Yet again comes a tragedy at this time of the year; a time when we are supposed to rejoice over the birth of our messiah. But then, in the midst of jubilation, here comes a gargantuan catastrophe that serves to topple our festive observance of the holiday season. How many times has our country experienced this kind of tragedy at this time of the year?

Despite the prompt preparation and preventive actions of concerned government agencies prior to the entry of this “nightmarish misfortune,” casualties are high, more than 500 hundred and still counting. How much more if such is without anticipation and preparation? Despite man’s ways to minimize if not prevent casualties to happen, still nature has its ways of imposing its will and forcing its wrath on humankind. It is not the right time to point an accusing finger at one another as to who brought about the chance for Mother Nature to unleash its rage. But it is as clear as daylight on why such kind of vicious act of Mother Nature took a heavy toll on the people of Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

Looking at the remains of the regions especially Compostela Valley, obviously its man’s selfish acts that brought devastation resulting from nature’s fury. Debris of logs coming down from the mountains, obviously a product of illegal logging was seen as a backgrounder in the aftermath of that deluge.

Time and again people are reminded of the dangers and dangerous provisions of the indiscriminate cutting of trees. Still people choose to ignore the call in pursuit of material gains. It is hard to believe that this kind of illegal activity is done without connivance from concerned authorities. What is lawfully and strictly observed in the Caraga and Region 10 is the anti-thesis of what is happening in ComVal and Davao Oriental. It is hard to believe that this kind of activity will thrive without the “blessings” and/or connivance with the authorities who should have been implementing the law. Again we have to go back to the basic reason that put us down politically and economically… corruption.

The President should take a closer look at his people that man the gates of DENR, lest never-ending catastrophic experience be here to hound us.

Pressing law
It’s less than two (2) weeks before the House of Representatives finally adjourns for the Christmas break. It seems that several pressing laws will have to wait for next year before it finally comes to a close. Despite the Office of the President’s prescription as to the urgency of the bills, no one has dared to orchestrate its passage among the members because of its controversial nature. The religious nature of the RH bill brought a lot of emotions to its debates. The country has also obviously been fragmented by the bill much more with its approval. The issue here is not mere political or economic but also all about faith and how you intend to use them with possibility of the RH bill’s passage. All vested interest groups should discuss among themselves their respective interest and come up with a common agenda to settle disputes and benefits that will accrue to all sectors of the society.

The Sin Tax bill is likewise a controversial issue that touches more the political implications of the law if passed. The passage of the bill though medically beneficial has far-reaching effect to the employment of the tobacco industry, both direct and indirect laborers. The bill though morally upright has no religious implications therefore less pressing. But then utmost care should be taken lest we be caught unprepared for the massive loss of employment as a result of the law, unless we have safety nets to caution its impact.
 
Bourse is stable but unpredictable
This year will bring to a close what could be dubbed as one of the most if not the most bullish year ever recorded. The stock market has on many occasions breached the 5,600 index point which is not customary for a small market like the Philippines. This shows the Filipinos’ growing consciousness of the potential of the portfolio as a more convenient investment medium.

Although the market has been relatively stable despite the weak international market, prices of shares remain unpredictable and volatile which speaks of the nature of the market. Extra care should be exercised in order to create an investment portfolio that is within your ability to absorb. To speculate on the movement of your portfolio and plan your next move is a more cautious way of investing and earning from the shares.

Finally, the tigers unleashed its strength
After another try, finally the UST Growling Tigers made it over the relentless Ateneo Blue Eagles. The way this two teams have played since the UAAP and finally in the PCCL, we see a team that is equal in strength. Both teams deserve to win the championship with how they played the game.

The Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL), though less prestigious and popular in nature is definitely a lot more star-studded than either UAAP or NCAA because the leagues are members of the bigger PCCL league.

But not to take away anything from the other UAAP teams, this final of the PCCL may be a preview of what is in store in the final encounter of the men’s UAAP basketball.

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