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Kapihan reunion 08 Jan. 2008 |
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Last night was a
reunion with Kapihan ng Bayan, a program we conceptualized, hosted and
launched in 2006, "as a tool and medium of the National Government in
disseminating information." I am actually quoting the invitation letter from Kapihan Associate Producer Elizabeth Cachin, who enticed me into a panel "assessment for the year 2007 and predictions for the year 2008." My co-panelists were financial analyst Astro del Castillo, a veteran of several State of the Nation Address (SONA) annotations, Ronnie Concepcion of Consumer Oil Price Watch, and Sergio Ortiz-Luiz of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. Kapihan anchors were broadcast veterans Mario Garcia and Eli Saludar, both colleagues from Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, and the latter a former President of the Malacañang Press Corps. Promptly at call time, the show reeled off on a very positive tone as we presented the highlights of the government’s performance in 2007: The unprecedented GNP and GDP growth rates; the first budget surplus ever at R12.6 billion; the highest employment rate and industrial peace; micro-lending and job creation; impressive growth in agriculture in spite of the weather; major infra projects, etc. In 2007, we beat the odds; in 2008, we will stay the course, a "prediction" that won unanimous support from the rest of the panel. Mr. del Castillo affirmed our prediction, saying "tuloy and pag-unlad" (growth will continue); Mr. Concepcion said, "we will survive the crisis;" Mr. Ortiz-Luiz added, "maganda ang outlook." Unanimity was not only on the outlook for 2008, but also on the intrusion of 2010 politics into 2008. Asked to comment on the effect of early politicking by the aspiring presidentiables, the overriding sentiment was: Bad! According to Mr. del Castillo, "bad" even if a "China Wall" now isolates business from politics. "Bad," according to Mr. Concepcion, because 2008 is a make or break year. "Very bad," in the estimate of Mr. Ortiz-Luiz, even if business has already factored it in, and discounted it accordingly. The discussion ranged from: The Energy Summit; oil prices; government’s rationalization plan; price mark-up of Lotto 6-49; budgetary allocations for education reforms; OFWs in Indonesia; electoral reforms; personal investing; across-the-board wage hikes; Charter change; Cabinet revamp; major infrastructure projects, especially transparency, monitoring and delays; and, positioning for 2010. The Summit is a mechanism inherent to democratic dialogue; Chacha is part of the larger political debate; the President’s power to keep and let go members of the Cabinet is intrinsic to the Presidency; education is always top in the government’s spending program; wages are now aptly addressed by regional wage boards that take into full account inflation indices; the lotto mark-up is only on one of the three "products," with two remaining at Php10.00 per pop; the government rationalization plan will allow the seniors to enjoy their retirement, even as younger blood is infused into the bureaucracy, and contrary to some reservations, we have the funds to cover the program. Striking into the heart of issues that hog media today was the concern of Aris Ilagan, my colleague in the Manila Bulletin, who wanted to know what "safeguards" government has institutionalized against controversies that, though unfounded, could sabotage major projects while promoting some candidacies. While there are no "safeguards" from such machinations, which could be based not on facts but on ambition, government has constituted the Transparency Board, to ensure, faithful compliance to procedural and substantial requirements of the bid and award, in an open and transparent process. A Project Performance Monitoring System, with multi-sectoral representatives (media, academe, youth, church, LGU, business) has been established, to make sure all projects are implemented according to the terms of the award. Projects going through this wringer will surely pass any reasonable and objective scrutiny. It raises our level of confidence that in the courts of law and public opinion, our projects will pass muster. As to whether this can safeguard strategic projects from serial investigations, only time, public opinion and the maturity of the electorate will tell. Meanwhile, my return to Kapihan was a most refreshing renewal of ties with old colleagues in KBP and Government Mass Media. In fact, more than a reunion, it was my coming home to media. |
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