In Clear Violation

Somewhere along the the stretch of EDSA, there's a violation going on. It's not a traffic infraction which has become standard in this particular stretch of road. It's about a violation of a rule that is clearly printed in very bold letters.

I regularly travel about one half of the entire stretch of EDSA since my job is in the Ortigas area and I just happen to reside in faraway Valenzuela. For the uninformed, Valenzuela is that relatively small town (now city) which serves as the boundary between urban Manila and the province of Bulacan.

As I travel on this major highway, which covers about five major cities (Calooan, Quezon City, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Pasay), I noticed this very conspicuous banner poster advertisement placed at the corner of EDSA and Timog Avenue. The ad states that, as per a certain Quezon City ordinance, no political advertisement will be displayed on any major road or street that falls under city jurisdictions. Since EDSA is a major road, I assume the ordinance is applicable.

If you are an alien residing in the Philippines, please be aware that the country is in the midst of an election fever. Hence, candidates seeking public office resort to all kinds of tactics in their efforts to be recognized.

It is in this regard that I found the act of the Quezon city government worth applauding.

The praise, I found out later to my dismay, was not worth it. Because just before you reach the corner of EDSA and P. Tuazon Boulevard (still in Quezon City),there is this technical school on top of which is displayed a huge billboard of two men running for the two highest public positions in the land.

Now, this is definitely a violation of that city ordinance prominently displayed at the corner of Timog Avenue and EDSA.

Philippine elections have always been seen as the perfect tool to effect the needed changes in the country. Unfortunately, it has also been the instrument where either the best or the worst in man will come out.

If those concerned are reading this and if they are committed to making the changes that this country sorely needs, please start by arresting election violators and show them we mean business.