Philippine MRT Saga

I'm a regular train commuter and rides Metro Rail Transit or MRT almost everyday. I have experienced the long lines, tubes full of passengers wherein you can't even breathe during rush hours, the hassle and inconvenience when trains are delayed, and of course when the MRT operation is interrupted or suspended due to technical errors of whatever. 

The government is saying that they are doing something to fix the problem. I doubt it is not something with urgency. The problem has been there for years and everyday it is getting worst. it is just now that the government agencies concerned are being vocal on their projects for improvements mainly because the public and the media is scrutinizing this on going daily public sacrifice. 

I have noticed some improvements on MRT, not its service though, but some additional things in the stations. 

There are more guards in the entrances that talks to each more frequently than help out passengers or check their baggage and give service to the long lines of commuters entering the station. New commuter deks without a person to man it. What's the use if no one is to assist commuters because the only thing in there is a vase dried out greens? Or rather brown since it already dried out because of no watering. 


The thing that makes me think and wonder is the presence of LED television sets on the stations' platforms. What is the use of these televison sets if for months already still in system configuration process? 

These things are merely extravagance and not necessary and doesn't help the public. Bear in mind that the money spent for these are from the pockets of the commuters who suffers everyday because of MRT poor poor poor service. 

Hope is still in me that this can be improved. The government should act as soon as possible because it is a shame in their part. 

His Firsts

Inspired by the clamor of the public, the only son of the Asia’s democratic icon decided to run for presidency after days of refuge and prayers in one convent down south. His main campaign propaganda: fight corruption and address the needs of the people. With millions of votes against his proponents, he was proclaimed the 15^th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Benigno Simeon Conguangco Aquino III, from elite clans of the country, he wholeheartedly accepted the challenges bestowed upon him during his inauguration day. From being the Noynoy of the Filipinos, he is now their PNoy.

His inaugural speech was a mandate of change. Though criticized by the diplomatic corps because it was mostly delivered in Filipino, PNoy just showed his people that he wants them to comprehend his very first national address.

His speech was a bit controversial, giving an emphasis on the so-called garbage left by his predecessor’s administration. He disgraced the people from the government who are abusing their use of sirens, the feeling of being shoved aside and being displayed on of their position and power.

The speech promised to mark the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people.

He was so true with his speech when he himself declined to use sirens during travels and being late in commitments because he’s stuck in the traffic stricken streets of the metropolis. And as a bachelor head of state, he’s living in simplest way he could and making himself a model for his administration’s men and women.

His actions were very much criticized by his critics; his executive orders, policies, appointments and actions. His administration was even compared to a Student Council.

The world was shocked of the hostage crisis happened weeks ago in the country’s capital. The failure and poor handling of the situation earned negative judgments, not just locally but even in the international community. This leads to opinions and comments that his government is weak.

Despite the negative criticism, PNoy flew to the United States for a official working visit and flew back home with smiles of hope together with billions of assured investments and funds for the social and service development for his people.

The young administration’s programs such as poverty alleviation and eradication of corruption are on track. Its efforts in running after against tax cheaters and bandits are quite visible. The recent budget proposal doubled the allotment for the conditional cash transfers that will benefit the people under the poverty line.

Although a truth commission was created to investigate the corruption scandals by his predecessor’s administration, it lacks the drive to criminally prosecute them. The government as if has no intent of focusing on the implementation of agrarian reforms as showcased on the ongoing case between the farmers and the Hacienda Luisita where the president has a direct power knowing it is owned by his clan.

The new administration may be given a passing or failing mark for its first 100 days. Pro and cons judgment will always be not equal.

The PNoy administration is in its puberty stage, full of adjustments and experimentation and trying to impress his audience. It is just like a normal boy exploring his new found power and the new world he is in, yet maintaining the image bestowed upon him by his roots.