TIME FOR CHANGE…

I find it very queer to hear about the news recently. Trump just won the US elections, the American people are at an outrage about the results of their elections, and celebrities are expressing their “feelings” about what has just transpired. It is as if, the end of days are near? Well, I don’t think so… probably, it’s too early to say that my friends from the other side of the globe. In my own opinion regarding things like that here in our country, on the contrary, the reaction of the people are opposite to those of our Am-dudes! Right here, our country celebrated! Or did we really?

Last May 2016, the Filipino people celebrated on what some claim the end of the “Disente” traditional politics and an encore to a new breed of Filipino politics headed by no other than the Man from Davao. It was an electoral landslide! And everybody was bad-mouthing the exiting administration due to their very insensitive approach regarding some of the country’s most controversial issues on the airport atrocities, the massacre of our Special Forces at Mindanao, the issues on various alleged corrupt activities, and so on and so forth… they became the evil villains everybody hated (Well, on a personal note, I think those bastards really deserve that! Hehehehe!) Everybody was chanting: “Panahon na ng pagbabago! Parating na!” And then cometh July 2016…. Just to be fair with everybody, I did some “research” on some of thenoteworthy accomplishments of the current administration now for the purpose of fair play and not be one-sided. Well, everybody knows how critical I am with the current President, so just to cut the slack and let everybody assess you by your worth, or as the great Shakespeare once said: “To thine ownself be true…”. Let us cite them punto-por-punto:

1. War against drugs – Duterte asserted even before seated as president that he will do everything to eliminate illegal drug trade in the country to which according to him is already pandemic. The campaign also resulted in hundred thousands of users voluntarily surrendered to work with the government’s fight on drugs. This also resulted to the killing of more than 3000 people in less than six months. The international community had their eyes closed-in to the current administrations’ actions, but what did the Man from Davao told ‘em all? He said: “YOU CAN ALL GO TO HELL…” (Pak ganern… hehehe!)

2. End Tanim Bala – The President effectively removed the tanim bala issue happening before at NAIA which victimized mostly OFW’s. This accomplishment garnered the most praises from critics and fans alike. The previous administration’s officer in charge was a laughable eunuch for not solving this problem during his time, or did he really want to solve it, or not? We will never know…

3. New Bilibid Prison – The Philippine elite forces known as SAF (Special Action Force) replaced the BUCOR in manning the national penitentiary. For me, this move was more questionable rather than admirable, why? First, the SAFs have been demoted into merely security personnel… of which, many will justify that their presence in NBP has finally stopped production of drugs inside, or did it? Well…

4. Emergency Hotlines 911 and 8888 – 911, the first nationwide hotline was executed by Duterte to cater the needs of the Filipino community. It would allow faster response and better service for emergencies. This public service is commendable… if only, this service is 100% free. There were debates on how it will be implemented, and some blood-sucking phone companies want us to be charged of this public service.

5. Freedom of Information Bill – Duterte has already implemented the FOI (Freedom of Information) bill under his executive branch that would allow the public to check and verify public funds for transparency. Many celebrated when this bill was finally signed! Wow! It took years before the previous administration even considered reading its draft, but then again… Experts say that this bill still lack substance; on a case basis, like the access to public records; because a law is still needed to be institutionalized by the Senate and Congress to gain access to such; which further complicated the matters… yey! Now, what’s the reason to celebrate again?

6. One Stop Shop for OFW’s – The newly opened one stop shop caused relief to OFW’s which allowed not just to save money on additional expenses, but it also resulted in faster processing. Now this is really newsworthy! No need for further explanations, and no need to analyze and provide critique. Although the previous administration would have made claim that they have already started that during their time… well, as the famous line goes: “Justice delayed is justice denied”… You came out too late… too bad Noyski.

Many have made claim that this administration have already: stopped “Endo” or illegal contractualization, increased the salaries of the soldiers and troops alike, has duly improved the previous admin’s 4Ps Program, has started to allot funds for future infrastructures, and economic projects, etc. But these are all still promises, and not yet solid accomplishments. People, both the traditional media and social media has either sugar-coated news to make the “Man from Davao” soar the sky, and fly majestically like a Davao “Igol” (Eagle) , while others will splatter sh*t, and face-melting commentaries on how ugly and gruesome his administration is, and that he deserves to die. Well for me, I’d rather stick to the truth.

Indeed, we are now stuck in very tough situations. His Excellency, being the old maverick that he was, when he was still mayor of his town, still chose to act the same… Many see this as his strength; while many portray it as a weakness. Before the elections, he started as a “Rock Star” (as he was described by his ill-advised, lawyer who dresses like Billy Bob Thornton), he had a horde of devotees, willing to jump off the cliff for him, and cheering him like groupies in a rock concert. But as they say, nobody’s immortal (except maybe for Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones Hehehehe!). Well, I hope he can live up to his promises. Besides, that’s what catapulted him to the position that he is holding right now… A promise of Change… Same thing that brought “The Donald” to the very steps of the White House. But, will there be Change? Really?

Enjoy Reading your Tanglaws!

#inspiration #success