I was reminded of one of the most tragic incident that shocked the nation. I wonder what has become of that Wowowee stampede incident at Ultra that took place five years ago. It was something that I dreaded to watch on TV. I was clueless then what damage it has caused to thousands and thousands of poor Filipino spectators who so desperately wanted to get in at the venue for the show’s anniversary special. The hype that went on for weeks was due to the euphoria that the network had created and publicized thus some 50, 000 ordinary Filipinos went to have a date with destiny.
I wonder what ABS- CBN’s preparations were during that time. Have they taken crowd control measures to keep everything in order? Were stanchions, velvet rope and barricades in place to make sure that everyone is safe?
The tragic incident had mirrored what kind of life most poor Filipinos live. They won’t have any second thoughts in taking risks just to be able to have that once in a lifetime chance to win some cold cash, tax free! I find it absolutely damning for the government that the common Filipinos resort to joining “quick rich” contests desperately in order to make ends meet.
So what gives? After almost a hundred people died from that stampede incident, was justice ever been served? Who shall take sole responsibility for the negligence of the concerned identified parties? Have the incident ever taught our government officials in power to propel some concrete actions to provide sources of permanent livelihood to these poor Filipinos?
I can only keep my fingers crossed on that questions and hope that there is still something better that lies ahead for my country.
General Santos Time
