Ordinary citizens as columnists
Government officials will now think twice before stealing people’s money because they know the public is now watching over their shoulders.
The angry crowd at the Rizal Park last Monday which demonstrated against the misuse of the pork barrel showed the citizenry will no longer tolerate the theft of people’s money.
The citizenry is now taking an active part in governance through the social media like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Through this new form of mass communication, people have been empowered to voice their opinions on varied issues, from police abuses to corrupt politicians.
Ordinary people have become columnists and commentators in the social media.
This is a very healthy sign of a democracy which, to quote US President Abraham Lincoln, is a “government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
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The antipork barrel rally at the Rizal Park was instigated by netizens, people who express their opinions through the social media.
Although the rally was leaderless, it sent home a message that the citizenry can no longer stomach corruption by public officials.
The middle class and the rich, who live in posh villages, joined forces in that rally to voice out the sentiments of the people on the pork barrel.
We must remember that the crowd at the Edsa people power uprising which toppled the Marcos dictatorship was composed mainly of the middle class.
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In less than 10 years, newspapers and television will become obsolete as mediums of mass communications.
Although I’m a “techie” moron when it comes to social media—I only make use of my computer as a typewriter—I am now forcing myself to learn the wonders of IT or information technology to keep up with the 21st century.
If I don’t keep up with modern technology, I may become extinct like the dinosaur.
And my enemies and detractors would love that.
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Technology is changing at a very fast pace.
The telegram and letters sent through the post office have now become obsolete.
Young people below 20 years of age laugh at their elders who tell them about the telegram and the Bureau of Post.
The form of social interaction that the “bagets,” or the young, gotten used to is the text message.
Even professions of love are now done through text messages.
Oh, how I miss the good old days!
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Three candidates are being eyed to replace Danny Lim, Deputy Customs Commissioner for Intelligence and Enforcement who resigned recently.
They are former Armed Forces chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa, former Deputy Customs Commissioner Galant Soriano and Ariel Nepomuceno, a former intelligence officer.
Dellosa is the odd man out among the three as it would be a demotion if he accepts the job.
As AFP chief of staff, he was the head of a bureau within the Department of National Defense.
He should be placed in another bureau or given a Cabinet position.
To place him under a bureau chief like customs head Ruffy Biazon is definitely a demotion for Dellosa.
