Sacrificial crocs

Perhaps, it was the dreariness of it all, days and days of incessant rain that slowly swallowed streets and homes, laying bare the complete inutility of so-called flood control measures.

- Joseph T. Gonzales [e-mail]

Or perhaps, it was the public shaming. The viral memes that came in quick succession, clips and stills of presidential interviews boasting of public moolah spent on said flood control measures, juxtaposed against instant rivers of garbage and potential disease.

Whatever the impetus, it was time to produce sacrificial lambs. Although, when they came, they were hardly cute and innocent. The sacrifice turned out to be bloated government contractors, easily digesting billions of funds and multiple projects across the islands.

The State of the Nation address was a great occasion to begin the ceremonial gutting. Contractors were named, projects were identified, figures in astonishing amounts were revealed. And quickly, Hansel & Gretel newshounds followed the trail laid out for them, and more damning details emerged.