Local newspaper headline: “7-day grind.” It refers to the outcome of a one-week police operation in Davao City against the resurging illegal drugs trade.
And how much in street value the 7-day operation netted? The law enforcers claim the value of the illegal drugs was at P6.6 million. And how many lives both from the government authorities and the illegal drug merchants were lost? None.
Well, it is definitely good news. What is not good is that the successful buy-busts are clear indications that the drug dealers are getting bolder and bolder each day that they seem unperturbed of the grim warning given by Mayor Baste to those who will perpetuate their illegal activities in the city.
Of course the successful operation of the local law enforcers against those who re-live the pre-elder Duterte era prohibited drug situation in Davao City is worth the city residents’ appreciation. It could only mean that they are doing their job as mandated in their sworn responsibility.
We can only hope that the authorities will sustain their efforts and not falter at any given time and possible distractions.
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The head office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has finally put an end to the consolidation of public utility jeep franchises last April 30 despite protests launched by several drivers and operators’ groups.
But in Davao City the regional LTFRB office is reported to have given the drivers and operators a 15-day leeway to consolidate. This action is one that we are sure a welcome development by the concerned drivers and operators.
However, this could possibly be one reason by those who religiously comply with the government mandate within the prescribed period to question. Is the local LTFRB authorized to do something that is contrary to what its main office is doing?
Of course we know that a 15-day leeway is short. But it is something that contradicts what has been mandated by the agency’s national office.
Or, is the action of giving a leeway an “advancer” for a separate Mindanao republic as advocated lately by the group of Davao del Norte Cong. Pantaleon Alvarez, et al?
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It looks like the last termers among the councilors of Davao City are now starting to groom their successors in the office they would soon be leaving after the 2025 midterm election.
We know of at least two. Councilor Conde Baluran of the third district is one. Lately we have noticed that in his streamers given to barangays having some activities, the picture of his son with him is prominently included. Even a cake given to a barangay captain celebrating his birthday became a convenient vehicle in the councilor’s early politicking for his son..
Then we have another one last termer from District I. The councilor is open in grooming a grandchild to run in 2025.
Yes, last termer Councilor Pilar Braga is grooming his grandson TJ Braga, currently her chief-of-staff. According to Councilor Pilar TJ “has the heart for service.” Knowing Pilar we have no doubt that indeed her grandson has the heart for service to the people.
But what seems to intrigue us is that he is an airline pilot graduate, and maybe even an already licensed one. An airline pilot is a high-paying job compared to being a public servant, specifically a city councilor. We know because we have a nephew who works as such.
Of course if serving the millions of people in Davao City weighs heavier than serving thousands of privileged individuals travelling by plane, then Councilor Braga’s grandson’s intention to replace her Lola may be worth considering.
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