Alleba Politics

It has been a week since the so-called “Ultra Stampede Tragedy” happened. The fact-finding committee has pointed towards the direction of ABS-CBN (the organizers) as the responsible and liable party for the incident.

ABS-CBN meanwhile, is trying to ascertain that the Pasig Mayor’s office was informed of the celebration and thus, partly responsible for the incident. Similarly, some parties are blaming the Ultra administration. Fingers are pointed at different directions for different reasons.

In my opinion, it was indeed mostly ABS-CBN’s responsibility to secure the event and the area. And to a certain degree, it was also the Ultra administration’s fault. It was not as if they were not paid to have the event held at their premises.

However, this does not absolve the Pasig policemen and public officials. Pasig Mayor Vicente Eusebio might deny knowledge of the event. But this does not mean he is innocent. Actually, it means he is inept. ABS-CBN and Wowowee was able to secure a Mayor’s Permit to hold the event. If Eusebio does not know that then what does that say about him?

Moreover, police officials are not blind so as not to see the possibility of chaos in an area full of people. Or are they?

The mayor and the police can claim that their help was never asked for. But as public officials, it is their job to stick their noses even when it is not asked for. If the violation or the crime here is negligence, then there is absolutely no doubt that the local officials and police force of Pasig are guilty of the crime.

Yes, it was mainly ABS-CBN’s responsibility. And they undoubtedly have to pay for it. But it does not mean that other people are not responsible and liable too.

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