The aforementioned US study and the widespread devastation wrought by the tropical storm in Mindanao followed by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the Visayas demand urgent and resolute action from the government and the private sector in anticipation of an earthquake similar to what hit Japan last year. Although some local government units, like Marikina City and as mentioned earlier, the province of Albay with its Climate Change Academy, have taken the initiative to undertake the necessary measures to address such calamitous scenarios, such efforts seem isolated and devoid of a comprehensive program emanating from the national government to encompass the whole bureaucracy all over the country. The response of the national government to the victims of "SENDONG" in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan was observed to be inadequate and complaints came out from many victims about the misuse of relief goods by local officials for political purposes. So much attention for previous failures as intensive preparations should be made in anticipation of possible recurrence of any weather disturbance or earthquake in the near future. (NOTA BENE: This Blogger was forced to an unexpected and unwanted sabbatical from blogging activities by a wayward soul who dared filched our netbook on the wee hours of February 25, 2012, which date happened to be my 67th natal day. It's only on April 2, 2012 that we were able to obtain a replacement personal computer for the family use. Likewise, it's only in this much feared Friday the 13th or April 13, 2012 that I am now resuming my blogging inclination, and so be it.)
During this month of April 2012, the recurrence of destructive typhoons has now abated where flood-prone areas all over the country are mercifully spared of raging waters ravaging low lying communities and causing landslides that wreak havoc on lives and properties. Of course, the summer heat is now inflicting extreme discomfort on people everywhere leading wealthy families to travel to pleasure spots elsewhere. However, the poor masses have nowhere to go and just brave the sweltering heat in earning their living or traverse the polluted waters of rivers,lakes and bays for bare comfort. Still, climate change hovers around and recent earthquakes occurring in other parts of the globe impart ominous signs that the government and the private sectors must now take a proactive stance to prepare for any eventuality, be they earthquakes, typhoons or any weather disturbances. As the saying goes, it's better safe than sorry notwithstanding all adverse criticism!
February 17, 2012
THE PHILIPPINES ON ANTEDILUVIAN CROSSROADS - REVISITED, Part Two
A particular news item in a national broadsheet on December 10, 2011 captured my undivided attention. It was aptly titled "US study links tropical typhoons to earthquakes" as it posed highly grave implications to the Philippines' status as the world's most disaster-prone country. However, other pressing personal concerns caused me lose the grasp of its importance until several days later.
When I remembered about it, I tried to look for it at said broadsheet's website without success. With the recent devastating earthquake of magnitude 6.9 which hit several provinces in the Visayas, the overwhelming importance of the aforementioned news spurred my determinaion to research Google about it. I was fortunate enough to find an article which I deem reflective of the news item I failed to retrieve the needed copy.
January 23, 2012
A BEWILDERED PEEK ON CJ CORONA'S IMPEACHMENT
In the days leading to January 16, 2012, the start of the Senate proceedings on the historical impeachment of a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the pages of newspapers and the airwaves of the radio and television were overwhelmed by the pros and cons anent the various ramifications inherent in this democratic exercise. To this non-lawyer bystander, I could not help being immensely confused at the pompous and overly legalistic posturings of the Corona camp. I find it difficult to accept that many reputable lawyers have chosen to defend the cause of SC CJ Corona based on their contention that the independence of the Supreme Court and the judiciary is imperilled by the impeachment initiated by the House of the Representatives at the behest of the executive.
This Blogger strongly believes that the Supreme Court's independence and integrity have been compromised by CJ Corona when he accepted his midnight appointment by the outgoing President Arroyo in blatant violation of the constitutional prohibition on such appointments. Even its ratification by the eight SC appointees of the outgoing president, to this non-lawyer, will never correct the inherent constitutional infirmity but, instead confirm public perception that the CJ Corona-led Supreme Court intends to protect the interests of the Arroyos.
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