THE government has once again been taken hostage by jeepney operators and drivers, with the commuting public ending up anew as victims.
The transport groups’ opposition to the modernization program of the government seemed evident from the start. This corner is convinced that jeepneys are inefficient and terribly unsafe.
They have deliberately put aside the favorable opportunities of a technologically-advanced transport system and rested on their complacency, ignorance and militancy. They have ranted almost every step of the way in negotiations with government agencies.
‘Any prolonged or protracted pursuit of justice for Salilig will certainly deepen the profound sense of loss and pain of his family, relatives and friends.’
Dilapidated jeepneys have proliferated in Metro Manila since the LTFRB announced a six-month extension of the deadline for the old vehicle phaseout.
The government has little choice but to suspend or terminate the franchises of those who have joined the strike and runs the risk of contributing further to the paralysis of transport service due to the tyranny of the misguided PUJ sector.
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The tragic death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig, 24, should drive authorities, led by the PNP, to monitor closely the activities of fraternities on and off-campuses, including those banned or have gone underground.
The CHED should coordinate with the PNP and expect periodic reports from the latter.
The Tau Gamma Phi fratmen who conducted the fatal hazing of Salilig have apparently imbibed the climate of criminal impunity.
As I wrote before, for the anti-hazing law to have more teeth, university and college officials led by the president, vice-president for academic affairs and college deans should face criminal and civil charges as well for command responsibility or complicity. They have customarily looked the other way instead of earnestly monitoring fraternity undertakings, particularly on recruitment.
As an alumni of the Tau Gamma Phi of UP Diliman, my advise is for the Adamson brods and alumni to ensure the surrender of the suspects and for them to confess to the crime, which is consistent with the values of integrity, honor and respect for humanity that govern the conduct of all fraternities.
On top of Tau Gamma’s Tenets and Code of Conduct are: “First of all, do not harm and to treat others as you would like others to treat you.”
The suspects should be provided with competent legal assistance funded by the fraternity and its alumni but should not be compelled to compromise truth and justice just to save the fraternity name and image.
Any prolonged or protracted pursuit of justice for Salilig will certainly deepen the profound sense of loss and pain of his family, relatives and friends.
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Please allow me to share the sentiments of my son (posted on FB), Miguel Lacuna, who just won as Mr. PLMar (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, a state university) a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“Thank you to my co-candidates for the bonding and healthy competition. Ma’am Trisha, Kate, Troy. Daniel, Michaela, Leonna, Chedy, Joshua, Roniel, Kenji, Antoinette. I never felt like any of you wanted to do better than the other, instead, you wanted all of us to be able to perform at our best.
“As a person who prefers not to be in the spotlight, this was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. Our comfort zones give us pleasure. but it’s where we’ll pleasurably rot. Fulfillment and growth can only be found outside of it. Chase challenges. Embrace suffering.”
“You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential” — David Goggins
