TACLOBAN CITY – A pedicab driver was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle in Phase 2, Barangay 109, V&G Subdivision, this city, around 9:40 a.m. on July 14, 2025.
The victim, identified only as alias “Roger,” a resident of Barangay 95-A Caibaan, was declared dead on arrival at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) after sustaining a gunshot wound to the right side of his forehead.
According to Tacloban City Police Station 1 (PS1), a concerned citizen reported hearing gunfire and later saw a motorcycle fleeing the scene. The driver was wearing a blue sweatshirt and a black bonnet. Moments later, the informant found the victim lying bloodied on the roadside and called for assistance from barangay officials.
The Tacloban City Rescue Unit (TACRU) rushed the victim to EVMC, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police have launched a follow-up investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects. Motive behind the attack has yet to be established.
(ROBERT DEJON)
Tyranny
The separation of the three branches of government is a setup that affords independence and autonomy from each other. The judicial branch, chiefly the supreme court, the appellate court and the lower courts are able to maintains its independence and autonomy. But the legislative branch could not claim absolute independence and autonomy as it is at times under the influence of the executive branch. That is the reason why the executives are interested and are actually interfering in the election of those running for seats in the legislature.
Such interest in the election of candidates that are running for legislative office begin way prior to the election. It usually starts with the selection as to who among the many aspirants would be included in the official party lineup. The primordial consideration is part loyalty. Winnability is also an important factor as the aim is to obtain a majority in the number of seats that the party must win. After all, a non-winnable candidate will just be a liability to the party. The weak candidate would just drag the entire lineup to perdition.
In the event that the administration party fails to obtain the number of seats that would ensure majority votes to support the legislative priorities, the party would resort to luring others from the opposition or minority parties to join the administration. The strategy seems effective as it usually results into what is known as bandwagon effect where mere neutral spectators join the bandwagon ride of those lured into the party. This practice is seen as prevalent from the national to the local levels.
The aim of the executive is to build a team inside the legislative body to ensure that the executive will be able to implement the administration’s programs and projects shall be carried through the support of the legislators.
The challenge for those who are true to their being in the minority or opposition is to maintain the check and balance in the legislative department. The crucial role of the opposition is to remain as consistent fiscalizers who will keep in check any irregularities that the majority may push. This will keep the public well informed of the actions that the administration is pursuing. Minority as they are, they can keep vital issues into good discussion and debate, subjecting administration proponents to detailed interpellation.
The minority knows the fact that no matter their ficalizing, the majority will always prevail when any issue is submitted to votation. The majority will always prevail as they have the numbers to ensure that all their proposed legislation will pass. But the minority should never let their guard down, especially when the agenda is the proposed budget. They too must ensure that appropriations for any expenditure must be in accordance with auditing rules and procedures. In the end, getting the support of the majority of the members of the legislative body to ensure the passage of programs and projects of the local chief executive is pure and simple, tyranny..
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