THE controversy over the dubious fact that the Philippines continues to import about 90 percent of its salt requirement continues, with the latest salvos being fired between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). BFAR claimed in congressional hearings that P100 million in funding had been allocated last year for salt sector development; the DA, on the other hand, represented by rowdy Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, said he had ordered the BFAR to "find" the P100 million in funds, as the results of it having been spent as intended are not apparent.
Watching agri officials, so-called advocates and legislators quibble over the salt issue is becoming increasingly frustrating because none of what they are actually proposing will actually work. It's like watching a bunch of dummies trying to figure out how to get a brick to fly, and having no ideas other than, "try throwing it harder this time." Basic math will defeat them every time, and the only drama in it is wondering how long it will take them to catch on, or if they are even capable of doing so.