Congress: Weapon of mass distraction

A young American was shot and killed in Sibuco, Zamboanga after a failed kidnapping attempt.

- CITO BELTRAN

P11.2 billion worth of drugs and vaccines expired and wasted by the Department of Health. Four people were killed and 26 others hurt after truck brakes failed. Fifty-plus homes in shanty town in Tondo burned.

The "stories" I mentioned above are just some of the many incidents that deserved attention and action from our national leaders over the last month but, thanks to the effective Weapon of Mass Distraction called Congress, very little was ever said and done regarding these recurring problems.

Just when we could be attracting more tourists from Europe and America because of the winter season, the botched kidnapping and killing of Elliot Eastman, age 26, married to a Filipina, will surely impact inbound tourism. Sadly, while members of Congress salivate at their turn to torch the Vice President, barely a whimper or condolence or indignation was heard from them.

No one protested loudly about how armed men with M2 rifles could just come ashore, shoot and drag away a foreigner then dump his lifeless body at sea. Where you would normally hear congressmen howl about the resurgence of kidnapping and terrorists, none did so.

Ironic, considering one congressman from the province had suggested that a hearing be conducted to investigate parking fees at the NAIA!

Is this the meaning of "Love" in the Philippines, that a young foreigner gets kidnapped and killed in the country he fell in love in? Is Zamboanga so far away and the widow so insignificant that the Department of Tourism could not extend support, assistance and LOVE to the Filipina widow, Mrs. Eastman?