THIS is the title of one of the interesting commentaries I received in reaction to my column, “An illustration of the blame game,” published on August 7.
“Passed by a ‘hot stuffed’ article of yours,” said the sender, banker and volunteer-teacher Yna Maceda, “while searching for the latest business buzz(es), I was reminded of Robert Kiyosaki’s line: ‘When people are lame, they love to blame.’
“I am not here to critic this daang matuwid thing. It is never my intention. But I definitely agree with you and Mr. Gonzales’s analysis of this whole blame game. It unravels the real ‘structure’ of daang matuwid—underneath the straight asphalts, the road is round…we are just moving in circles…not heading anywhere.”
“Abhorring as it can be, this blame game has long penetrated the veins and membranes of almost all institutions globally, including the bureaucratic government we long have. Sarcastically speaking, in our beloved country, we have this circle called Nato—not the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but ‘No Action Talk Only’ (Though, others might think it is ‘Noynoy Aquino/Administration TalkS**t Only’). A classic example of their TalkS**t: blaming UST.
“While they are busy pointing fingers, their God-given intellects, creativeness and energies (supposedly for nation transformation) are being wasted in formulating/crafting arguments to defend themselves. Whoah! So efficient, effective and economical (3Es). If only they can translate these 3Es for the advancement of the nation and not to cover their bum as**s.
“Thank you for putting a challenge to all of us. We (personally, I) have been sidetracked and distracted by these circus and dramas that we almost forgot vigilance on the real issues—starting from the huge government expenditures. Truly appreciate the rundown of examples: (1) P354-billion flood-control program, (2) P200-million flood control study; and (3) P60-million economic feasibility study on VOM.”
In his rejoinder, Luigi Aimes Tan, who claimed to be a taxpayer and a law-abiding citizen, said: “At a time when our people do not trust their government, how will you easily evade being responsible over your neglected duties and miscalculated actions? Yes, the ‘blame game’ is an easy way out. I agree with what Prof. (Ernie) Gonzales said about the issue on flooding in Manila. The blame game is what this government, the President together with his Cabinet, is playing.
“If there is one thing that the Philippines should brag about, it’s our history and culture. And the 400-year-old university in España is a testament to that. If you cannot respect your history, then you do not deserve to be sitting in that seat in Malacañang, Mr. President.”
In another commentary e-mailed to this writer, Mariekris Santo said: “It is good that your term (referring to the President) will end soon. But I hope all your mistakes, together with this country’s flawed justice system, will not haunt you forever.
“I see that our President does not value the preservation of our country’s culture and heritage. It is such a shame because he should lead by example to all Filipinos. UST and the Rizal Monument are parts of our country’s history. I cannot imagine what other historical landmarks or institutions that the President and his administration are willing to sacrifice and take for granted in the name of daang matuwid.
“There is no doubt that Philippine politicians are active players of a ‘blame game.’ When Leyte was strongly hit and greatly devastated by Supertyphoon Yolanda, we were the focus of the entire world and even the international media saw how slow the action of our government was, as there was no cooperation and effective communication between the national and local government.”
Michelle G. Gloriani, a student, said: “The P354-billion flood-control program allocated by the government is a very huge amount of money, and it is the right of every Filipino citizen to know where and how it is being spent.
“Thinking of the proposed project, this will not just endanger a historical site, but it will also endanger thousands of students innocently studying and striving to have a better future. The climate change is different now, and if a very huge rainfall will pour on Manila, the said catchment basin for UST will not be enough to contain the water, which is very risky.”
“With the worsening condition of flood control, or the absence thereof, it is high time that flood-control measures be studied and, hopefully, be implemented soon. And, when we talk about the worst flood conditions in the Metro, the first thing that comes to mind is España, since it easily transforms into a body of water even with just a few moments of heavy rain,” Charmaine Pinlac said in her commentary.
Pinlac said it is just appropriate that the government address this problem. However, a solution to a problem should not result to another problem. “And this is what Dr. Gonzales, I believe, is pointing out. In the construction of an underground catchment basin in UST, the institution and its 400-year-old legacy might be gravely affected, hence, the objection of the UST administration in the said DPWH project.”
“As I see it,” said Patricia Ann A. Tuazon of the UP Manila Graduate School, “the reason President Aquino’s daang matuwid would not take off is because he’s trapped in his blame game.”
When he blamed the former administration in his first State of the Nation Address, the Filipino people noded in agreement. After almost six years of governance, when he still blamed the former administration for the flaws of this country, the Filipino people can only shake their heads in disappointment. This blame upon blame is starting to shape his legacy as the President of this nation.”
Because of limited space, this writer apologizes to those whose reactions were not included in this column.
To reach the writer, e-mail cecilio.arillo@gmail.com.