Beneficial ways to deal with smuggled cars

On Feb. 6, I watched with repulsion the wanton destruction of brand-new luxury cars such as Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and other models, crushed by heavy equipment mercilessly with seeming unconcern by engineers to allegedly discourage smugglers in the future from sneaking cars again into the country. The motive was acceptable.

However, from a physician’s point of view it demonstrated an impulsive urge or destructive instinct of the planners and performers similar to the wild exhilaration of pyromaniacs while watching uncontrolled bright giant flames engulf and decimate buildings one after another with increasing crescendo.

Men with even tempers would have sold the cars and donated the proceeds to charity, or initiated the construction of hospitals with the funds. Mere confiscation of the luxury cars would have sent a strong message to the culprits who would have been hurt and frustrated just the same.

SANTIAGO A. DEL ROSARIO, MD, former president, Philippine Medical Association