With the same thick skin

A colleague of mine once said that more people wrote about Ces' kidnapping incident than this latest tragedy involving Sulpicio lines. I just visited www.filipinovoices.com and found his observation false. Both incidents got equal attention. And both should be condemned as signs of government negligence.

However, I find very disenheartening opposition's silence about this latest incident. It seems that their mouths were suddenly gagged. They probably think that this incident is not political at all. It's a tragedy and like their counterparts in the States, they should keep their big mouths shut.

As usual, the opposition is misinterpreting the situation. If they're really dead serious in toppling this government, now is the time to do it. People are mourning. People know that the cause of their suffering was government negligence. First, government still allowed a recidivist like Sulpicio Lines to still operate despite its dismal record as a carrier. Second, the DOTC, Marina and Coast Guard erred in handling Sulpicio Lines with kid's gloves. And third, government just acted after four days, it is as if they allowed all those people trapped inside the ship to die first before undertaking retrieval operations (note: its retrieval, not rescue).

Look at the depth of the people's despair. Any revolutionist would probably exploit this situation to push for his cause. To hell if people would accuse a revolutionist of being a manipulative and exploiter of bad fate. Hey, this is a struggle. And this is an opportunity that should not have been passed by those who want Gloria's head.

That's the problem with the opposition. Their sights are directed at 2010. This fact highlights one thing--they are no different from those who illegally occupy Malacanan. They have the same skin, the same hide as those whom they publicly despise.