Postprandial dialog

Now that the minimum wage has been adjusted (over the spate of price hikes) in at least three regions as of press time, we can't help but listen to the usual fuss coming out from the opposing parties. It's like they never sat through dinner slash dialogue.

Labor: It's not enough!

Capital: We are closing shop. We transfer to China and Vietnam.

Government: Alas and alack.

Militant/Leftists: Goobye and good riddance.

Government: The trouble with wage hike is that it can't revert to its old (lower) levels even if there's a positive change in the inflation rate.

Labor: It's still a pittance, considering everything. Are you saying that we live on noodles, sardines and soy sauce the rest of our lives? You are all so cruel. Shame on you.

Capital: Please spare the small- and medium-scale entreprise. We need to be competitive!!!

Media: Pray tell how those Chinese and Vietnamese workers survive with an equivalent of Php50 a day! What could they possibly be eating with that? Chopsticks?

Me: Who is telling the truth here? Will someone please tell the plain truth? Whenever there are conflicting claims in an issue, most likely (1) the issue is not that simple and (2) someone is telling a bare-faced lie. Will someone lay down the facts? After all is said and done, all we have are facts. And then "the truth will speak for itself."