"Killings have become common occurences."
"Killings have become common occurences."
These are dangerous times in this country. While there were bombings perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf in a Catholic cathedral in Sulu and then what appeared to be retaliatory blast on a mosque, we have not yet experienced suicide bombings in Metro Manila. What are getting to be almost everyday occurrences however are that riding-in-tandem professional killers on motorcycles. So far, in the run-up to the May 13 mid-term elections—a mayor, vice mayor and a councilor have been felled by assassins.
Last Sunday, well known businessman Jose Luis Yulo and his driver were shot dead by assassins who fired on their van in broad daylight at the corner of busy thoroughfare Edsa and Reliance Street. It was not a robbery gone wrong because the assailants did not even declare a holdup or take any of the victims’ valuables. It was plainly an intent to kill, the motive of which police are still investigating.
Who wanted him killed and who paid professional hit men to do the job? The police are now looking at the business angle for the killing of Yulo. But a few days after the killing, the Mandaluyong and Eastern Police District are still facing the proverbial blank wall. Yulo’s female companion who was wounded and still in serious condition is being awaited by the police to speak and provide possible motives. Yulo’s group had come from Pampanga and their security escorts in another vehicle was separated from the two-vehicle convoy when Yulo’s van was stalled at the corner of Reliance and Edsa.
This latest killing will have an adverse effect on foreign investors who want to come here to do business. President Rodrigo Duterte should exert all efforts to have the police and the National Bureau of Investigation solve this heinous crime to assure foreign businessmen they are safe in this country.
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On another matter, the government announced the revival of Baguio City, the summer getaway place of the locals because of its cool weather. Baguio is known as the City of Pines, but the scent of pines is slowly disappearing because of the signature trees being cut down by informal settlers from other parts of the country.
This, after the rehabilitation of Boracay Island and the cleanup of Manila Bay. Both Boracay and scenic Manila Bay are known to attract foreign investors who want to mix business with pleasure. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism are therefore urged to set their priorities right. We need foreign investments to fuel the growth of the economy. This is why Singapore developed into an economic hub because of its reputation as a safe place, plus the attractive investment incentives.
Why our legislators continue to support the 60-40 rule in favor of local investments is not so hard to understand. Our politicians and their families are in business and engaged in politics to perpetuate their their family’s social, political and business interests. Need we say more? If they are not popular, the leading candidates for the Senate are the ones with the money. Money speaks louder than words and the wealthy bets are expected to turn up the volume at the homestretch of the political campaign.
