When one travels abroad, one cannot help but compare Filipino life abroad and that within their own country. For example, when overseas, Pinoys cross the street using the marked pedestrian lane; yet in their own country, they jaywalk. As discussed in a column I wrote earlier this year, “Filipinos are hard-headed when they are in the Philippines, but when abroad, they obey the law.” 
Discipline is of little importance to Filipinos who are not used to, or refuse to, line up to buy or pay for something – but they learned how to queue once fast food establishments came about.
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While having breakfast yesterday at the Belmont Hotel, I read a release put out by the Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that discouraged the public from purchasing or consuming unregistered food products.
The effort is a good one, but useless, unless the FDA monitors food stores and confiscates items or places them on hold.
The release was just the FDA’s obligation to the public. Not until these products are removed from store shelves can we say the FDA and DOH are doing their job.
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Government agencies need to be proactive; it is what the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte expects.
While amusing, it is true what Filipinos say when they have to visit government officers.
If they need government documents from places like the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Statistics Authority, among others, they are often sweating under the head of the sun or wet from the rain; while those serving are comfortable in their air-conditioned offices – that is what our countrymen see.
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Many claim police report for duty by sitting in their office waiting for a crime to occur.
As mentioned in a “WatchMe” column from May of this year, “Police in Negros Occidental should not just be sitting around waiting for an ambush.”
Policemen were trained as combatants of crime and protectors of the people. Instead of performing administrative tasks, they should be in the barangays, the public markets, crowded areas, and so on.
As stated in the said earlier column, “Police visibility is very important in maintain safety and it would be better for locals to see policemen patrolling the streets.”
Taxpayers and city residents do not feel protected since police would rather opt for comfort then serve the people.
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They say leadership on the upper levels could instill control and discipline in the community. Bayani Fernando and Marides Fernando did well during their terms as Marikina City mayor. Everybody knows Duterte did his part for Davaoeños. In addition, Senator Dick Gordon and Kate Gordon did well for Olongapo and Subic when they served as mayor.
Who is next?
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This column greets Ben Yapjoco, Bevelyn Fernan, Bing Vargas, Rosbe Gepelago, Maricel Villanueva, Bobby Tee, Boboy Guatelara, Macky Amores, Manny Parroco, Bong Piodos, Manolet Lamata, Mark Ojera and May Castro. And birthday greetings to Sophia Jimenez today./WDJ