The “istambay” issue made Marikina City decent under the leadership of Bayani Fernando, who currently serves as the city’s first district congressman. In the city, there was never any opposition because local residents understood the value of not taking up the loitering, or “istambay,” habit.
During his time as mayor, Fernando prohibited loitering on the sidewalk and along the road. He also barred drinking along the road, which gave the city a decent appearance. Nobody saw barbecue stands or beers stalls set up along the roads, where tables and chairs obstruct the flow of vehicles – that was a no-no in Marikina City.
The national government, under President Rodrigo Duterte, has since taken up a similar policy, yet so many radical groups have come out against the policy. Why? And why is the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law being used as an excuse for loitering? Marikina City families, under the policy, lauded the mayor’s initiative, knowing such behavior can lead to trouble – drink inside a restaurant or your own home, not outside.
With criminality also committed along the roadside, with riding-in-tandem attackers shooting innocent bystanders, why not stay home?
Those opposed to the current administration will be against anything they president, whether right or wrong.
We will discuss this “istambay” issue in future columns.
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JG Summit Holdings, Inc., which owns Cebu Pacific Air and the Universal Robina Corporation, recently opened the Summit Hotel Tacloban. The property is part of the company’s upscale brand of hotels. Congratulations!
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I have recently heard the 2018 Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Conference, scheduled to open in Bacolod City in August, has been deferred. The delay was probably enacted since Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is conducting evaluations on projects entered into by the Tourism Promotions Board, whose chief Cesar Montano has since resigned.
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After two month of being closed, Boracay is already showing improvement. While penalties for violators have been realized; however, many believe the major culprits in the matter are local government officials and environmental agencies for tolerating such abuses.
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Not much has been heard from the head of traffic management in Bacolod City. With side roads along Lopez Jaena Street used by wood and furniture sellers, portions of San Sebastian Streets being used for restaurant seating, and dried fish being sold around Manokan Country, many question why nothing is being acted upon.
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This column greets Raymund Quinto, Red Salgado, Michael Trani, Grace Carballo, Wilmar Drilon, Honey Grace Catalan, Natnat Pugales, Jacksi Go, Leah Sausa, Noel Jimenez, Enrique Mora, Tata Lacson, Joseph Teruel, and Ernie Rivera./WDJ