By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
Flash flooding in Metro Manila last Friday night pushed stranded motorists into a foul mood, cursing the state weather bureau, PAGASA, for “not giving the warning.”
PAGASA reported an active low-pressure area (LPA), southwest monsoon or “habagat,” and localized thunderstorms. They even warned against “possible flooding.”
Radio and major news outlets carried the story even on their Facebook pages. But I guess TikTok didn’t. (*sad face)
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In the aftermath of “Waterworld-meets-Carmaggedon” in Manila, it was found out that two pumping stations in the city were undergoing repairs for cleaner sewage water discharge into Manila Bay.
Now, we know how dirty Manila’s floodwaters are.
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Ten years ago, former AGHAM party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones, a Mindanaoan, filed a Kalikasan case against the DENR and other government officials mandated to protect Mount Apo – the home of our national bird, the Philippine Monkey-eating Eagle; and the source of water of Davao City, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.
But while he won the legal battle in the Court of Appeals-Mindanao, Palmones bewails how Mt. Apo continues to suffer from destruction and wanton abuse from big businesses and politicians who do not even pay their taxes.
CA Mindanao and the DENR – now under Sec. Toni Yulo-Loyzaga – better wake up!
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Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., the new chief of the Philippine National Police, assured the public last weekend that “killing is not the solution” to the country’s illegal drugs problem.
A long press release came out the following day from the office of Sen. Bato dela Rosa, warning President Marcos that drug syndicates are back and so are their narco-politician protectors because they perceive the new administration as a bit “soft.”
In short, Gen. Azurin, there’s an objection from the good senator from “Oplan Tokhang.”
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Azurin has this framework for peace and order which he formulated as “M + K + K = K” – which means Malasakit + Kaayusan + Kapayapaan = Kaunlaran (Concern + Order + Peace = Progress).
“COP = Progress” actually sounds less mathematic or “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” don’t you think?
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For now, my unsolicited advice to Gen. Azurin about peace and order is simple:
Before tasking all your commands nationwide to solve your “MKK = K” formula, please have your units in Lamitan City prove to all of us first that “Yumol” is not the deadliest surname to have in the country.
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