"They will be greater in 2020."
"They will be greater in 2020."
This column’s Person of the Year is, hands down, Quezon City Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes who tried the 10-year-old Maguindanao massacre case where 58 people, including 32 media workers, were killed in the worst case of political violence in the Philippines.
This judge had the guts to pen the 761-page decision finding prominent members of the Ampatuan clan guilty beyond reasonable doubt. She sentenced them to reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, and required them to indemnify the relatives of the victims.
Hats off to this judge who had courage where angels feared to tread.
Santa Banana, while the ruling may be partial—there are still suspects at large and must be brought to justice, she showed courage despite reports of intimidation and bribe offers.
May her tribe increase!
* * *
The year will close a few days from now. It is time to assess what President Rodrigo Duterte has done or not done, and what challenges he will face in 2020.
He has not achieved what he has promised to do—specifically, stamp out illegal drugs and government corruption. He will face greater challenges in the coming years.
There is, for instance, the continuing threat of the Islamic State-inspired Muslim groups like Abu Sayyaf and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who want to make their presence known.
There is also the decades-old communist insurgency problem, which has become a major headache for the Duterte administration. The peace talks have become an on-again, off-again matter.
The problem with these peace talks is that both the government and the National Democratic Front are talking on different frequencies.
Despite an agreed holiday truce, the New People’s Army has renewed its attack on government forces. This brings up the issue of sincerity.
The demands of the communists are something else. They want all political prisoners released—an impossibility. They also want to talk outside the Philippines with a third-party facilitator. But communism is a domestic issue!
My gulay, it is bad enough that the communists are double-faced and have no word of honor. Now they also want the government to capitulate to their demands!
Aside from these, the NPA continues to impose on businesses through their so-called revolutionary taxes. Should government just give in?
As I said, the challenges facing President Duterte in the coming years are overwhelming. I recall that when strongman Ferdinand Marcos proclaimed martial law in 1972, his main problem was insurgency. Meanwhile, Duterte is facing multiple challenges, aside from maintaining close ties with China despite the Filipino people’s distrust of our giant neighbor.
* * *
I have written many columns on the deplorable conditions of our municipal and city jails. Inmates live in sub-human conditions. I think the food allocation per inmate is only P50 a day. The inmates have to take turns sleeping!
I am sure Duterte and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra have seen photos depicting these miserable conditions. But why are they not doing anything about these?
These jails have become a breeding ground for the illegal drugs trade. Here, drug addiction is common. I wish the President would do something about this.
* * *
The congestion at the New Bilibid Prisons is also a cause for concern. Two past presidents before Duterte have approved the relocation of the national penitentiary to Camp Laur, Nueva Ecija. The new location and new facilities would certainly address the current problems.
The plan is already there—all it needs is the signature of the Secretary of Justice and the President. Three firms have pre-qualified—San Miguel, DM Consunji, and Megawide. But the plan was scrapped by former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. Why?
Perhaps Guevarra should look at these proposals again.
Inmates have to be rehabilitated so that they can be worthy and productive citizens.
* * *
What message is the government sending to investors, with what has been happening with Maynilad and Manila Water?
With the decision of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to cut the extension period of both firms, supposed to be until 2035, foreign investors are getting worried.
This could mean that the bank debts of Manny Pangilinan and the Ayalas could be called any moment.
If there are onerous provisions in the concession agreements, the right thing ti do is to sit down and talk!
* * *
Two years before the presidential elections, there will be wannabes who will try to make their presence felt. At the moment, I can think of only three—Leni Robredo, Sara Duterte Carpio, and Bongbong Marcos.
I am sure there will be more than three aspirants. Will Alan Peter Cayetano be among them? What I am certain about it is that 2022 will be an interesting race.
