President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, in his inaugural speech delivered last 30 June 2010, pointed out something close to everyone’s heart — the siren, better known as the “wangwang”. For starters, it was an effective and a precedent-setting move –.

“Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin. x x x Ngayon, sa araw na ito – dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. x x x “

But alas – towards the tailend of his 6-year term, Noynoy is again facing a challenge in the form of an overwhelming MetroManila-wide traffic mess that banning “wangwang” can no longer ease. More drastic alternatives and solutions are called for.

In today’s MOTORING TODAY December 23, 2015, Ray Butch Gamboa stated:

“Subic never fails to amuse me whenever I go there. And I was there for two straight weekends. The first was upon the invitation of Toyota Motor Philippines for the culminating leg of the Vios Cup. While the second week was for the 2^nd and final leg of the only motor sports competition that auto companies openly compete against each other, the STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge. And all the time I never failed to see drivers make a complete stop at every intersection to give way to those who came ahead. And not one dared to tailgate the car ahead but similarly made a full stop (like the way it should be done while crossing a stop thru intersection) and patiently waited for their turn. And this scene was repeated even at intersections where there were no traffic enforcers in sight. It looked like second nature to these guys—like obeying traffic rules and regulations were a way of life—and it is. 

With all due respect to those running other parts of the country, most people I know, myself included, only see this in Subic. And most people who have seen this, myself included can only hope this can be replicated in Metro Manila or at the very least in EDSA—as a popular TV series is similarly titled, “Wish ko lang.”

We just had the head of the PNP-HPG, Police Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao for an interview in the Motoring Forum segment of our TV show Motoring Today and he mentioned that what’s needed in EDSA to continue whatever small gains they have achieved in managing traffic in the metro’s main thoroughfare is more HPG and MMDA personnel. And I would agree with the gentleman except for a qualifier—more personnel who are dedicated, straight and firm who would implement the law without fear and favor.

This was how it all started in Subic. No one was above the law—no senator, no congressman, no military, no police, no media. Make that happen, HPG Chief Gunnacao, and you can be as popular or unpopular like Senator Dick Gordon, who started it all in Subic. But it still works and people still give credit to good old Dick. Then perhaps EDSA can be another Subic. Or is it, “Wish ko lang?”

I hope not. Go for it, sir! It can be a worthy legacy”.

It seems that for many for us vehicular congestion or traffic gridlock is the most palpable problem among Pinoys. How we deal with heavy traffic and manage it triggers awareness of a series of other problems.

Former MMDA boss Francis Tolentino missed to take advantage of this golden opportunity to expand his political base. And instill the seed of discipline among the travelling masa. Perhaps, the contending presidentiables should take a cue from this.

Mar Roxas’ plan of relocating the international airport from Pasay to Clark serviced by a reliable rail system is a logical ground-breaking start. But it’s a long way off from expecting discipline among our confused voting masa. A disciplined electorate will pave a straight way for Mar to the Palace.

Our political circus continues

Credits from Society of Honor, George Sison, Conchita Razon

        Clowns are supposed to be funny. Why am I not laughing? Instead I find myself shaking my head, sometimes even my fists, in disbelief and frustration.

        Just when the debates were getting a little more interesting, when it seemed that we were giving the candidates a fair opportunity to weigh in on worthwhile issues like reproductive health, our taxes, the ills of poverty and traffic and ill-gotten wealth, suddenly we have to deal with gutter-speak.

        Do you feel like I do? I sometimes wonder how they grew up without any qualms about using the foulest language. I watch the video grabs and think: “I can’t believe he said that.” Sadly however, yes, he did.

        To make matters worse, these distasteful remarks are greeted with raucous laughter. I am embarrassed and deeply mortified. I feel like hiding my face in shame. It is an affront to any code of decency, un-statesman-like, totally offensive. There oughta be a law!

        Time was when we looked up to the leaders of the land and those who aspired to represent our nation and our people here and abroad. We taught our youth to emulate them. We held their principles up to the light, were inspired by their words, admired them for their values and dreamed that our children would learn from them and someday follow their example. No more?

Marked improvement

        The other day, someone said that there has not just been a marked improvement in our gross national economic indexes, but also that a definite rise was noted in the standards held by our young people. They have raised the bar, she said, and this soon will be seen and felt in every aspect of our lives; in our choice of lifestyle, our business ethics, in the way we treat one another, in how we choose our leaders. The standard has been set up high, and it’s all to the good. Encouraging news to be sure.

        I was raised in a world where good solid values were essential, during a time when principles held true, when nationalism and patriotism were not just empty words to get someone elected.

The parameters were defined. The rules were clear, and stepping out of line was not tolerated.

But slowly, it all began to change. We saw the birth of a more “liberated” and soon permissive generation. Before we knew it, what used to be out of line in the good old days quickly became A-OK, acceptable and even politically correct.

        How did that happen? When did we slide down the slippery slope? Was it the fault of my generation? I look back and cannot help but wonder how I personally may have contributed to the decline.

