UP-NCPAG News

THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE
ABS-CBN Interactive
Views and Analysis
September 1, 2008

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Manilans boast that the most beautiful sunset is in Manila Bay. On the other hand, Silliman University aficionados insist that the most spectacular sunrise is right in its campus beside the sea. If one sits in the amphitheatre at dawn, in front of the beautiful Silliman Church, one can see the sun slowly rise from the sea, chasing away the dark shadows and bringing the light of a brilliant new day.

Sunrise services–that was how Silliman University started its 107th Founders Day celebration last August 28, 2008. It was still dark and chilly when the university band went around the campus to wake up campus residents who had spent the previous day marching in the annual parade and the whole night in endless reunions, receptions and celebrations. The earliest to arrive at the ampitheatre were returning alumni and retired faculty and staff. They are usually the most faithful in observing more than a hundred years of tradition. As “the darkness turned to dawning,” more Sillimanians came ?administrators, faculty and staff, and the college students. The last to come were the high school students, their eyes still heavy with “growing child” sleepiness.

As expected, the service was replete with happy greetings, soul-stirring music and inspiring messages of love for the university and hope for the country. In the midst of joyful thanksgiving, Mindanao was never far from the minds and hearts of Sillimanians. A large percentage of students and alumni are from Mindanao. The guest preacher was Dr. Mariano Apilado, pastor of the Davao United Church of Christ in the Philippines. All the time, the sun was rising from the sea, bathing everything and everyone in light.

Sunsets, while very beautiful, somehow bring sadness. After all, it is the hour before total darkness. Sunrise brings light and hope. So it was with Silliman’s sunrise service.

“The Teaching”

Silliman has probably one of the longest celebrations of Founders Day in the country. The “regular” festivities usually take an entire month. The centennial celebration in 2001 lasted for a year! Founders Day is marked by simultaneous seminars, fairs, beauty contests, cheerdance competitions, concerts and parades, as well as provision of free social services to the Dumaguete community.

The city of Dumaguete and the province gear up for the celebrations as well. This is evident in the annual “Parada Sillimaniana” when the entire university marches around the city with its bands, cheerdance teams, college floats, and of course the Silliman beauties. In this year’s celebrations, the two university bands were joined by bands from two other universities, the St. Paul University of Dumaguete and the Negros Oriental State University as well as neighboring high school and elementary schools. A total of 17 bands joined the festivities.

Another event is the awarding of ‘Outstanding Sillimanian Awards” It is usually attended by alumni who travel from all parts of the globe to visit their alma mater. I was particularly moved by the words of awardee Prof. Alfredo F. Tadiar who admonished Sillimanians, thus: “We must keep alive our sense of outrage against dishonesty and corruption not only in government but in all transactions. The fight should not be only against corruption but must be accompanied by a crusade for good governance.”

Most touching were the tributes returning alumni gave to their teachers. Awardee Elizabeth Timbancaya Ephick mentioned the names of her teachers, whose teachings she brought “around the globe,” wherever she went. Awardee Dr. Marjorie M. Evasco dedicated her award as a “tribute to Edith L. Tiempo’s gentle wisdom in the shaping of my sensibility and selfless guidance in poetry, which generations of writers have had the benefit of experiencing.” To Marjorie, “our relationship with a mentor is one of the most significant towards mastering our inner flame. ” She quoted Philippe Cousineau , “the greatest power of mentorship lies not in he obsequious following of a great teacher?but in what poet Donald Hall calls ‘absorbedness.” This is the ability to absorb teaching, and then for the rest of your life to be able to draw on it at will and make it your own.”

Let me quote from a portion of Marjorie’s “Animasola (One Who Flies Alone)” called “The Teaching.” “It was never a question of grandeur/But of some secret power,hinted at/By the slight quiver of wings before the flight/At the thought of conquering vertigo or the fear/Of being lost in that sea of blue intensity/And the unforeseen encounter with angels.”

I think of all my teacher-friends like Maricon Alfiler and Leddy Carino, who spent their lives loving, mentoring and preparing their students for the “unforeseen encounter with angels.” They are now valiantly waging fierce battles with cancer. I think of my own students who have learned to fly alone after going through much encouragement , teaching and nurturing .

