The many ways (wink) to solve PH’s population problem

Filipinos have often been cautioned that unchecked population growth will result in widespread poverty. Thus, those concerned, by way of an already approved legislative fiat, have been urged to practice birth control or family planning.

But why should we worry? Whenever life becomes unbearable, the more pious of us can pray; the more militant can protest; the more mendicant can beg; and a more gullible electorate can seek “miracles” to improve their plight. And the Church, the rich and the corrupt may opt to share their wealth with the masses in case of disaster or famine.

If, despite all these, population growth remains a problem, our “leaders” can always work out ways. For a start, a leadership that “values life more than rights” may, if not done so yet, condone the killings of those allegedly involved in illegal drugs activities.

But, wouldn’t the war on drugs be better aimed at “neutralizing,” once and for all, the drug lords and their cohorts found to have been responsible in the smuggling, manufacturing and/or distribution of “shabu” and marijuana in the country? Or, if extrajudicial killings could not be stopped, the perpetrators may as well target hardened criminals, the thieves and plunderers in low and high places.

Better still, why not resurrect the death penalty law? With a Congress obviously beholden to the powers-that-be, that would be easy. But, let’s improve, if not overhaul, our flawed justice and penal systems first, if only to spare the lives of the innocent or the powerless, and apply the law fairly to all, rich or poor.

But, for a government to function as expected, it must have funds to sustain its programs. More taxes have to be raised. More Filipino workers may have to be deployed abroad and foreign nationals permitted to come in and do jobs that could be handled by local laborers. But these foreign workers should pay the right taxes, which, along with the dollar remittances coming from overseas Filipino workers, could augment our national revenues. And, not even a portion of these public funds should be misused or misspent due to unabated corruption.

A government that is not corrupt can provide its people, particularly the poor, with basic services and badly needed facilities such as decent houses, classrooms and livelihoods that are made more accessible through better farm-to-market roads, water and irrigation systems, etc. This, even without having to fall into some veritable foreign debt traps to finance the government’s massive “Build, build, build” infrastructure programs that more likely end up with some dubious deals.

If the need for birth control persists, then we may start judiciously enforcing pertinent laws supposed to keep the people, let alone public officials, from having mistresses and begetting illegitimate children, or raising families beyond their legal means of support.

To further help curb population growth, a government with lopsided priorities may choose to become inept, if it hasn’t been so yet, in stopping illegal drugs, logging, mining and terrorism that bring about human havoc through killings, landslides and floods. Hopefully, only the undesirable elements of society end up as casualties.

With sufficient funding propped up by transparency and accountability, there won’t even be a need to mangle our Constitution.

But, in case our “honorable” lawmakers are hell-bent in changing the system of government into a more complicated and less understood federalism, so be it. Provided, they consider the common good rather than vested interests. Unfortunately, that is not so. They seem to be only after their continued stay in power and those of their dynasties or fiefdoms.

What about the burgeoning population mostly seen in streets, slums and shanties? Keep them poorer and dependent on political “doleouts” or entertained with songs and dances during election time.

In extreme situations, misery and hunger may drive the poor into committing crimes. And, who cares? These people can be conveniently sent to the death chamber (once the law allows it), if not already shot dead when they fight back (“nanlaban”).

What if such measures would still not work? Would the government consider launching a space program (with the help of “good friend” China?) to transport surplus citizens composed of crooks and scoundrels to other planets?

MANUEL A. COLLAO

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