Yes, the old adage which says that the more things change, the more they remain the same is indeed correct. The recent typhoon Basyang proves the saying: First the predictions of PAGASA as to the path of the typhoon were off the mark. The CNN prediction was more accurate in that the path was predicted to hit Metro Manila. Of course we can appreciate the lack of the necessary equipment which I would like to believe that PAGASA requested to be provided sometime ago. Therefore PAGASA and the new administration are not to be blamed. Let’s see what happens in the future.

As to the usual brownouts during a typhoon or even in good weather, I wonder whether the government, Meralco and the national power grid can do something about it. At the very least they can reduce or minimize the occurrence of brownouts? Anyway I commend the Meralco crew and its emergency contractors for doing a good job in restoring power within their service areas within 24 hours. With the destruction of the Meralco posts in our village, we also did not have PLDT service for our “long line”, hence, no internet which was connected to PLDT. After power was restored the PLDT and internet service became operational. The good thing though was that before, during and after the typhoon, water service at a high pressure of 30 psi. was available.

What about the NAIA equipment ie instrument landing system, very high frequency radio system, radars, standby generators etc. Are the airport’s glitches a thing of the past? I hope so because last Wednesday after the typhoon a close relative of mine arrived from Cebu. Guess what, there were only a few air bridges that were operational that passengers had to be brought by buses to the terminal.

The situation in a sense caused a traffic jam of airplanes. Why did these things happen?

We also experienced the usual flooding in areas that are frequently under water during heavy rains. I wonder whether this old problem will ever be solved, again at least in areas that are above sea level.

The departments that are directly responsible are in a position to solve the perennial problems. The new Cabinet secretaries are qualified and experienced enough to acquit themselves satisfactorily in the job at hand. Of course managing a private business is challenging enough, but running a government institution is something else.

Throughout the years politicians have learned how to use their power and influence by several means: ie from cutting the budget, privilege speeches, investigations, media propaganda, threat of requesting Malacanang to remove officials from office, filing of anti graft cases which are flimsy or have weak or no basis in fact or law etc.

At the end of the day those who have served in the government either as appointees or as elected officials know what to expect. For others who are appointed to government positions for the first time who are there to serve honestly and sincerely, my advice is to be a diplomat and do your duty regardless of threats. However, there is always the option to resign when you can no longer serve in the honorable manner that befits a public official. rene.espina@hotmail.com