You wanted more? Here it is – The Philippines in the raw.

Slum "villages' in Manila on the Pasig River

Last week, in a prelude to the relaunch of my book ‘Deadly Election’ – set in the Philippines, I gave you an insight into some of the more unsavoury aspects of this struggling third world country.
My experiences there gave me the basis for my novel - it is based on characters I knew and events I either experienced or heard about.  I am struggling hard to shed my previous life, that of a lawyer – but sometimes I cannot help looking at things through legal eyes. 

For those of you who are used to my usual lighter, even frivolous posts - they will be back next week - promise!

The congested Philippine roads are clogged up with strange vehicles of all sorts, from large trucks and buses to ‘jeepneys’ – small, decorated minibuses (they are so called because the original ones were made from old American army Jeeps left behind at the end of WW2) and tricycles – bicycles with sidecars – cheap transport between local points.  There are many potholes and cracks in the roads, as they are made from substandard materials and hardly ever repaired.

This combination results in frequent accidents, and there are two practices which I have seen locally applied.  The first is that, if a foreigner is involved, the foreigner pays – whether or not they are at fault, because they can afford to (Provincial Philippinos will always assume a foreigner is rich).

The second practice is somewhat more sinister. If, while driving, you hit and injure someone (and no one is around) – it is better to hit them again and finish the job.  Courts will only award damages for immediate expenses – no payments will be made for ‘future loss of earnings’ or ‘emotional suffering’.   In effect, this means that it is probably much cheaper to pay for a funeral than to pay long term medical expenses for an injured person.  It is sad, but it is common practise.

Ok, on to a more pleasant subject – my new book.  Deadly Election will re - launch in the next week or so.  I need some helpful people to read and review my book – and post their reviews on Amazon and other sales site  – As well as my undying gratitude, you will get a signed paperback copy of my book and any assistance I can give you in marketing your own books or services.  Please email me – arthurcrandon@yahoo.com

Just as a teaser – here are a few words from the prologue to the book:

As Virgil entered the cave, the crate slipped from his grasp, he stumbled to his knees. The sudden pain in his left side sapped his remaining energy, his emaciated old body crumpled onto the dusty stones.  A trail of blood seeped out from under him – the close range shot had shattered his kidney and punctured his lung. 

        Kodama, the young officer, pointed his Nambu pistol at one of the younger men cowering in the corner. 

        “You!  Pick it up.”

        The lad scrambled forward to take Virgil’s place in an effort to stay alive, at least for a few more minutes. Breath came in short, painful gasps for Virgil, but he could see what was going on around him.  The screams of his youngest daughter, Racquel filled the air. ...............................

You will have to wait for another week to read more

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Happy reading and writing.  See you next week.

As usual – I cannot finish without the Pussycat Pics – today I have some of their friends as well.

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