A few days ago, I was listening to a local radio male anchor urging the public to phone in or send in comments, opinions or suggestions via text messages that may accordingly help solve the existing rift between the drivers of motorcabs and “habal-habal in the city.    

        A “habal-habal” is a term used for a motorcycle that ferry passengers from one place to another for a fee even if it does not have a franchise as its operation as a passenger vehicle is prohibited by the Land Transportation Code.

        I truly appreciated how the anchor tried hard to stay in a neutral ground as he articulated the respective positions of the two contending parties in what he rightly or wrong viewed as life and death situation.

        In a sense perhaps, the anchor was correct in treating the matter with urgency since decisions of local government policy makers may indeed adversely affect the livelihood of those in the losing end.

        The anchor said that if the ‘habal-habal” is allowed to operate within the motorcab franchise area; surely the earning of a motorcab driver will be drastically reduced as what motorcab drivers are now  complaining.

        And if the “habal-habal” is not allowed to operate in the area, how will the vehicle’s driver feed his family, the anchor in argruing for the “habal-habal” has opted to pose this seemingly heart rending query.

        I could be wrong but I really feel that the solution if not mixed with any political consideration is quite simple and not mind boggling as it is made to appear.

        As in any human endeavor in society, where conflicts among its members erupt every now and then, the convenient tool to settle deputes is almost always the law.

        So to solve the dispute between motorcab and “habal-habal" drivers, let the law takes its natural course for it is not only the most convenient way to solve the problem but it is surely the morally right way.

        What if vendors and peddlers should start spreading and displaying their wares on all the sidewalks of the city’s commercial area and right in front of stores that are religiously paying licenses and other fees, then say that if they will be prevented or ejected they cannot also feed their families?

        What if all those who lose cases before the Supreme Court would adhere to Kiko Pimentel’s twisted mentality when he threatened to go to the streets if he loses his case in the Supreme Court (luckily he did not after castigated by some justices )to defy the Court’s ruling?

        Think about it and ponder why cannot we obey our laws? Perhaps, it’s about time we get very serious with our laws, if we want to catch up with our neighbors in terms of development and progress.

Last update : 13-11-2007 22:38

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