THE FLOODS that have caused so much pain to Filipinos across the country seem almost like a sign—an event that forces us to reflect on what is happening to our nation. This thought came up in one of our coffee talk sessions, and it became the main item on the menu for discussion.
***
“Was it divine providence? Could the floods that swept across the country be a sign from above, exposing the scandals and sinful acts of people in both private and government circles? It seems too timely. Without the floods, maybe these cases of greed for money would never have been revealed,” began the retired banker.
***
“I tend to agree with you, Mr. Banker. Without the floods, these greedy contractors and the so-called buaya in government would have remained hidden. They could have continued their lavish lifestyle—building mansions, buying luxury cars, collecting jewelry, and feasting daily on imported steaks, all at the people’s expense,” the retired teacher said angrily.
“What they really did was steal billions of pesos from our taxes. And surely, no project could even begin without these politicians—especially the congressional crocs—colluding with the DPWH,” the banker added.
***
“I just can’t help but wonder,” the businessman interjected, “why are legislators—senators and congressmen—the ones deciding what bridges to build, what roads to repair, and what projects the DPWH should undertake? They are lawmakers, not architects, foremen, or engineers. Their job is to make laws, nothing else.”
***
“Amusing thought, amigo. You raised the right questions,” replied the golfer as he sipped his black coffee, no sugar. “Why not give that responsibility to governors and mayors? They are the elected local officials, the ones closest to the people. Why assign engineering and infrastructure projects to lawmakers?”
***
“If congressmen were given, say, only ₱200,000 monthly salaries, I think very few would even bother to run. Most are there for personal gain, not for public service. With ₱200,000, they wouldn’t be able to afford a Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Mustang. They’d actually have to work diligently,” remarked the banker.
***
“Would you agree,” the golfer said heatedly, “that most—though not all—of those running for Congress are after the pork barrel? Even senators. They come, they go, and they come back again. Is it really about service? Of course not. Why do defeated senators keep dreaming of comebacks? Mostly for money. Tell that to the marines.”
***
“In my wildest dreams,” the teacher added, “why not make the Senate truly representative of the islands of this kenkoy Pilipinas? There are 24 senators—why not divide them equally among the three main islands: eight for Luzon, eight for Visayas, and eight for Mindanao? Senators should be elected regionally, not nationwide. Right now, our country feels like it’s drowning.”
***
“National elections are still three years away,” the golfer concluded, “and we have no choice but to endure the current administration under BBM and FMR—sounds like a radio station, doesn’t it? Let the floods remind us of the evils and devils running this country. Amen, we pray.”/PN