Yes, “The Teaching” goes on. Teachers and students are all part of it.

THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE
By LEONOR MAGTOLIS BRIONES
ABS-CBN Interactive
Views and Analysis
August 13, 2008

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The phrase “student power” came into vogue during the sixties. This was the time when thousands of students all over the world marched on their governments, whether in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia or Africa. A common theme was the war in Vietnam . The global call of the students was for the United States to get out of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh, and Che Guevara were the most popular icons. So it was in the Philippines.

The students also found reason to engage their respective governments on other issues as well. American students complained about the activities of the CIA in developing countries. They rebelled against the draft which would have sent them to Vietnam. In England , students criticized their government’s domestic policies. Rallies drew students by the thousands.

In Paris, they tried to recapture the days of the French revolution where the students played a major role. Students stormed Paris a number of times to set up their version of the Paris Commune. In UP the students took over the university and established the Diliman Commune.

In the Philippines, the focus was on American imperialism. The battle cry was “Ibagsak ang Piyudalismo, Pasismo at Imperialismo!” “Maoismo, Marxismo-Leninismo” were frequently uttered by students. Privately, the women would complain about “Machismo-Leninismol”

Teach-ins would last till morning. Those of us who were members of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation would camp in the house of Dodong and Princess Nemenzo.

We would cross over to the house of Merlin Magallona and pester him with questions.

And the mammoth rallies! I must say the youth rallies of today can’t match the vast numbers of students who would march from UP Diliman, walk all the way to Tondo and end up in Malacanang—singing, chanting, and shouting all the time.

Student Power and the 2010 elections

Time to “fast forward” to the present. Since the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship, it seemed that student power like Merlin the Magician has faded away.

Globalization is largely to blame. Students spend their time getting ready for jobs here and abroad. During the 60’s, the most powerful lure was radicalism. At present, students have many more choices. They can go abroad. They can get cushy jobs. They can spend long hours in cyber space with their laptops. They can do many things— set up businesses, become chefs, write plays, make movies and even enter show business.

Things have changed, though. The emergence of political, social and economic crises is radicalizing the students. They are aware of the disarray in governance. They now attend rallies and assemblies in greater numbers. They are busy organizing forums and symposia. Slowly, the sleeping giant is awakening.

Their elders are beginning to see the potential of student power. Now it is fashionable for young and old personalities to go on campus tours and stir the students into action either for their candidacies or for national reforms.

Two trends are discernable. Students are seduced with offers to be on the staff of 2010 candidates. As early as last year, the bulletin boards of the College of Public Administration and Governance were plastered with ads inviting students to be part of the team of a presidential candidate. Political parties are busily organizing youth organizations. . The students are beginning to sense their power.

Another trend is to encourage students to participate in reforming the present system. The “I Am Change” movement started by Harvey Teh is going on campus tours. “Kaya Ko ‘To” is led by Governors Panlilio and Padaca. From Ateneo, they are crossing over to UP and on to the other schools.

The Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO) is also going on campus tours.

TheYoung Turks are themselves politicians. However, they are introducing new politics to the students. Traditional party members usually stick together and spend their waking hours plotting the destruction of other parties. Atty. Adel A. Tamano, Cong. TG Guingona, Cong. Erin Tanada, former Cong. Gilbert Remulla and Prof. Danton Remoto come from different parties but they have bonded together in order to reach out to the young. They encourage students to dialogue with them on political, economic and social issues. Their theme is, “there is hope” in response to the apathy and indifference of the youth to national problems.

To repeat, the decade of the 60’s saw the global rise of student power. Students of that decade proved they were a formidable force. They contributed mightily to the downfall of dictators, fascists, and warmongers all over the world.

Will Filipino students rise and mobilize their power to reform this country, or will they succumb to the siren call of tradpols? Let us see.

BUSINESS MIRROR – Opinion

August 11, 2008

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The public is debating about VAT. Civil society groups have been calling for the lifting of the additional 2% VAT on all products. Others are limiting themselves to VAT on oil and oil products. Still others demand that the entire 12% VAT on all products be removed.

The Department of Finance, think tanks and multilateral institutions like the World Bank warn against the removal of VAT.

