By Abdon M. Balde Jr.
The book Hunyango sa Bato by Abdon Balde M. Jr generally speaks about how the Philippine government’s administrative system manages the funds and control it for the greater benefit of the officials rather than the Filipino people. It talks about the underlying facts of corruption on the construction industry. Through each story, the author reveals different ethical issues from different situations which the reader can easily understand and relate to the present life. It is surprising that the author was acknowledged with his writings and not on the bridges and roads that he made. This proves that a person can do best when he or she loves what he does. Although he had always dreamt of being a good story teller just like the hired man who was a suspect on every crime he was paid for, the author still followed the dream of his father for him to become an engineer. During those times, the father’s argument that there is no money on becoming a writer may be true. Nevertheless, the author had done a great story of his past. Together on his experiences was a clear, narrative view of how rich the Philippine culture is. And maybe, if have not been an Engineer, he may not have the good stories to share which he had told in a way that the reader can imagine that he or she is also a part of the story. The Pecking Duck story. The Pecking Duck is the “special gift” the Chinese Businessman offers to the truck drivers and to the other persons who is part of the project. This is a way of the Chinese Businessman to bribe them so the cement deliveries for their project will be prioritized. The Pecking Duck pertains to women who makes money for short-time sex activities. The author knew that the area where the project is located would be quite difficult for their trucks to get into even before he gave his commitment to the customer. But upon having it confirmed by the assigned Project Engineer, the area is fine, and
References: Dumlao, Doris (June 25, 2008). "WB: Corruption in RP worst in East Asia".