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Friday, March 29, 2024

An alarming influx

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"The Chinese are distorting real estate values."

 

 

I have read and heard many comments of avid fans of HBO show Game of Thrones. Not everybody is happy with the finale.

I don’t claim to be a critic of the most-watched series on TV. But as a fan, I believe that GOT’s producers, screenwriters and directors seem to have crammed everything in the last episode when it could have gone on for up to four more episodes to satisfy the fans. 

I watched the show from the start. I think the producers could have given more episodes to Jon Snow a.k.a. Theon Targaryen, true heir to the Iron Throne after he slayed the mad queen Daenerys.

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In the case of Sansa, who became queen of independent Winterfell, fans expected her to do something for the people of Winterfell.

As for Bran Stark as king of the six kingdoms, the question in my mind was how could a cripple rule six kingdoms? Yes there was Tyrion Lannister, but I believe it was unlikely for Bran to keep the six kingdoms together.

There was Arya Stark, who in the series became a woman from the girl we first saw her to be. Her going to be Eastern side of Westeros raises a lot of questions on what will become of her. 

But then the producers, writers and directors decided to end the show. That is their prerogative, of course. 

What I like about GOT is that anybody viewing it can have mixed feelings and emotions.  It evoked pity, sympathy and sorrow for the characters. There was conspiracy, revenge, hatred and pathos for the villain Cersei. 

What amazed me was how the writers could intertwine the main plot with all the sub-plots. This I think is what makes GOT the best series of all.  It did not just have everything a fan could ask for.  It went beyond it by having nudity, sex and dragons, among others.

Santa Banana, there was even an incident when Jon Snow was resurrected from the dead—a real fantasy!

I love fantasies. When I was in high school, I read Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. I also read stories about the Greek gods and goddesses.

Whether reality or fantasy, there is always the struggle between good and evil. 

* * *

Although my wife and I still consider ourselves residents of Makati City —we have a house in Ecology Village—we now live with our daughter in Merville Park in Parañaque. 

Last March 4 and April 6, the Merville Homeowners’ Association issued to all residents a mandatory circular requiring us to register the names of new helpers or homeowners, whether they are Filipinos or foreign nationals. 

According to the association, the main reason for this requirement is the alarming influx of foreign nationals, specifically employees of companies involved in offshore gambling. 

The MPHA noticed a significant increase in the number of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in recent months. To carry out their business, they have been hiring Chinese nationals and have been acquiring and leasing homes in which to billet their employees.  Some homeowners are lured by the high rentals these operators are offering to pay—way above the average real estate rates in the area.

I have been told that the normal rental for a small house is P30,000 to P50,000. The Chinese are offering twice as much. The circular said “we should reiterate that Merville Park was designed for single family dwelling units based on the subdivision plan and city ordinance No. 07-017 dated Dec. 11, 2017. 

The circular added “the use of properties for such purpose will be challenged and will deplete carrying capabilities of the village, i.e., water, drainage, power, security and traffic and will greatly affect the quality of life in the community. Therefore, staff houses, gaming houses and warehouses are not allowed.”

The circular went on to say: “We assure our homeowners and residents that the MPHA will not allow the degradation of our village and will undertake all legal means in order to better serve what we all worked so hard for.”

“We are, therefore, coordinating with our government agencies i.e., city government, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau if Internal Revenue, HLURB and other appropriate agencies to protect our interest. We hope to continually work with you to make Merville Park the best it can possibly be. Please report to the MPHA houses that you see being used as boarding houses. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”

I am told that other villages in Metro Manila have also issued similar circulars to their homeowners because f the influx of the Chinese.

Amid this, President Duterte should secure and safeguard Filipino interests.

In the meantime, the incoming Senate should probe deeper into this truly alarming development. 

* * *

With the proclamation of Christopher Lawrence Go as senator, he should remember he should no longer be seen hanging out at the President’s residence anymore. 

He is no longer special assistant. No longer an alalay. He will soon be a senator. 

He should now represent the interest of his real constituency, the country.

* * *

The Commission on Audit has found that the Office of the Solicitor General has been spending excessively on hotels for dining and seminars.

I recall that President Duterte fired government executives for expensive travels and other expenses. The question is, what will the President do now with his Solicitor General, Jose Calida? 

Recall that Calida was also accused of having conflict of interest when his security agency was found to have contracts with government agencies.  Calida was also discovered to be receiving excessive allowances. 

But nothing has been done. Why, Mr. President?

www.emiljurado.weebly.com

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