Like the little hen who shrilled, “the sky is falling!” the President predicted dire consequences if VAT is removed. She cited loss of investor confidence, weakening of the peso, rise in interest rates and increase in prices. She reserved her most ominous scenario for last: “Kung aalisin ang VAT sa langis at koryente, mawawala ang P80 billion para sa mahihirap.”

Judging from the histrionics generated, it would seem as if the financial sky of the Philippines would fall on hapless Filipinos if VAT, whether 10% or 2% is removed.

VAT is not the only source of revenue for the government. We have a wide array of taxes and other sources of revenue at our disposal.

Socialwatch Philippines is studying the rationalization of incentives as an alternative to VAT .

Foregone revenues and VAT

Secretary of Finance Gary Teves informed the Senate that the government’s foregone revenues totaled a staggering P410 billion. This consists of P60-65 billion due to VAT inefficiency; P280 billion lost from fiscal incentives; and P60-65 billion lost from technical smuggling.

If one-half of these foregone revenues were collected, this would amount to a hefty P150 billion. Surely, the reader does not need to be tutored in arithmetic to realize that this amount is so much bigger than the much vaunted to-die-for P80 billion VAT windfall.

The monstrous P280 billion lost from fiscal incentives is 3.5 times more than the P80 billion for the mahihirap.

Studies on Incentives

What is the impact of incentives on investments in the Philippines? Two studies shed light on this question. These are “Investment Incentives and FDI: The Philippine Experience” by Rafaelita M. Aldaba and “Towards Rational Fiscal Incentives” by Renato E. Reside.

The Aldaba study concluded that tax incentives were not able to compensate for the relatively weak fundamentals and poor investment climate. It cites an obvious effect: tax incentives have direct negative effect on revenues even as some address the need to reduce economic distortions.

Reside concludes that large amounts of incentives which the Philippine government provides are largely redundant. These are given to firms which will invest anyway even without incentives.

There are two reasons. The first is that by international and even domestic standards, many firms were found to have high rates of return even before receiving incentives. The second is that large numbers of firms in the Philippines have low sensitivity to fiscal incentives.

Tax Incentives and the Poor

A major issue raised on tax incentives is its impact on government services to the poor. Felipe Medalla stated that due to the high cost of collecting taxes, a peso gained by big investors from tax incentives could be equivalent to as much as two pesos worth of foregone spending for infrastructure and social services for the poor. Reside emphasizes that the poor and middle-class tax payers bear the brunt of the fiscal cost of incentives.

A study by Roel Landingin of PCIJ, “Tax Incentives for the Rich are Harming the Poor,” deals with the issue on incentives and the poor. Landingin cited an earlier PCIJ study which revealed that “companies availing themselves of incentives for the biggest projects with the BOI are also among the country’s largest and most profitable, and belong to its wealthiest and powerful families.”

Landingin says, “of the 10 companies that registered the biggest projects, seven are owned, controlled or run by some of the Philippines’ best known family-based conglomerates such as the Lopezes, Ayalas, Gokongweis and Cojuancos. Maynilad Water Services Inc., the joint venture set up by the Lopezes with the French engineering group Suez, topped the list. The Ayalas’ Manila Water Co., a joint venture with the United Utilities of UK, was No. 3, while the family’s telecommunications unit, Globe Telecoms, was No. 8. The Gokongweis also had two companies in the top 10 list: Digitel Telecommunications Inc. and JG Summit Petrochemicals Inc.”

Is there no alternative to VAT?

Yes, there are alternatives to VAT. The biggest of these is rationalization of incentives.

ABS-CBN Interactive
Views and Analysis, 8/5/2008 12:32 AM

THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE
By LEONOR MAGTOLIS BRIONES
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Nationalism was my first step in the journey towards full development.

Ka Tanny was part of that journey. I too travelled the same road as his son Wigberto. Now I am with his grandson Erin. Thank you, Ka
Tanny.

“Nationalist to the last.” This is how Rene A.V. Saguisag describes the late Sen. Lorenzo “Ka Tanny” Tanada, whose centennial we are celebrating on August 10, 2008.

The first time I met the late Sen. Lorenzo “Ka Tanny” Tanada was in the old Senate Building in Luneta. I went there for the first Council meeting of the Movement for the Advancement of Nationalism (MAN) . He was the first Chairman. I was a then a member of the Kabataang Makabayan and represented the Youth Sector.

