Varied Musings

Just these past few days, the Big Three raised pump prices by 2 pesos at most.  The government, legislators and militant groups immediately raised their ferocious objections against this insensitive move.  The Palace even passed an Executive Order mandating the immediate rollback of the price increase.   This, IMHO, is just a short term solution to beef up the sagging reputation of the current administrator, and at the same time, serves as a trumpet call by those politicians hankering for public limelight.

Oil price increase is inevitable.  Oil is a decreasing commodity.  In time, market forces will demand the price increase.  What our politicos should do is explore renewable sources of energy and ways to lessen our consumption of petroleum products.  This is a far more effective way of combating the incessant oil price increase.  But I doubt if they will ever seriously consider taking these needed steps, since they are known more for blowing hot air than doing things.

Streamline the public transport system.  We have too many buses and jeepneys, which are not even fuel-efficient.  Worse yet, they are among the top contributors of air pollution.  Water and rail transport are feasible alternatives only if our national and local government officials would stop pandering to other stuff for their own advantage.

Tidal generators to generate electricity.  We are an archipelago, for crying out loud.  Too costly, they say?  Stop corruption, then we will have enough money to implement these.

News through the grapevine confirms what a lot of people already know.  The Philippines Bureau of Customs is still doing a good job of blocking incoming shipments, particularly those of relief goods.  Presumably, this is to expedite the distribution of goods to those affected by Typhoon Ondoy who are currently working in the said bureau.  After probably taking the choicest picks, then rest of the shipments will get released after a month or so.

Damages

caused by Ondoy is estimated to run into billions of pesos. This does not come as a surprise. We, the citizens, who are affected by this calamity should file a class suit against the government and the LGUs, who have been remiss in their duties. Senators and congressmen should not use the CDC or pork barrel to give out “donations”, for those funds are not theirs to begin with; those are the taxpayers hard earned money. Top ten richest congressmen and all the senators should donate money out of their own pockets. That is true philantrophy.