To be ignored or respected?

The delayed response of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to the wanton cutting of trees by the Department of Public Works and Highways and its contractor along the Manila National Road in Pangasinan was exactly how the latter expected to respond – late enough to have the rampage deemed moot and academic.

In case, the members of the provincial board did not notice, it was indicative of the national agency’s attitude towards the province’s legislative body – a body to be ignored.

As if that defiance of the SP’s authority was not enough, the DPWH and its contractor acted unmindful of the template conditions set in the special permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, perhaps assured that these need not be taken seriously. Proof of this was the conspicuous absence of the Provincial and City (Urdaneta) Environment and Natural Resources Officers tasked to monitor the strict compliance by DPWH with the conditions set forth. They were nowhere near the crime scene at anytime when the live century-old trees and the “dying girdled ” trees were mutilated and toppled.

DPWH Asst. regional director Ronnel Tan was even quick to resort to cover-up. “We were only trimming branches of living trees as part of our maintenance activities.” Curiously, even the DENR did not recall the permit even after media reported the murder of the trees in spite of the ominous silence of the PENRO and CENRO on the allegations.

How the SP will respond to the two national agencies cavalier attitude towards it will certainly influence how other agencies will regard it in the future – to be ignored or to b e respected.

*       *       *       *

Joke no more

WHAT was initially thought of as a joke has now become a serious matter.  Is Grace Poe a natural born citizen or not? 

Angelito David, who lost in his Senate bid in 2013, said no and has elevated his cause to the Senate Electoral Tribunal that handles cases on election protests such as eligibility issues.  David argues that Poe, a foundling whose parents are unknown and who won as senator in 2013, is not qualified to run for senator or a higher position like vice president or president because she is not a natural born citizen as mandated by the Constitution.

A natural born citizen is one born in the Philippines whose parents are Filipino.  Poe being a foundling, the identity of Poe’s parents has become a major concern.  And in a crucial twist that stunned the nation, the respectable Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio appeared leaning toward David.  If the SET should soon favor David, Poe will lose his Senate seat and becomes ineligible to run for President.  Only the Supreme Court can reverse the verdict.

Indeed, the road to Malacanang is, has always been, obstacle-laden

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments