Fake and deadly
First it was chemical laced milk that killed babies, then artificial rice made with “plastic” and now we hear about chewing gum that sends school children to hospitals. All of them “made in China,” smuggled, and clearly adulterated products designed for human consumption.
In fairness to the Chinese government, the men who were responsible for producing and selling the chemically laced and toxic baby milk were immediately arrested, put on trial, and executed with a bullet to the head. It would be safe to assume that China would also dispose of criminals who would produce “plasticized rice” or lethal chewing gum had they been arrested in China. There lies the difference.
In the Philippines, news travelled fast about the plastic rice and the toxic chewing gum but officials remain clueless. We always end up arresting and charging vendors or retailers but never the mastermind. I doubt if the plastic rice came into the Philippines in such a form. Doing that sort of thing in China is just too risky. We already know of several instances where some rice merchants have adulterated rice by mixing NFA with commercial rice or selling “once milled rice” as Organic rice or brown rice. But the thing is our government settles for fines and confiscations but not a publicized trial, conviction and imprisonment of people who adulterate food and medicines.
These criminals are often tried for the least or minor charge of adulterating rice instead of throwing the book, the kitchen sink and everything else to make sure they spend a long time in jail! If we can’t hang them for endangering our lives, the government must at least make serious examples of those they arrest or these dangerous practices will continue.
* * * When it comes to serious topics on radio, I have to confess that I usually listen to Ted Failon on DZMM because Ted who used to be a colleague has certainly presented well-researched topics that other radio anchors seem to find too serious or difficult to manage. Recently, Failon has been talking about mining in the Philippines and his most recent focus being the gold mining proposition that has been approved by the municipal legislative council of Lobo, Batangas.
Ted Failon is clearly alarmed and very concerned that the town of Lobo, Batangas will follow the path of disasters of that line towns that have allowed mining. Ted has tried to use their research and years of observation to explain to the people of Lobo that there is no single example of successful, inclusive and environmentally acceptable form of mining anywhere in the Philippines. To make matters worse, the proposed form of mining in the town of Lobo will be “Open Pit Mining” and will involve the use of cyanide.
When that happens the people of Lobo can kiss their town, their natural resources and their waterways and their marine life goodbye! Then they can welcome the entry of rebels and extortionists going after the gold.
As Ted Failon repeatedly says in his program, it is not yet too late for the town council and the community of Lobo to change their mind and consider Agri-Tourism as an alternative. As a former “Resort developer” I can vouch that Agriculture and Tourism provide long-term employment and are inclusive of different sectors of communities because Agriculture and Tourism not only manpower but resources and services that are already existent in Lobo and similar towns.
Some people may argue that the mountains or hills of Lobo are high and far but what people don’t realize is open pit mining and cyanide is a combination equal to an environmental atomic bomb. As high as the operation may be, the impact zone is also far and wide. Mining will kill Lobo and her people one way or the other.
* * * Recently, Ted Failon interviewed Congressman Neri Colmenares who has consistently fought against the abuses of power generating companies and the ridiculously high price of electricity in the Philippines. I was surprised to discover that Congressman Colmenares is already on his third and last term and would either have to go on a 3-year standby or seek higher office such as Senator or get a cabinet position.
In the time I’ve watched and listened to Colmenares fight for our collective interest, he has been a good example of a constructive and productive “leftist.” His behavior, activity and language has given a large degree of respectability and acceptability of cause oriented groups who in the past were generally acerbic, annoying and troublesome. Colmenares can be troubling but often only to people who take advantage of their position or of public trust.
Like Ted Failon, I support Congressman Neri Colmenares if he dares to face the odds and go for the Senate or decides to be loud and proud in the streets. As For Ted Failon, keep focusing on the people’s needs Bro, because people need champions to fight their causes and never mind the politicians. Your precious two hours mean more to the public and their needs.
* * * If you feel lucky, you might want to try your luck at scoring a ticket to watch New York Times Best seller and respected author on Leadership and Management Mr. John Maxwell who will be speaking at two events
TODAY at the Harbor Garden of the Sofitel – Philippine Plaza starting at 8 am up to 8:30 pm. With 70 books to his name all top sellers, I’ve had difficulty catching up with his work but the last piece I read was “Talent Is Never Enough” and I still don’t get enough of John Maxwell!
In the morning Maxwell will speak on leadership and a vision for national unification before an invited audience of 500 uniformed officers 250 from the AFP and 250 from the PNP. Engr. Alberto Almeria of 7 Great Minds Inc. and my good friend Mr. Anthony Pangilinan of Business Works Inc. as the events consultant organized this event. In the evening, John Maxwell will address invited guests many of whom are community or industry in their own rights. The talk will be a sit down dinner that will also feature Ms. Regine Velasquez and Gary Valenciano both of whom will make the cost so worth it!
For particulars hurry and call “Monica” at 0927 704 3335.