        What has happened to us? Someone shouts out curses and we respond with laughter. Obscenities receive our applause. We are no longer affected by deliberate rudeness or disrespect. An official behaves like a hooligan and we call it his macho swagger. When he threatens to paint the streets red with the blood of the bad guys we can’t wait for the spectacle.

        We do not need to explain this behavior to the children. They will just take it and believe that it is the new normal. We should definitely be worried.

        I notice that since P-Noy’s return from his visit with Pope Francis, despite the rigors of office, he has an aura of peace and calm. He exudes an air of excitement and anticipation as well.

        I hear he is looking forward to June next year when he can finally hang up his political gloves and surround himself with family, his favorite music, and finally live a normal life. But I hope he can still whisper into the ears of his successor.

        Can anyone blame him? All I know is that when it is over, I will miss his honest face. God bless him.

        It is now up to the electorate to choose what kind of leader they think they need.

        The loudest political noise we hear is extolling the virtues of various personalities. We can hear a different but weak echo pointing to an agenda for good governance.

Indefatigable Loida

        Sociocivic leader, philanthropist and entrancing speaker Loida Nicolas-Lewis tendered a luncheon for a hundred of her friends on Bonifacio Day at the Luna room of Rockwell. She went on to rally them to support Mar-Leni with probably the same passion that Andres Bonifacio summoned when he called on the KKK members to fight for freedom from oppression.

        Loida started her talk by recalling the oppression we suffered under Marcos’ 21-year rule.

“For the period of 21 years, the Philippines underwent its longest, darkest period in its history,” she said.

        That meant the loss of human and civil rights; the loss of our reputation as a country that leads its Asian neighbors in literacy, economic ascendancy, democratic system of government; the loss of lives of those who opposed Marcos; and the martyrdom of Ninoy Aquino. Most of all, during those 21 years, the culture of corruption began to take root in our psyche.

        When destiny carried P-Noy to the presidency, he succeeded in moving the country from the bottom third in the world to the middle third in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index. The country badly needs the cooperation of right minded voters to erase negative patience and to further significant gains already achieved. Let me name some of these gains:

        In her PowerPoint presentation, Loida underscored why Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo should be the next president and vice president of the Philippines. Their integrity is beyond question, she stressed. Walang bahid, walang scandal. Mar’s educational background is solid—a graduate of Ateneo de Manila and the Wharton School of Economics. His work experience as investment banker at Allen and Company in New York adds to his impressive curriculum vitae. Add his involvement in government service as congressman, senator and trade secretary under the Erap and GMA administrations. Erap even acknowledged that Mar was his best Cabinet member and could truly be a good president.

        Then we have his team-mate, Leni Robredo with her local government turf. Much of what is done well, or is messed up, depends on local governments. Good local governments, such as Albay under Governor Joey Salceda, or even Davao under Mayor Duterte, do their jobs in making things progressive, inclusive and safe locally.

        It is said that we need at least 18 years to get rid of the culture of corruption that has taken root in the country and to bring about inclusive growth. That would be six years of P-Noy, six years of Mar and six years of Leni that would surely turn things around – 18 years of sustained GDP of 6 – 7%

        The indefatigable Loida concluded: “Twenty one years of President Marcos produced a corrupt nation. Eighteen years of good governance will make the Philippines a head nation and no longer the tail in the family of nations. Then the Philippines will truly be the Pearl of the Orient. It will then truly become a noble race, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, God’s own people— and this transformation has started but needs to be continued.”

Today is a day like no other: it is my 82^nd birthday.

        It is a special day, not because of the personal significance of the occasion, but because I’ve reached it against tremendous odds! So - time to share and be grateful!

        Most octogenarians cannot claim to be as healthy as I do. The great majority have had some kind of major medical episodes. The only major health episode I’ve had is Herpes Zoster or Shingle, which by itself is not life threatening, but it disrupted my routine morning exercise resulting in weakened leg muscles. At seventy, it was extremely difficult to resume the old routine.

Consider the odds.

        I lost regular employment at 65. Together with the employment was the loss of my health benefits. At any rate HMOs discontinue their benefits for those over 65 years old. One can continue coverage but you have to pay an escalating premium every year without any recourse to cash values, dividends, or return of premiums. I still have Philhealth coverage but it can only shoulder a small amount of the total hospital bill. 

        A friend was hospitalized for a major illness in one of the tertiary hospitals in Metro-Manila. A major illness is called such because it is curable but money has to be thrown to it. Everything-but-the-kitchen-sink time.  It’s also called catastrophic disease because it spells a catastrophe to the finances of the family involved. Today, my friend has been moved to a neighborhood hospital because his resources are almost gone. Relatives and friends have pitched in but donor fatigue is setting in. Philippine General Hospital, a public hospital with Grade A medical care but Grade D for hospital atmosphere beckons. A trip to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has to be done. Government helps the destitute, but requires to show proof.

Indigent. Insolvent. Pauper. These words sting. Perhaps poverty is even harder to take than the disease itself, because the last resort is the family home.