TWO neighboring cities in the province of Laguna have been the talk of the town err, province for the past weeks.
One reportedly finished the distribution of the cash aid given by the national government in record time.
What’s more, the local executive made good on his pledge that all of his residents will be given aid.
This city also made headlines after it decided that the distribution of cash aid will be given house-to-house – a move immediately copied by other LGUs in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, its neighboring city was plagued with delays, obfuscation, and accusations of cheating.
With only fifteen days to go before the extended deadline of the distribution of cash aid on May 14, some residents said the local government has not carried on its schedules.
There were also reports of certain conditions being set before aid was given, which meant that some sectors allegedly received less than what was promised to them.
Yet, die-hard supporters of this city’s current administration have a single talking point: be grateful that you were given aid, and don’t compare us with THAT city that has performed impeccably.
However, we cannot blame this city’s residents for the comparison.
After all, prompt, efficient and impartial distribution of the cash aid is what the Duterte administration exactly ordered for ALL local government units.
Also, the Covid-19 pandemic is no excuse at all for sloppy, lackadaisical and graft-ridden public service.
If that one city can perform its duty on time, why can’t the other one?
Is it a question of political will and the desire to exercise their duties with honesty and dispatch?