Sometimes a lie works

For so long I have experienced insufferable waiting in government offices whose officers are “in a meeting right now (and) cannot be disturbed” when I seek to talk to them.

In such instances, the exchange between me and the bureaucrat usually runs like this:

“Can you refer me to someone who may at least be able to answer simple questions?”

“Sorry, ma’am everyone is busy right now.”

In exasperation, I would lie. “I am a balikbayan, you see, and would go back to the States tomorrow. It’d be nice if I could tell our kababayan there that my needs were served without having to go through a cordon sanitaire.”

Telling a lie, sometimes, produces a better effect than telling the truth. I apologize for my act—I’m not proud of myself.

Such scenario in government offices is common, though in various manifestations. But I am happy to say that by being diplomatic, and using a small dose of “pakiusap,” I win them over.

It is not an advice to everyone dealing with government employees (they who call themselves public servants). Just the same, we need to be civil to them.

I thank Gen. Ramon J. Farolan most sincerely for introducing to his readers Defense Undersecretary Benito Taguba Ramos, the executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (Inquirer, 7/9/12). Bless the undersecretary for his unenviable, painstaking job of being there whenever disaster strikes.

—HONORATA VICENCIO,

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