Save environment but don’t forget the people

In dealing with Boracay and the aftermath — feared chaos, massive layoffs, business losses — we ought not to forget, as Lon L. Fuller said, that: “…government is a human affair, and that men are ruled, not by words on paper or by abstract theories, but by other men. They are ruled well when their rulers understand the feelings and conception of the masses. They are ruled badly when that understanding is lacking.”

Here we know what conquering former generals Roy Cimatu and Eduardo Año, and their commander in chief want. Have they factored in what Boracay’s poor masses, local officials, and civic, business and religious leaders, want?

What they want, hardly reported, should have been factored in to avoid another confusing fire-aim-ready decision.

It’s fine to save the environment but don’t people’s lives, livelihood and well-being also matter? Given what President Duterte does in thrashing the Chief Justice, no local court in a terrorized judiciary would meddle.

Absent the reign of terror, a tough and fair-minded judge could have patiently guided the parties to an expedited win-win solution, not one imposed by outsiders or “dayo.” On

the timing for instance, maybe closure should not be on April 26 but a few months later so everyone would have a chance to adjust

and avoid unemployment and starvation, or resort to crime — survival is the first law of mankind — and bankruptcy. A truly independent judiciary can decide on the least restrictive alternative to arrive at the greatest good for the greatest number.

In his mythopoetic “The Case of the Speluncean Explorers,” Fuller also said: “I must confess that as I grow older I become more and more perplexed at men’s refusal to apply their common sense to problems of law and government.”

So if I may ask, with Mareng Winnie Monsod, “How was close-Boracay decision made?” (Get Real,  4/7/18)

R.A.V. SAGUISAG Palanan, Makati City