It is 2010. Just like that, we have reached a decade into the new millennium. I recall a movie being made with the year as its title, and the tagline as "the year we make contact", referring to extra-terrestrials finally making themselves known to mankind. Well, it’s 2010, and I don’t think anyone outside the blue marble will be making contact anytime soon.
2009 was a bad year. I mean, a really bad year for the country. And the worst of it coming in the last quarter of the year. We had the two typhoons that ravaged the country with flood waters never before seen in the metropolis. Another typhoon practically returning to stay a while, as it too created a deluge in the northern part of the country. Once again it was proven just how ill-equipped the government was in dealing with disasters.
The finger-pointing began in earnest, with unsolicited advice coming from all over, especially the internet. To this date some places are still damp from the drenching, and I sincerely doubt if any measures have been made to deal with another deluge. The law of averages probably being played by the government to justify their non-action. After all, they are on their way out!
Then came November 23, 2009, Maguindanao. A day when the full horror of what a powerful political family, backed up by their own private army, was revealed. Fifty-seven people, all part of a convoy of a political rival of the Ampatuans, were intercepted and mowed down like vermin. Thirty of those were journalists tagging along to cover the filing of candidacy of Esmael Mangudadatu by his wife and sisters.
The massacre was pre-meditated and utterly brutal, with the intention of sending the strongest of messages to the Mangudadatus and others that they will not tolerate any challenges to their hold on power in the province of Maguindanao. Just like that, the Philippines became the most dangerous place in the whole world for journalists. So much for press freedom under this administration.
So what lies in store for us this year? For starters, the price of oil has breached the $80 mark, once again giving oil companies tacit approval to raise their prices at the pump. Hackers have humiliated several government websites, placing department heads in less that flattering situations. The RFID system is apparently being implemented, even as complaints abound and the legality of it still in question. The old MMDA chairman is gone, and the first project of the new one is placing female urinals along EDSA, just like the ones for males. Although this time, they will be green in color.
Whoopie. And just like past years, this administration has yet to be held accountable for its many anomalies, scandals, controversies and all. Barely a week into 2010. I truly hope the rest of the year goes on a lot smoother, and better for all of us. We deserve a break.
Happy New Year to all!