Think about it
Social clash
By Jun Velasco
IN light of the scams, stink, and all this amalgam of ugliness we encounter everyday, everywhere, we are warned by a text message from a friend on the lesson of a lotus flower.
Be a lotus, which means no matter how ugly, how evil and how sinful everything around you might become, do now allow yourself to be stained. A lotus remains beautiful even as it lingers in the filthy waters of the pond. Don’t be contaminated, do not be influenced by worthless means. Remain radiant among the shadows of darkness. Be a lotus. It has to start with one to fill the pond with more.”
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The Bonuan peninsula, i.e. from Gueset to Binloc, has become a veritable battleground between the haves and the have-nots, or between the rich and the poor.
Caught in the “classic war” are the anxious public that wonder if the law would really be enforced over those who have asserted ownership claims on juicy properties near the beach area facing the China sea.
The conflict goes all the way to the first time occupants of the disputed areas who invoke their right on the strength of a tax declaration document or, as in the familiar ring you’ve just heard over proposed Bangsamoro judicial entity which has lately fanned the fire of enmity and discord that threatens to dismember the nation.
Over a cup of coffee at Pedrito’s Wednesday, Mayor Al Fernandez — under whose watch the “tax dec” issue has reached its most sizzling point — matter-of-factly dismisses all claims to the contrary, stressing that the law will be applied to all or none at all.
Bravo, Mayor Al, for reminding us of the time-honored legal axiom, “Dura Lex Sed Lex.” (the law maybe harsh but it’s the law).
As Fr. Joaquin Bernas, dean emeritus of the Ateneo law school, said on Aug. 5, 2008 on the proposed GRP-MILF MOA on Ancestral Domain, “it’s just a piece of paper. There’s nothing to worry about. Any change on the ARMM on territory has to go to Congress and a plebiscite.”
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While the hubby is in the thick of things, Ms. Elmina Fernandez led officers and members of the Inner Wheel Club of Dagupan in the planting of fruit trees to replace trees felled by cyclone Cosme. At the same time, son Alvin, city administrator, outlines rehab work for Cosme’s victims in collaboration with public works officials headed by Director Fidel Ginez.
Because father, mother, son and kin are all in the line of service, the constituency, Dagupeños would like to quote John Kennedy on how to express their gratitude to the family “not by words but by how to live by them.”
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Catholics and the conservative seem out of step in the government’s “pinipigil ang panggigil” program, citing “unrealistic” methods that won’t work.
At a recent family planning workshop, Upang’s executive director Boy Rayos said: “Do they know that one reason China has staged the great leap forward was its effective ‘one child one family’ policy?”
Not only China, Pare Jun, added Boy Rayos, most developed countries limit their families according to a well thought out plan.
“Ok, if you don’t plan, you’d end up in a mess,” the Rotary East prexy concluded.
(Readers may reach columnist at junmv@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/think-about-it/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)
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