The Philippines is still run by the rich and powerful

9ea2c4f35ea58210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRDapproved/thenational/Articles/Migration/2009-Q4The Philippines is still run by the rich and powerful8ea2c4f35ea58210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____The Philippines is still run by the rich and powerful

The story Two describe frenzied Philippines massacre (November 29) showed the incompetence and disgusting nature of the justice system in the Philippines.

The story Two describe frenzied Philippines massacre (November 29) showed the incompetence and disgusting nature of the justice system in the Philippines. I am a Filipino and I feel very ashamed that the rich and the powerful can always influence and dictate. If the suspects were just ordinary poor people, they would have been arrested and charged within hours. But these Ampatuans are really untouchables. If not for the media and persistent public pressure, the government would have not done anything. And even then, the pace of the investigation so far is very disappointing. May God bless the poor Philippines. Leon Sandoval, Fujairah The double-decker bus tour seems like a great idea, Capital views from a double-decker (November 28), but why don't they introduce a route that includes the Sheikh Khalifa bridge, the new exhibition centre on Saadiyat, the mangrove swamp as well as Yas Island for the circuit, marina, hotels and huge new park? Not only would it connect the new leisure and cultural hubs to the city, it would give an excellent view of the mangroves - and for anyone who has not yet driven the E10 this really is quite spectacular, especially at high tide or at sunrise and sunset. However, unless action is taken to properly manage the road it could destroy the beautiful swamp. There are already mounds of litter in the lay-bys, and measures must be taken to prevent polluted surface water from draining into the mangrove swamp after it rains. The bus would offer a great alternative to what is currently happening: people stopping dangerously on a hard shoulder or the bridges for views. It would also allow people staying at the new hotels on Yas to the see city centre and other attractions without having to use their cars or taxis. Why doesn't the Transport Department introduce a bus system to the islands like it does in the city? Simple, sensible ideas like these would make Abu Dhabi a little less congested, safer, an easier place to live, and contribute to creating a cleaner, greener, more attractive city. Ford Desmoineaux, Abu Dhabi I believe The National's story Refugees now view Lebanon as the enemy (November 28) was completely one-sided. What about the Palestinian militants running around the country with arms? Should we expect the Lebanese authorities not to react if the Palestinian refugees begin arming themselves? Why didn't they think of their people in Nahr al Bared before they began using their illegally-obtained weapons? Didn't these militants think that their actions would heap more misery on their people when they began shooting? The National failed to ask any of these questions in its article. Farah Tarabay, Abu Dhabi I was dumbfounded to read that men are still living 400 to 500 a villa in Naif despite the fire last year, Villas remain crowded a year after deadly blaze (November 29). I can sympathise with them, they want to save as much money as possible. What I don't understand is how, after more than a year, they have not been evicted. They cannot be allowed to endanger themselves and others this way. James Littleton, Dubai With regard to Now Ronaldo must justify his expense (November 29), I don't think one game will justify Ronaldo's transfer fee. Expecting him to be at his best right after returning from an injury, which kept him out for two months, is a little unfair. S A, Abu Dhabi Ah, the joys of Abu Dhabi traffic. I'm serious. As the holiday exodus is felt throughout the city, Extra flights for holiday demand (November 29), the roads are suddenly clear, a trip to Abu Dhabi mall can be made in under an hour and the threat of an up-close encounter with an SUV seems a distant memory. What is more, the lighter traffic seems to have had an affect on driving etiquette as well. It is now possible to drive for an entire five minutes without hearing a purely unnecessary blaring of the horn, or negotiate at least three intersections before being rudely cut off. Of course, this lull is probably dangerous in the long run as we forget our cut-throat ways so essential for day-to-day driving in the capital. But, in the meantime, I'm enjoying drives through the city that are more leisurely than I credited possible. Coen Thornton, Abu Dhabi

OPINION

20091130000000

100

http://adedit.ad.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091130/OPINION/711299862

711299862

20091130100000000

c6a7622654b58210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____

8ea2c4f35ea58210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____

f1b126e4b2b58210VgnVCM100000e56411acRCRD

Image

Article Asset caption

Article Asset option