MANILA, Philippines - It’s about time our leaders should stop cheap politicking and start doing what is right. Esteros, creeks and other waterways are not meant to be occupied by informal settlers. These are meant to allow the free flow of water to their ultimate destination.
The clogging of our drainage canals and other waterways has always been the cause of flooding in the metropolis. This has been attributed largely to the reckless garbage disposal habit which authorities have been trying to correct and the uncontrolled occupation of these waterways by these squatters.
While it may appear hospitable and kind to allow these informal settlers to seek shelter in these prohibited areas, the truth is, our municipal and city administrators are not truly doing them any help. Instead, they are jeopardizing the welfare of the larger community and putting at serious risk the lives we have seen during the various floods that devastated certain parts of our country.
Bayani Fernando is right when he insists on putting law and order in our community. It is just sad that many of our constituents misunderstood him. The “leftists” in our midst even accused him of being a “Hitler” when he clears the sidewalks of illegal vendors and yet it is we who enjoy the comfort of a wide highway like Commonwealth Avenue after he removed the squatter colonies which used to line up this national road.
We appeal to our leaders to take the bitter pill. Enforce the law and protect our environment. This will be your legacy to your children and to your children’s children – clear our waterways. Rid them of squatters by transferring them to other available government lands. You may lose some votes… But when the people realize what you did is right, you will finally gain an enlightened following and support. — Atty. Ricardo J.M. Rivera, Pasig City