IT was scary and terrifying to experience and to look at, in the international news events all over the world: Typhoon Ondoy likened to the deluge during the time of Noah. It ravaged Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, including parts of the Bicol region, where hundreds drowned, properties and homes destroyed, and roads rendered impassable, with many more persons reported missing.

        I have mentioned in my previous letters, the climatic changes due to abuse of the environment, chemicals destroying the ozone layer and virgin forests wiped out by massive illegal logging.

        It has been reported that the size of the adulterated ozone layer has already grown as big as a continent and a big one is hovering above Australia. Many know that these man-made assault of Mother Nature has been caused by insatiable human greed and worsening corruption by those both in business and government. The perpetrators must realize that they themselves are being annihilated by their own lust for power and greed. Woe to the innocents who have to suffer the same fate.

        We dread the day that we will all wake up engulfed by a fireball, or drowned by raging floodwaters, as some parts of the world are now experiencing.

        Our leaders must now find time for discernment. The GMA administration had been taken to task for overspending in her travels and entourages, saving little to respond to emergencies. That is why she was caught flatfooted when Ondoy hit the country with unimaginable fury. Imagine the country having only 13 rubber boats against thousands of its people being threatened to be drowned by flashfloods that visit the country more often. Ironically, her allies are pushing to extend her term by any means, as if she is the leader that our country badly needs.

        I wish this “Ondoy” experience, albeit tragic, will serve as a guide in electing new leaders comes the 2010 election.



        RUDY LACEDA FERRAN

        Los Angeles, California
        UBLA-Business Manager
        laferran2003@yahoo.com/i>




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-- Editor