The exclusive use and abuse of sirens commonly called as “Wang-Wang “
in the Philippines, was a child of martial rule when then dictator Marcos issued Presidential Decree No.96 on January 13, 1973 declaring as “Unlawful the use or attachment of sirens, bells, whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud and startling sounds “ .Under the decree, also covered were blinkers, or vehicle lights or any flashing devices attached to vehicles.
The decree also noted that there was “such unregulated use of sirens, bells …and are inconsistent with sound traffic discipline…..and in effect constitute a major problem in the maintenance of peace and order “.
Exempted to this decree and authorized to use such gadgets are vehicles “designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Land Transportation Commission (LTC), Police departments, Fire Departments and hospital ambulances.
The decree was never followed to the letter. Instead, it became a source of graft, of abuse and oppression by some people with political connections and money.
A Malacanang presidential security official, for instance became a millionaire by selling “Wang Wang” permits and other special privileges
such as Mission Orders (MOs), Memorandum Receipts (MRs), Curfew passes and other special permits usually given only to military personnel.
Worse, these privileges also include the right to carry firearms in public places.
As a result, those who can afford to buy these permits and privileges
acquired “instant power “ .
To this day, the Wang Wang has become to be a symbol of arrogance
and power among government officials and the rich and powerful .
President Aquino’s banning of the device was not really aimed at
merely stopping the malpractice but assumes a greater and deeper meaning.
In essence, it is a signal for change. It is levelling the playing field so to speak.
Simply put, he wants everybody, from the president down, to follow the rules, from traffic rules to paying the right taxes.
It also means the days of the moneyed and powerful that impose their impunity to make a mockery of the law , to flaunt their power over powerless ordinary citizens are now over.
Pantay pantay na ang lahat. Wala nang dapat sumingit sa linya o pila,
wala nang palusot o lagayan para mabilis tumakbo ang papeles.
Magandang simula !.
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P.NOY AND THE MEDIA: President Aquino is exerting every effort
to cement good relations with the media. His cabinet secretaries have undergone training on media and public relations among others.
Unfortunately, the opposite is happening in some diplomatic posts abroad
like here in Toronto.
Instead of establishing rapport with the community press some diplomatic officials, from the top post in Ottawa down ,are cold and indifferent, at times, clashing frontally with the media , sowing intrigues and ghost writing
by using favored publishers.
Very sad, it is unproductive and does not give the new government a good image.
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SUMMER HAPPENINGS: A spate of festivals defines the Filipino-Canadian community’s celebration of summer. We have the Mabuhay
Festival at Metro Convention Center, and of course our very own Cavite association of Canada on July 24 and the Tanza, Cavite association on August 28.
But there is an exciting event in Scarborough that opens a new One-Stop Shop for Filipino-Canadians that is Quiapo Quiapo which is having a big grand opening event on September 11 complete with a one-day Tiangge
featuring an array of discounted products.
Located in the former Golden Valley restaurant, Quiapo Quiapo boasts of two
Banquet halls that can host seminars, birthdays or debuts, conferences and other events requiring big groups complete with catering facilities.
It has also a full buffet restaurant (Turo-Turo style) with Baclaran-style lechon every weekend plus a full line of Filipino and as well as Canadian
Grocery and food items. Tayo na sa Quiapo Quiapo !
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BUSINESS LINKAGE: Community leader Chito Collantes has embarked on a public relations blitz to weld together Filipino businessmen
within the community. He has successfully conferred with owners of the Rookies Social House, a fast-rising watering hole along the Dufferin area.
He was welcomed warmly by Tony, the unassuming but swinging top honcho of the place.
Next he met with our good friend Jun Agtarap of Prestige also along the Dufferin and Finch area. Prestige packs them in with two spacious dances
floors and superb food and ambiance.
Of course, Chito and company, Dr. Francisco “Kiko boy“ Portugal are mainstays of our good friend and buddy, Rey Sunga of Aristokrat.
Collantes hinted that these establishments needs to band together
as an association to strengthen their business competitiveness.