The tragedy in last Saturday’s Wowowee should have never happened. But it did. Sure, it was an accident and that nobody really wanted those people to die but the harsh reality is that someone are accountable for that.

 

So who do we blame?

 

ABS-CBN.. It was the network’s event and IF they really did their job of securing the place and planning the event carefully, things could have been different. Who would have thought that the gate would collapse and in turn cause such a horrifying stampede that claimed the lives of a lot of people most of which were elderly women? Nobody perhaps, or maybe someone, I really don’t know the answer to that. What I’m sure though is that ABS would have (should have, if they’d claim they didn’t) thought that there’d be a tremendous outpour of people since it is the anniversary of that show and that more likely, a huge prize will be given at the end of the day. That’s how anniversaries are usually done. My point is simple, people turnout would be huge and security measures should have been done the very least.

 

Wowowee.. The show is really about giving to those who are in dire need of financial support be it in terms of cash or when it comes to Taxis and Jeepneys, a source of income. But is there something more to it? I really have nothing against these kinds of show but when tons of people rely on these rather than their capacity to work a job, it becomes totally a different subject matter especially if one’s capable of working. Someone would succeed more in life if he would prefer to be taught how to fish rather than be given one as they say.

 

The people.. Some were there because they might have thought that it’s the easiest way out of poverty while others might argue that they weren’t there for the money but to show their support for the show or see their favorite actors. But I bet that more than 90 percent of those who were there, were in it for the first reason. Again, I am not against those who might have thought that they could possible win and that some of them could even have jobs as well but again something is being overlooked. The idea that: false hopes are being nurtured in a way.

 

The government.. Well, this is a no-brainer. It is always easy to blame the government for the misfortunes that people endure. Some might argue that if only the government provided stuff like welfare, lesser people would have to rely on such instant make-me-rich shows. In a way there is some truth to these but I’ll not dwell on this topic. There is more to say about the complexities with regards to the whole political structure that the Philippines have, not to mention the corruption and other brouhahas in it.

 

Somehow, the spectrum of those who are accountable is unclear. At least for me. But I’m sure that ABS and the show has a bigger share of it. Wowowee should have made dreams realized that day (though many would go home empty handed and still blinded by what the show has turned them into) but instead, hopes were vanished, lives were lost.

 

I extend my warmest and sincerest condolence to those families who have lost some of their loved ones.