For the many decades we have lived on Earth; specifically, the Philippines, a common concern of law-abiding Filipinos is how government services the “common tao.”
There are two types of services, one where government service is rendered by an elected official and their circle, the other is through government agencies.
Public service rendered by elected officials and their staff are looked upon as being political; they share the priorities of those who helped them win their seat. Politicians are focused on caring for constituents who supported their campaign as payback for the victory.
National agencies like the Professional Regulation Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Land Transportation Office, and many others are other parts of public service; however, they do need some refinement when it comes to service.
People in government work in comfortable, air-conditioned office; yet, those who avail of the services are lined up outside under the sun or rain. Why is that so? Taxpayers are uncomfortable, while paid government workers are operating in more hospitable conditions.
Many government workers have changed their attitude and have provided a better outlook because of new leadership.
President Rodrigo Duterte has given abusive and lazy government workers a spanking as a warning for giving poor service to their clientele. Other presidents never cared; this president is serious, which is why workers are afraid (previous administrations were busy with their corrupt practices).
In addition, with the president in an all-out war against illegal drugs, the amusing politicos and government workers also claim to be opposed to illegal drugs – kenkoy talaga ang Pinoy.
Even local government leaders pretend to support Duterte, even when it is not true; that is how pretentions they are – you cannot fool Digong!
Such is the case in Iloilo City, when Duterte announced the mayor was a drug protector, of course, the mayor denied the claims – does that mean the president is a liar? During his campaign for president, it was said the city mayor refused to approve a permit for a rally. When the rally was held at the Plaza La Paz Football Field, the same official closed all the roads leading to the venue. Why and why? But that’s history. Iloilo City is now peaceful and progressing. Many insist it is not political figures that made the city well-developed, but the trust of investors in local entrepreneurs and business associates.
Bacolod City is also growing.
With the entry of Megaworld, with their townships and new concepts in modern homes, they are providing innovative ways of integrating entertainment and living. Such developments are a sign of a better future for the city.
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Someone insisted I provide an opinion on the traffic situation in Bacolod City; however, in this situation, what you see is what you get. If you ask me, if Metropolitan Manila Development Authority officials were unable to mend the local traffic scenario, then the answer would be a negative one. Those guys do not have the skills of Bayani Fernando, who was my mentor on road management systems.
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This column greets Boyet Ortaliz, Toti Querubin, Renato Novero, Raymond Dabao, Erlinda Regalado, Quino Yao, Marilou Montalbo, Toto Rivera, Panyo Torre, Dindo Ilagan, Jerry Sy, Winnie Flores, Stephen Alquiza, and Lito Aves./WDJ
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