?” Since 1994 I have personally been appealing to a Batangueno Senator, Congressman, Governor and two Mayors to pave our access road in Barangay Lumbang. All we want are two strips of concrete, not an entire road — but no luck.

Out of sight, out of mind, too little votes. Maybe when they start reading their names in the paper, they finally do something about it. Let’s wait and see...

* * *

All great leaders and all great governments become such by being in control and never losing their grip on current situations.

This week we are once again reminded of the possibility that the police, our intelligence agencies and the national government may not have a firm grip on certain militant groups that have been spearheading violent resistance to court ordered demolitions of squatter colonies.

It is interesting to note that ever since the P-Noy administration set foot in Malacanang, two things have happened with disturbing regularity: First, more and more courts, sheriffs and city halls have taken action and demolished squatter areas particularly in privately owned lands. As a direct result of the various demolitions, there have also been more and more violent incidents, where activists and squatters resort to disrupting traffic by blocking roads, and violently resisting policemen and demolition teams.

The other day, several persons were wounded, injured or shot at the Silverio Compound in Paranaque and at least one person was reported killed by gunshot. Stones, pillboxes and slingshots injured over 20 police officers. But that was just one of several violent incidents that have been happening since last year.

Chances are human rights groups or the commission itself will respond by conducting an investigation just as they have done in the past. If any investigation should be conducted, it should be to determine which militant groups and politicians have been supporting squatters and helping them organize, despite the fact that squatting is a crime. Which groups have sponsored if not organized violent resistance among squatter communities?

Finally, someone in Congress who is not left leaning, should also investigate the state of affairs as far as intelligence gathering is concerned concerning “armed or violent resistance” in squatter communities. The last thing that government should allow is for squatter areas to become the ideal recruitment centers for terrorists and urban rebels.

I can’t blame our police officials if they feel that it is a losing battle to fight or discourage such lawlessness in our urban centers. When the “enemy” or their sympathizers gain the upper hand by becoming the lawmakers and government officials who censure or investigate the police, it is easy to lose heart.

But indifference will not solve the problem it simply lets it grow bigger and bolder. There is now a recognizable pattern where every demolition is met with violent resistance and in every case some militant organization is associated with the “resistance.” Squatters by themselves are not the problem. The problem involves provocateurs or simple troublemakers who add fuel to the fire. During the street battle the case in the recent incident at the Silverio compound and the earlier series of clashes at the North Edsa /Agham road rumbles.

Even if police officials and intelligence officials chose to be indifferent, the fact remains that cops will be called out to confront the troublemakers; government workers will be at risk to enforce the law. In the end they or someone they know will get hurt or get shot. Like “Hit men riding in tandem,” the organize violence and resistance is a growing problem that cannot be ignored!                                 

* * *

Email: [email protected]