"The scolded officials probably wished they could shower after a thorough ‘soaping’ from the President."
"The scolded officials probably wished they could shower after a thorough ‘soaping’ from the President."
Water officials themselves had a taste of the continuing water crisis. How, you ask? Well, President Rodrigo Duterte took them to task in a 40-minute tirade at Malacañang where he summoned them last Wednesday night. In other words (in Tagalog), “sinabon.” Officials of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad were not given the opportunity to explain their side and how they would address the water shortage problem affecting thousands of households in Metro Manila.
After getting a thorough “soaping” by the President who undoubtedly did not mince any words in his trademark tirade, the water officials probably wish they could shower right then and there. They were probably able to do so when they got home as for sure they had water in their houses.
“Shape up or ship out” was the stern message of the President, according to Palace sources who were at the Malacañang meeting. MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco offered to resign as he took the blame seriously. In a House hearing the day before, Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza fumed and told Velasco “it’s not enough to say sorry, tell us how you intend to solve the problem.”
The problem though has come to a head as President Duterte made known he intends to fire more MWSS officials. Moreover, the President threatened to withdraw and terminate the contract of concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad. The question being asked is why Maynilad was included in the fallout when there is water in areas being serviced by the Manny Pangilinan company.
Water officials of MWSS and Manila Water claim the water shortage can be traced to the burgeoning population in Metro Manila. This oft-used line of defense in explaining the water shortage is pure hogwash. Everyone knows that Metro Manila’s population is increasing every year because of migration from the rural areas of people looking for jobs in the big city. It seems the water officials do not know the science of actuarial projections used by the insurance companies.
While the President is in a termination mood, venting his ire on errant officials, perhaps he can also make restoring the death penalty a priority bill in Congress. There is a rising public clamor for capital punishment in light of the heinous and grisly murder of a 16-year-old girl in Lapu Lapu, Cebu. The girl who was raped was also mutilated, her face skinned by the crazed assailant. Her vital body organs were also removed, according to autopsy reports.
Another girl, also a minor, was raped by seven men in Tondo this week. This is the kind of dastardly crime that must be meted the full measure of the law. Only President Duterte can help push the death penalty as he has no regard for the sentiments of the Church. Sad to say, these two barbaric crimes happened during the Month of Women paying tribute to their contribution to society.
Four of the seven suspects have been arrested by the police. In a cellphone recovered from the suspects, the perpetrators were shown laughing while they were taking video of the victim and doing their abominable act. This crime deserves the death penalty like in the electric chair execution of the four accused convicted in actress Maggie de la Riva’s kidnap-rape many years ago.
I would even go as far as suggesting that the closest relative of the heinous crime victim be the one to push the switch to send the electric charge through the body of the guilty.
Too cruel? But is it not more cruel to lose the life of a loved one to mindless men who have no regard for the law? Anyway, the Bible calls for “an eye for an eye” punishment.
The pro-lifers will probably argue that some innocent accused could be executed. But then there is a protracted trial by the courts which determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. A proper court case filed is certainly better than shooting illegal drug suspects on the spot on the allegation they shot at arresting police operatives. Illegal drug trafficking is just as heinous a crime because the scourge destroys families and young lives.
The death penalty, if restored, would put the fear of God on those who commit heinous crimes and deter others from following the same offenders.
Do I hear a chorus of amen from people who are getting sick and tired of crimes being committed against them and their loved ones?