Waste of time and money

By Alex P. Vidal

“The extravagant expenditure of public money is an evil not to be measured by the value of that money to the people who are taxed for it.” – Chester A. Arthur

TAXPAYERS money and time will surely be wasted again now that impeachment cases have been filed against two top leaders of the Philippines—President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., 68, and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, 47.

Although the twin impeachment cases are allowed under the constitution and part of our democratic options if we aren’t satisfied with the performance of our leaders, we all know they are only an exercise in futility in the case of the current Philippine leaders.

Most of us will probably agree it’s “impossible” for both elected officials to be removed even if the impeachment proceedings will go the full route.

Aside from the recent thought-provoking Supreme Court (SC) ruling that made impeachment cases in the Philippines almost impossible to succeed, both Mr. Marcos Jr. and Mrs. Duterte-Carpio are being backed by powerful political and economic groups capable of turning the country’s future upside down.

It is rare in history anywhere around the world where two top leaders of a country are yanked out one after another or altogether via impeachment.

It can only happen if the country has been toppled by superior foreign forces in an invasion, or if a coup d’tat has succeeded.

What has been happening is mere political zarzuela.

But it’s the taxpayers’ money that is involved—and wasted again.

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Elected leaders with opposing political and economic views, especially stand on geopolitical issues aren’t supposed to quarrel like kindergarten pupils.

Like whether one of them is pro-China and the other is anti-China.

As a democracy we welcome individual sentiments and personal leanings on various issues that affect our society as well as our daily existence.

We have the freedom of choice, an individual autonomy to make decisions—such as regarding education, health, or lifestyle—without external coercion, control, or undue interference.

It highlights and represents our ability to select from available options based on personal values. This concept has been recognized not only in the Philippines but universally as a fundamental right, often contrasted with coercion or legal restrictions.

If some of us love Red China, let them speak up and their willingness to embrace Red China’s doctrines and geopolitical principles should be allowed to reverberate without being curtailed.

In the same manner that if we reject Red China’s hooliganism and condemn the bullying our fishermen and navy vessels has been experiencing in the South China Sea, we shouldn’t be restrained, muzzled and intimidated.

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PLANT A TREE. Let us give up 10 square feet of our land by planting a tree. Trees soak up carbon dioxide and help keep the atmosphere clean. If we don’t have the space, let’s use a pot on a balcony or near a window.

BRUSH IT UP. Let’s not throw away our old toothbrush; let’s use it to clean tricky-to-reach areas like the caulking between floor and wall tiles and the area around bathroom faucets. Often a little more elbow grease will do the trick without resorting to harsh cleaners.

PLAY BALL. When our running shoes are worn beyond use, let’s not throw them away. Because of their high rubber content and the fact that rubber is easily recyclable, old sneakers are now being used to make new sports surfaces. Nike is one brand that operates this function by producing its Nike Grind material.

HPV VACCINE. The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus or HPV — the most common sexually transmitted infection in the nation. HPV causes almost all cervical cancers, and other cancers including vaginal, vulvar, penile, mouth, and throat cancers.

The good news is that HPV is preventable, according to to NYC Health+Hospitals.

The HPV vaccine reportedly helps prevent infection and protects against related cancers and warts. All young people should get vaccinated.

It’s recommended that young people receive the vaccine between the ages of 9 – 12. Vaccination is most effective before sexual activity begins.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-ion-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)