Consequence of war

The shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH 17 came as a shock to the world and was immediately condemned by the international community.

Apparently, the shooting was a mistake committed by Ukranian rebels who boasted on social media that they hit a government plane. The post was removed when they realized their mistake.

The international community led by the United States is pointing fingers at Russia as being responsible for the tragedy. Apparently there is basis for the accusation because the weapon used was made in Russia and the group that targeted MH 17 are Russian sympathizers.

Whoever is responsible for the act should be held accountable.

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I am so disappointed with the investigation on the collision of two ships that happened in the waters of Talisay, Cebu last year. So far, no one was held responsible unlike in Korea where the officers involved were arrested immediately after the sea accident.

I am not even sure what the authorities have done at all. Even the town of Cordova which demanded compensation for the environmental damage has been left with no answer.

The maritime authorities conducted an investigation but the result was very unsatisfactory to many. It appears that they are helpless in this type of tragedy that is unfortunately commonplace in our seas.

All we see is the same lack of dedication on the part of authorities which leads people to think that our country is better run without a government.

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The transport sector is up in arms over the imposition of new, heftier penalties on owners of jeepneys and motorcycles who violate traffic laws.

I agree that penalties should be increased to discourage drivers from behavior that leads to accidents. But due process must be observed and enforcers must be clear about the requirements they want drivers to comply with.

Broad consultation should be conducted to avoid unpleasant surprises for stakeholders, and I think we should push for decentralization to take cognizance of peculiarities in the affected locality.

Policies should be simple and unambiguous so that it will not be subject to many interpretations. I think the government should seriously consider this humble suggestion because if they have a policy that is not clear and specific, it is very conducive to graft and corruption. And I know that the President does not like that, because the President is an honest person although not correct all the time.

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I have passed several times through the Banilad-Talamban Road on my way to the house of my sister near Canduman, Mandaue City. I have observed that traffic in the area is more manageable especially after the “no left turn” zones were implemented.

Before, the fact that many vehicles took left turns on the road delayed traffic there. Now you can drive uninterrupted instead of stopping for every vehicle that makes a left turn. Still, to be successful, the new scheme requires utmost cooperation from motorists.