In those days, senators were like Olympians, more godlike than human. They towered over mere mortals in their erudition, eloquence and grandeur. They were like the Roman senators of old. For a graduate student in her twenties fresh from the province, the experience of meeting, talking and seeing a senator up close was awesome.

I was a callow and timid promdi taking up graduate studies in the then U.P. Institute of Public Administration. Dodong Nemenzo was my professor. It was he who brought me to Kabataang Makabayan and to Ka Tanny.

Dazzling is the only word which can be used to describe Ka Tanny’s smile. And when he spoke, his listeners were all mesmerized. During assemblies and marches, young people were carried away by his brilliance and eloquence as he expounded nationalist tenets.

The Movement for the Advancement of Nationalism (MAN) was the broadest alliance of different sectors rallying to the cause of nationalism. The first Secretary General was Jose Maria Sison. Leading personalities included intellectual giants like Renato Constantino, Dodong and Princess Nemenzo, Merlin Magallona, and fiery labor leaders like Ignacio Lacsina and Juan Olalia.

As MAN Chairman, Ka Tanny steered the organization at a time when to be a “mere” nationalist was considered dangerous. At times, we would meet in the house of Renato and Letty Constantino.

Those were heady days. I felt like a fish thrown into the waters of nationalism. We read and reread, and held DGs (discussion groups) in different houses. Nationalism was the first step on the road to radicalism and the young welcomed it joyously.

My MAN experience was a defining moment in my journey to full development as a nationalist and progressive. It completely changed my life and led me on the path which I have never abandoned. Many young people of that time started with MAN. Now they are national leaders in their own right.

Ka Tanny was part of the MAN experience for many young men and women. In the words of Arlene Babst, “He looked, in fact, like the youngest MAN (Movement for the Advancement of Nationalism, which he spearheaded) I have ever seen in my life.”

From Senator to MAN

When Ka Tanny became senator in 1947, he had already built up a formidable reputation as professional, lawyer and public servant. He held the longest record of continuous service in the Senate, 24 years.

He received his law degree from the University of the Philippines, his Master’s of Law from Harvard University, and his Doctor of Civil Law from the University of Santo Tomas, meritissimus.

His nationalist inclinations were enriched by his experience as running mate of Don Claro M. Recto in the Nationalist People’s Party. His chairmanship of MAN was a result of nationalist positions which he espoused in the Senate, his relentless battles against graft and corruption and his advocacy of civil liberties as founding member of the Civil Liberties Union.

*From MAN to nationalist hero*

Ka Tanny is best remembered for his leadership role during the dark days of Martial Law.

Along with other luminaries, he fought the dictatorship. He was campaign manager of Lakas ng Bayan, a coalition of anti-dictatorship forces. Ka Tanny later led a protest march against the massive cheating during the 1978 election.

Ka Tanny continued his glorious journey during the Aquino administration with his heroic stand on the military bases. He was among those who headed the series of protests which led to the mothballing of the much maligned Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

Ka Tanny only stopped when his physical system finally gave up on him. He passed away in 1992.

Remembering Ka Tanny

How easily people forget! Eccelesiastes has said, “There is no rememberance of men of old, and those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.” How soon the country forgets! But those who were enraptured with his oratory in MAN, his courage in the face of Martial Law, and his endurance in the fight against the bases will not forget.

Nationalism was my first step in the journey towards full development. Ka Tanny was part of that journey. I too travelled the same road as his son Wigberto. Now I am with his grandson Erin. Thank you, Ka Tanny.

ABS-CBN Interactive
Views and Analysis, 7/28/2008 12:30 AM July 29, 2008

THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE
by LEONOR MAGTOLIS BRIONES

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The handwriting on the wall

And so it came to pass that King Belshazzar of Babylon gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles. In the midst of Belshazzar’s revelry with his nobles, wives and concubines, the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the wall: mene, mene, tekel, parsin. Terror filled the heart of the king and all those in the palace.

All the king’s wise men could not read the handwriting on the wall. Finally, the prophet Daniel was summoned. He told the king the meaning of the words. Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Parsin(or Peres): Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

Today, July 28, the President will address a gathering of her nobles and satraps. She will deliver the annual SONA or State of the Nation Address. Whatever she says, however she says it, cannot erase the handwriting on the wall which is there for all to see.

