Team DailyPedia
Netizen Jindra Lantacon posted a screenshot of a Facebook status of one of very many commuters and employees who were greatly affected by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members rallying on EDSA.
Commuter Lorena Rebujio shared that it had taken her four hours on the night of August 30 just to get past Ortigas because of the INC members’ rally. On board a bus, Rebujio shared how she met a man in his 30s who was obviously tired from work. The man was carrying a helmet, which let Rebujio to believe that he worked in construction. He was also carrying a half-gallon tub of ice cream.
When they finally reached Shaw boulevard, the man apparently had lost all hope of getting through traffic quickly and opened the tub of ice cream. He removed a spoon from his bag and started eating. As he did so, he also offered Rebujio a bite. Rebujio politely said her thanks and commented that by the time they pass through the traffic jam, the man would probably have finished all the ice cream.
The man sadly replied, “Kaya nga, mam. Birthday kasi ng anak ko ng Huwebes. Ngayon lang kami nagsweldo. Sayang nga e traffic kasi. [You’re probably right, ma’am. My child celebrated his birthday last Thursday and I just got may salary today. Unfortunately, I might not be able to make it because of the traffic.]”
Rebujio was touched and saddened by the man’s situation, which prompted her to share the story on Facebook.
Lantacon, on the other hand, shared this experience to other netizens to highlight just how much inconvenience the INC rallies were causing people who were simply trying to earn money for their families. While a half-gallon of ice cream may not be much to many people, for construction workers and other blue-collar employees, it is almost a luxury and something only for special occasions. It’s very sad to hear the man’s son may never get to taste what would have been his father’s birthday treat to him.
While it’s true that everyone has the right to freely express themselves, must it be at the cost of those who are trying to quietly make their way through life?
Banner photo from Manila Bulletin.
