Bigger problems ahead

IT is not our intention to rain on the parade of the Provincial Anti-Drug Advisory Council that predicted a drug-free Pangasinan in six months but it must be told that such a prediction at this time is only self-serving, and doesn’t add to confidence building.

The PADAC members, and yes, the whole province, are understandably completely overwhelmed by the very positive responses and reaction of Pangasinenses not only to President Duterte’s declaration of war versus illegal drugs, but to the provincial government’s own campaign.  But this phase is precisely an omen of far more problematic issues that will beset the province in the weeks and months ahead.

It’s plain to see that the totally unexpected response of the communities and the drug personalities did not prepare both the national and local governments to fully and effectively manage their resources to meet the emerging contingencies that necessitate immediate action.

Unless and until both national and local governments can effectively follow through with their commitments to help rehabilitate the self-confessed drug users and pushers soon and well, the bad habits will be picked up again in no time.  And when this happens, one can surmise the frustration that will set in among the law enforcers and the local governments even before they can say: Let’s not stop! Then it will be ningas cogon all over again.

The results of past and endless campaigns against jueteng for all its touted evil and corruptive impact are lessons that can serve PADAC well.

Boorish behavior

IF you are a past President, isn’t it just right that you are above personal issues already?  Of course.  But do not tell that to PNoy Aquino.

PNoy snubbed President Duterte’s SONA (State of the Nation Address) on July 25.  That was unprecedented.  It was obvious PNoy didn’t want to be seen in the same occasion with Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the ex-President PNoy had helped put to prison for nearly five years. In contrast, GMA was at the SONA just three days after she was released from hospital arrest by the Supreme Court. If that was not being petty on PNoy’s part, what is?

Three days after the SONA, PNoy committed his second snub when he ignored the presence of GMA at Malacanang during a National Security Council meeting that saw all five living Presidents in attendance: Erap, FVR, GMA, PNoy and Mr. Duterte.

PNoy wasn’t just guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct but of boorish behavior as well.

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