Sound of Silence

With apologies to Simon and Garfunkel. It just seemed an appropriate title after the new President's directive against those who use sirens and blinkers to lord it over the streets and pretty much have their way among the ordinary people. The bullies we have detested for the past nine years.

Indeed, the Arroyo administration has the dubious reputation, among other dubious reputations, as being so tolerant of these road cretins. Lawmakers, cabinet secretaries, soldiers, police not on duty, volunteer fire marshals for goodness sake and whoever has even the most mundane connection to anyone in government, even a janitor!

In P. Noy's administration, this abuse will not be tolerated. The President himself has vowed to forego this privilege, and stop at traffic lights, even if he has an escort. We had a preview of this when he lined up for four hours to vote. A President whom is one of us. A leader who the Juan de la Cruzes of this country can identify with.

Many have rolled their eyes at the President's singling out of a petty offense, instead of focusing on the bigger problems of the country. I disagree. The fact that the President has included such an abusive practice in his inaugural speech shows how much the ordinary citizens of this country have had it.

It epitomized how the Arroyo administration saw the people of this country. It showed how those in power could wield it with simple devices. It showed how we have been degraded into being pushed aside, so these "servants of the people" can pass without delay.

I can only gloat at those who will eventually lose this privilege, as they join everyone else in experiencing Metro Manila traffic!

But the President's new directive may be coming back to bite him, as he has already been late for one occasion, and an important one at that. He has vowed to leave early while holding to his directive. I'm sure no one will react if he decides that he needs his escorts to clear the road for him in certain circumstances.

As for those saying that it is a security nightmare whenever they stop on the streets, they will just have to earn their pay from now on, for we have a true President of the people. Who has quite different views and policies regarding his office and those around him. Policies that keep him in touch with the people.

For now and the next six years, I will enjoy the sound of silence on the roads.