An Iloilo-based American friend, Bruce Hall, posted this photo in my fb wall the other day with this note:
"Nonoy, as I departed Guimaras yesterday, I saw this sign
at the ferry terminal, very prominently displayed. One cannot harvest one's own
mangoes without government approval, even if they are damaged from a typhoon!
Even with government approval, you are forbidden to
harvest your mangoes when you want and in the quantity you want. Do you think
that you can see 600kgs of pickled mangos? Too bad, the government forbids you!
Were the mangos damaged in some way? Too bad you can only
harvest damaged mangos if caused by a typhoon and only with government
permission.
Do you think that mango taste better if harvested early?
Or do you need money and so need to pick early? Too bad. The government forbids
you!
So much for freedom. So much for owning and controlling
your own destiny. The government forbids it!"
I thanked Bruce for this info. National government bureaucratism has
permeated local governments. This is inviting extortion left and right. The barangay
officials can now decide who can harvest, who cannot, from their own mango
trees. Lousy. Big government pa more.
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