(Editor's note: According to critics most new millionaires in government corporations could be compared to virtual hobos before their employment as noted by the author.)

Cafe discussions are endless, forcing cashiers to throw stares up and down, at crowded tables where guests don’t order a second or third cup after two to three hours of debate, punching the table a number of times.

Stain on tablecloth

When a cup spills good coffee to stain a new tablecloth, the cashier jumps down from her high chair and shouts at waiters at the top of her voice. This is a strong indication of disapproval and a hint to leave the table in peace.

Wage package

Last week the one and only topic at various tables was the compensation package – bonuses, allowances, travel/transportation expense, intelligence allowance, stock options, etc. – given to government corporation officials as directors of various private corporations.

For the members’ future

They were given a director’s seat after investing the SSS-GSIS members’ monthly contribution, now running to billions. The contribution is given by force of legislation for the service and retirement benefits of millions of members after serving 30 to 45 years – the latter being the highest if employment started at age 20.

Endless debts

The average employee-contributors who earn R10,000 to R20,000 monthly are consigned to perpetual obligations – from 5/6 and “Bombay” bankers. Their retirement benefits cannot meet past and current indebtedness.

Cool R60 M in six years

If the officials’ extra compensation – earnings from private firms – in representing the members is a cool R60 M after six years, one of them tells us there’s no law urging them to share their instant prosperity with the employees who contributed billions over the years to earn them a director’s seat.

One veteran critic could no longer hold his horses when he said: Most of these new millionaires were plain hobos before joining the government corporations "to serve/protect," so to speak.

If Joe Guevarra were around

Another knowledgeable observer noted: “If MB columnist Joe Guevara were around, he would find just the right term for them.” When a righteous Cabinet member announced he was resigning to take care of his family, Joe Guevara wrote: “Dozens are waiting to take his place for the same reason – to take care of their families.”

Another coffee addict asked: “Would big private corporations bother to invite or appoint the new millionaires as directors without the employees’ investment of billions?”

Endless debate on hostage-taking

Suggestions (mostly unsolicited) on how to lick hostage-takers keep opinion writers busy sorting the atrocious for “future use.” These readers cite various authorities on law enforcement like: Hollywood’s action stars Stallone, Travolta, Damon, Wahlberg, Willis, Eastwood, Jet Li, etc. The stars’ tactics may not apply to the Quirino Grandstand hostage-taking since the culprit had demanded his immediate reinstatement as a police officer. More than one or two authorities would be asked if the desperate reminder was proper. It was bound to meet considerable delay.

If demand was met

If the demand was met, would law enforcement benefit from it? This means giving back his uniform, rank, and sidearm or arms. In this condition, the element of trust or loyalty to duty/service would be thoroughly considered. It can lead to more hostage-taking incidents of equal or larger proportion.

Decisions extorted by force, threat, or any violent means may not serve a useful purpose. This is a case of meeting an either- or situation without a lasting guaranty of commendable effects.

Making it easy to copy

Worse, it is subject to copy by any police officer of similar frame of mind that can only help petty cops to frustrate any form of excellence from law enforcers – from the common rookies to their senior officers.

This can also lead to more incidents if copied by AFP soldiers or officers.

Fighting crime is fun

And fighting crime/criminals all over RP would be plainly viewed as a joke, without firmness and audacity.

Last Monday’s incident may not be repeated for this reason: All the tools, training, facilities, and skill now being studied/undertaken will give copiers all the doubts/fears of surviving even after getting their demand.

Near perfection

Law-enforcement style is bound to recover and see a new day of near-perfection to avoid a repetition of sheer failure, which the whole world had thoroughly condemned. This judgment may last a few more weeks or months.

Income from tourism may plummet to its lowest level but not longer than a reasonable period for recovery.

The tragedy in front of Quirino Grandstand will be remembered for years, but as a model lesson to correct a “multiple failure of major organs” in law enforcement. (Comments are welcome at roming@pefianco.com).