THE worsening air pollution in Metro Manila should be a cause of great alarm not only to its residents but also to overseas based Filipinos (OFWs). Like poison, the air imbided by anyone living or passing through the metropolis will slowly kill the inhaler. As usual, the poorer citizens are most affected by this poisonous air. They are those who live in dilapidated apartments and shanties within Metro Manila and daily ply the busy streets in their way to and from their work places. On the other hand, the richa dn the politicians who live in air-conditioned cars or even helicopters are much less affected. The same rich can easily move out of Manila when things deteriorate.

     My concept is based on a study conducted by a reputable university saying that 10 years from now, Metro Manila will no longer be habitable for humans if this worsening condition is not stopped and improved soon. That means if you have relatives living and working in Metro Manila, they should plan to leave soon or perish with their children in the next ten years. The worsening condition also means economic death to the Philippines since most economic activities happen in Metro Manila.

     More than two months ago, an international pro-environment group dramatized Metro manila's impending doom by wearing fireflies'-liked costumes, rode in bicycles and conducted an attention-catching rally. The point that they were trying to send across is that even fireflies have left the metropolis because its air is killing them. No action ensued afterwards.

     The government more more than five years ago, was aware of this worsening problem so it passed the Clean Air Act of 1999 and made a lot of funfare and noises in its plans to implement it. Now, whenever you visit Manila just to a much used road such as EDSA and observe if you see some changes in the buses that ply the route. You will see the same old buses and cars expelling heavy dark smoke darkening the horizon. In the morning, if you have the chance, go across Manila Bay to Orion, Bataan and you will see Manila ten years from now. You can't see Manila because it is fully covered by smog. It is an indication of the weakness and non-implementation of the Clean Air Act.