The Rock Star’s message

We often miss the message because we are too focused on the messenger.

This week, the “Rock Star” from the Vatican is coming to the Philippines and chances are, so many people will be too focused on getting near to him, hoping against hope to get a “Selfie,” or simply immersing themselves with the experience, just like devotees of the Black Nazarene. In all likelihood, millions of them will have their eyes on the star of the moment but won’t be mentally and spiritually prepared to hear the message from his divine boss.

It’s difficult enough to listen to a priest or a pastor on Sunday for people whose lives are a carousel of concerns and distractions, how much more will it be in a sea of people, even on TV where hosts and reporters try to give you so much sound, color and Googgled information just to look and sound smart. But however difficult it is, I feel led to suggest to our readers to do their best. Prepare yourselves by removing whatever distractions there might be. Set aside any expectations and impressions and just listen.

No matter how far away you might be from Pope’s location and no matter the brand of faith, religion or belief you profess or abide by, I sincerely believe that the Pontiff was not led thousands of miles across the world just to drop in or say “hello.” Neither should his trip be simplified as a marketing tool to increase the popularity and population of the Catholic Church. The fact that we are starting 2015 with a papal visit on the first month is quite symbolic, but that symbolism should not be about blessings and “good luck.” It should not be about the Messenger but about the message that will be significant for the future of this country and its people. Isaiah gave us fair warning when he wrote:

“Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

(Isaiah 6: 9,10 / Mark 4: 12)

Please stay safe if you go to the venues, hear and “be healed.”

*   *   *

I Love It!

There are occasions when making suggestions, putting forward solutions in a column can become so frustrating because of people’s inaction that you sometimes ask yourself “Why do I bother?” But from time to time it all becomes worth it when authorities act and act with the speed of Wonder Woman and Superman. Last Friday, I came out with a small piece about how students of Rizal High were forced to stand on the street because the sidewalks in front of the school had been turned into private parking, storage areas, and basurahan.

Well Lo and Behold, the whole place was swept clean, bushes trimmed back, NO PARKING signs posted every twenty feet apart and the garbage removed from the area. Even the tricycles that used the area as overnight parking suddenly cleared out. I sincerely want to give honor to whom honor is due but no one has claimed to be behind the operations. Obviously the officials of Pasig City under Mayor Maribel Eusebio is responsible for this, so I just want to sincerely express our appreciation for the action that will benefit students of the public high school. Hopefully, a traffic enforcer or police officer will be posted during entry and dismissal to make sure the place stays accessible to all. Well Done Pasig!

*   *   *

Just before the Christmas break I had breakfast with a high-ranking LTO official and we got to talking about work matters. When the topic of motorcycles and loud tail pipes came up, the official blamed the DENR for failing to submit a standard and measure for muffler noise levels. When I pointed out that this could easily be addressed by following what US DMV or Department of Motor Vehicle does, where they enforce strict adherence or use of Original Manufacturers Equipment on standard vehicles, my friend scratched his head.

Then we got to talking about car stickers because several manufacturers have been complaining about the slow process and issuance. Fact of the matter is I myself have not received 2014 stickers! My friend swears they have been released and to let him know who has not received theirs because it is usually the fault of “Lazy Dealers who are Tamad to pick up or follow up.” I later learned from manufacturers that they are in a “Blackmailed” situation because if they openly criticize or complain, their future relations with the LTO will be dark and ugly. There were many more topics we talked about but I’ll save that for future columns.

For the moment it really makes no sense to demand that the DENR establish noise pollution standards if the LTO does not have the necessary equipment much less the necessary number of enforcers. The biggest joke in fact is that the various LTO offices are obviously not implementing the rules in terms of Vehicle Inspection. All of the tricycles operating where I live are required to have their tricycles inspected before renewal of registration. So how is it possible for them to pass inspection with open pipe mufflers that is banned in almost all cities of Metro Manila? If the LTO Chief wants to check on who among his field offices are doing the job and doing it right, just stand at any corner and listen to how many tricycles zoom by with loud tail pipes. I will even pay for his lunch or breakfast just to see something done about the problem.

As for plates and stickers being held up, well that would be the case if your plates come all the way from the Netherlands. Until and unless the LTO Chief comes out with a 15 or 30 day limit that requires all LTO offices to release plates and stickers within 15 or 30 days, those plates will remain a bargaining chip or commodity for corrupt LTO people to make money on. By the way, the 15/30 means days and not 15K or 30K the last price quoted for the immediate release of plates for “luxury cars”!

*   *   *

E-mail: [email protected]