What PH toilets, justice system have in common

The longer the pork barrel scam and the MRT3 controversies remain outside the courts, the farther we are from seeing justice rendered in these two issues. The twists and turns provide the malefactors with the opportunity to muddle the issues to their advantage. If the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice have the necessary evidence to nail the culprits before the Sandiganbayan, by all means, start the court proceedings. The delay is making the scenario curiouser and curiouser. Already, names are being dragged into the two cases. Even the ordinary citizen who is not familiar with the nuances of the law feels that there is a deliberate attempt to shift the blame from the culprits.

In the case of the MRT3 controversy, I liken this to a jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces of the puzzle are there, but certain parties deliberately refuse to put in some pieces, for reasons privy to them. Every time the story is told and retold, some pieces relevant to the case are deliberately withheld. This brings to mind our lack of appreciation of clean toilets. Let’s admit it, we tolerate foul-smelling toilets. Government and private offices, schools, restaurants, shopping malls, churches, dormitories, lodging houses, bus stations, movie houses, airport terminals, even residences, etc., have foul-smelling toilets. The foul smell is not only the issue. Shopping malls—yes, the big ones—do not have enough toilets. These are found only at both ends of the building and not all floors have toilets. One has to walk a hundred meters or more to relieve one’s self. There used to be separate toilets for men and women, and in a few cases, also for the elderly. In some of these, the latter are now open to everybody because the “HIS” and “HERS” have been decommissioned.

The government authorities should inspect these public places and apply sanctions to those who do not adhere to the requirements. There are regulations governing the number and sizes of toilets in public places. Architects and engineers are aware of these, but the rules are violated because the building owners are scrimping on construction costs!

I hate to use the word “civilized,” but please, let us all be civilized in the matter of toilets. We are now in the 21st century, but our toilets and the way we run our country are a great

embarrassment.

—APOLONIO G. RAMOS,

42 Mindanao St., Marikina City