SIGN OF THE TIMES

The Feb 04 2006 stampede at the Philippine Sports Arena (formerly known as ULTRA) which killed 74 and injured more than 550 would-be spectators is indeed a sign of things awaiting the Filipino people.

As of this writing, the Philippine Government is still deep in to the inquiry ordered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The President herself ordered that the investigation must be completed within 72 hours. The management of ABS-CBN, the network which owns the noon-time TV show WOWOWEE is in deep shit up to its neck trying to help the families of the victims and the scores of the injured confined in the different Metro Manila hospitals.

The stampede was brought about by the opening of the stadium's gates at around 6:00am February 04 (GMT +800), to the almost 25,000 people who were camped outside ULTRA for the past 4 days. These people were there to try their luck at the abundance of prizes slated to be given away during the day on the occassion of the show's 1st year anniversary. The show is well-known for the generous prizes given away by the host, Willie Revillame. Just being called up to the stage entitles you to an instant prize of $70. In a country where the daily average income is less than $5, this means a lot.

POVERTY is the culprit. The rising costs of the basic commodities and the implementation of the R-VAT does not help one bit the plight of the Filipino people.

The ULTRA tragedy can be likened to the the safety valve of a defective pressure cooker venting off. As time goes on, the safety valve becomes clogged and intense pressure builds up dangerously inside. Eventually, the pressure will have nowhere to go and the inevitable will happen. This is the scenario that will most likely come about should the Arroyo Administration remain indifferent and apathetic to the anguish of the Filipinos.

One need not be a genius to see what's coming up ahead.