Do this now, Mr. Vizconde

Malacanang had better have a READY answer to exactly where will the earnings, and savings, go once MRT and LRT fares are raised and government subsidy is reduced on the two train services.

It will be THE ONLY WAY to appease the passengers who will definitely complain once they start paying a lot more in going to their destinations.

Unless the passengers are enlightened at once on the benefits of the fare increase, they may eventually join groups protesting the South Luzon Expressway toll hike and other current issues.

Which, in turn, could lead to UNREST and a BIGGER HEADACHE for President Noynoy.

Nobody can deny that times are hard and everybody, even the rich, wants to know first where their extra expenses will go before they shell out a peso.

Malacanang says the funds will go to development projects outside Metro Manila. Good answer but don’t expect LRT and MRT passengers to swallow it just like that.

What they want to know is what and where are these projects.

How long will it take before the projects are finished” Who will be the beneficiaries? How much will each project cost?

If the passengers will be informed of these details as soon as possible, I bet you MRT and LRT stations will not be as noisy and chaotic as expected once the higher fares take effect.

Let me just disagree to the argument by some that only Metro Manila residents are serviced by the MRT and LRT.

There are scores of residents of Bulacan who ride the MRT daily in going to their jobs along EDSA and in Makati. Personally, I know of at least two, one from Balagtas town and the other from Meycauayan who both work in Makati.

***

To Mang Lauro Vizconde: Better have the best LAWYER, HANDWRITING EXPERT and RESEARCHER you can find in your quest for justice.

Since Jessica Alfaro is denying claims by former NBI officials that she was an agent of the bureau when she testified against Hubert Webb and company, this could be the break you need.

Your lawyer and researcher can go through NBI records, whether through a subpoena or on the spot, for records showing that Jessica was indeed an NBI agent that time.

If there are none, then you have an ace. If the NBI produces documents to the contrary like pay slips, you’ll need a handwriting expert to examine these.

Do it now, Mr. Vizconde. Remember, time is not on your side.

***

I don’t know the woman who claimed she was raped by a policeman inside the Manila Police Headquarters. But let me make an appeal for her.

Let’s join her and everybody else in LOOKING FOR THE SUSPECT. The photo of the suspect has been aired on television so let’s keep our eyes and ears wide open for him when we’re on the road.

Isipin na lang nating proteksiyon rin ito para sa ating mga anak o kapatid na babae, asawa, nanay o girlfriend.

I tend to believe the woman because the policeman has gone on absence without official leave (AWOL). Otherwise, he would have readily come out and denied the supposed crime to safeguard his honor.

If the Manila Police will post copies of the policeman on the Internet, or on walls in malls and other busy, strategic areas, catching that maniac in uniform would be a lot easier

***

From our blogmates:

ROMY SOLINA of Makati on Hubert Webb:

Bilib pa rin ako na talagang si Hubert ang salarin. At saka, bakit walang kibo ang kanyang mga kasama? Suspetsa ko isa sa mga wanted (si Filart o si Ventura) sana ang magpapatutoo sa salaysay ni (Jessica) Alfaro, pero hindi makasalita. Kasi, parang may Mafia code of silence ang barkada. Anyway, kung mapatunayan na hindi si Hubert ang salarin, dapat parusahan lahat ng nagdiin sa kaniya.

LEE ANN ABELLAR of Ronda town, Cebu:

There is no way or any chance to solve the economic crisis if (some) greedy, public servants still reap the bounty from people's taxes to live high end lifestyles while the rest of us wonder when will our misery end. To amend what is crooked is like reaching for the stars. That's the fact. But I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that this administration can simply make a difference.

***

This is OUR CORNER. Not just mine, OURS. Your views and reactions, will be most welcome everyday of the week. Just be sure to include your complete name and email address, and contact number if possible. I will be online starting at 6 a.m. 30