A Grab Car driver shared his opinion that some of the most corrupt enforcers in Metro Manila are from the City of Manila as often shared by other Grab drivers. This unsolicited conversation was certainly not news to me, judging from the incidents and complaints that have popped up in the news and social media, where some City of Manila traffic enforcers became the subject of the complaints.
In response, I told the driver that authorities have acted on the complaints and corrupt enforcers were removed or suspended from work. To this the driver pointed out that you only stand a chance to complain if you have a dashcam video that could contest the claims of the arresting officer.
In his case, it was for “Swerving” from one lane to another when he realized that he was on the lane for left turners. The driver pointed out that he had changed lanes while still far from the traffic light or the left turn, but the enforcer refused to consider his argument and repeatedly told him to contest the matter if he wanted to. When he argued even more, the enforcer wrote down his violation as “Reckless Driving” resulting in a P2,000 fine equivalent to three days of driving.
“So, why did you not contest the arrest?” I asked. Like most people, his response was, he felt it would be a waste of time and lose income for two days if not more. Then I asked him when this incident happened. “Almost a year ago,” he replied.
I explained to the driver that if someone had told him a year ago that he would still be bothered by the abuse and injustice he suffered in the hands of a traffic enforcer of Manila today, he probably might have contested the citation.
Did it ever occur to him that by contesting the matter and even filing a case against the corrupt traffic enforcer, he would be “doing unto him what the man has been doing to others?”
The corrupt enforcer was effectively robbing him of his time and money, so if the driver went to a public defender or the Tulfo brothers, or the Manila City Hall, chances are the guilty enforcer will experience what his actions do to others. If he got fired, then he would also learn what it feels to lose your income. As a last point, I told the driver that if he decided not to do something real and legal about it, then he really can’t or shouldn’t complain about something he let slide.
He clearly had a moment of revelation and declared that next time some corrupt enforcer attempts to pull the same scam, he will not hesitate to protest and contest.
There are still many good people in national and local government, much more than bad ones. But we all need to give them the opportunity to prove it. Faith, as they say, requires action. Try it or “Just Do It!”
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During a lunch with officers of the Rizal Medical Center or RMC, Rizal Governor Nini Yñares had our undivided attention as she talked about the good, the bad, even the ugly of public service as well as her frustrations over “failed” livelihood projects where recipients were too impatient for the outcomes or simply cheated and sold out.
Some of those projects involved distributing sewing machines, teaching recipients how to sew and have a stable livelihood. But instead of really learning the craft, people decided to take the short cut, settled for making “basahan” (rags) potholders which they sold at nearby markets or on the streets. The worst were people who eventually used those sewing machines as “displays” or table-top for household items such as pictures or radios, or hocked them.
There were other similar projects where people who signed up would actually use the money as down payment for tricycles instead of the intended project such as a sari-sari store, etc. This is the reality in the Philippines where there are too many people in need of empowerment but not enough knowledgeable individuals to teach, help set up and monitor the projects on the long term. Many in the agricultural sector call this “The Disappearance of Extension Workers.”
In today’s digital age, everything you want to know about livelihood projects, products, how to and where to market as well as upsizing or upgrading is readily available. But as far as beginners or amateurs go, they all need someone to teach, train, support and direct their steps until they’ve done the system for several cycles of good and bad times. Unfortunately, most of what’s available out there are “hit & run” seminars or lectures.
Another flaw is that those who are conducting trainings, etc. are focused on how to make money or have a “livelihood” but not setting things up as a household activity as common or regular as doing laundry, cleaning the house. In other words, it’s part of daily life and needs.
Back in the early days, people would raise a dozen or so chickens in the yard or in cages, even in the city. They got their eggs and every now and then pick a fat hen or annoying rooster for tinola whenever guests would come for lunch. It was normal to have a pet pig in the backyard for future sale or for Christmas.
President Bongbong Marcos keeps talking about agricultural aspirations and food security, etc. but until and unless he restores the fundamental support system of farm or agricultural extension workers, livestock and seed dispersal programs and require the DTI, the OP to push for alternative markets and local supplies, all his great ideas will be for nothing.
Yes, time is running out but more especially for food security and health of millions of Filipinos. Go back to fundamentals, Mr. President. Stop making foreign farmers and farms richer.
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