There is more than one Daniel denouncing and exposing the perfidy of the present administration. As early as July 18, Social Watch Philippines started its series of statements and briefings on the national budget, the state of the economy and its impact on the social sectors.

This week, more Daniels spoke out—academics, think tanks and progressive organizations, particularly the youth. Last Friday, former cabinet members from four administrations (FSGO) issued a powerful statement which was prophetic as well as poetic. It highlighted the seven curses which the present administration had inflicted on our hapless country: the food crisis, worsening poverty, deteriorating basic social services, corruption, wanton abuse of presidential power and illegitimacy.

Today, Social Watch Philippines convenor of the Alternative Budget Initiative composed of 48 civil society organizations is presenting its position regarding the handwriting on the wall and the state of the nation:

Mene, Mene: Your days are numbered

The latest that this administration can last is up to 2010. There are speculations about constitutional change, either to extend the term of the president or change to a parliamentary system. The public strongly rejects this move. Efforts to generate support for constitutional change at this time have been roundly rebuffed. The people refuse to give the smallest opportunity for the president or her anointed successors to stay one minute longer.

End of days is coming!

Tekel: Tinimbang ka ngunit kulang
For seven years Social Watch Philippines has weighed the accomplishments of this administration in social development, particularly the Millennium Development Goals and found them grossly wanting. Mention has consistently been made of poverty, inequity, increasing hunger, deterioration in education, stubbornly high levels of infant and maternal mortality, low levels of health, environmental degradation, and global problems related to trade and debt.

Inadequate financing

Lack of adequate financing partly explains the appalling failure in social development. Dr. Rosario Manasan of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies calculated that for four MDG goals alone Ph94.9 billion in additional resources will be needed this year. The actual additions to the 2008 budget are nowhere near this amount.

For 2009, Manasan has calculated that additional resources of Ph100.4 billion should be added to the national budget for education, health, water and sanitation, and poverty reduction. Again, this amount is not likely to be generated, considering escalating deficit levels.

Slowdown in the economy

Most of the counter SONA assessments focused attention on social development impacts. Social Watch Philippines has already issued extensive papers on non-attainment of MDG goals. This is partly explained by the slowing down of the economy.

Official data on the growth of the economy indicate a clear downward trend in the gross domestic product. In 2007, the president called for a special conference crowing about a 7% GDP growth for the first quarter. During the first quarter of 2008, this has gone down to 5.2%.

The growth of agriculture, fishery and forestry has gone down from 4% growth in the first quarter of 2007 to 3% growth, also in the first quarter. Even worse, the industry sector has gone down from a hefty 6.6% growth during the first quarter of 2007 to 3.9% in 2008. A breakdown of the industry sector shows numbers which are not for the faint hearted: manufacturing went down from 4.1% during the first quarter of 2007 to 2.3% in 2008. But wait! Construction went down from 21.7% to– que horror—4.5% from the first quarters of 2007 to 2008!

Global crisis no excuse

The usual excuse is that the crisis is global. How come Vietnam has 7.4% growth rate, Malaysia 7.1%, Indonesia 6.3%, Thailand 6.0 % and the Philippines a meek, embarrassing 5.2%? The crucial factor is governance.

What employment?

Last week, the government paid for a full two-page ad and issued a series of press releases on its so-called accomplishments. A claim was made that 9 million jobs were created from 2001-2008. These extravagant claims are totally erased by the fact that unemployment now stands at 8% and underemployment at double digit levels. Even as so-called millions of jobs were created for street cleaners, canal diggers, flower trimmers and the like, millions of jobs were also lost in manufacturing and construction. This resulted in a net loss of 168,000 jobs since April last year.

Governance
The present administration has been measured and found most wanting in the area of governance. No less than the World Bank has pronounced this government as the most corrupt in East Asia.

Parsin: Reform is blowing in the wind
The people refuse to listen to the SONA and its claims. Change and reform are on the way. They already know the truth and it will set them free.

Postscript
Whatever happened to Belshazzar? He was thrown into the dustbin of history. Darius took over the kingdom of Babylon.

ABS-CBN Interactive
Views and Analysis, 7/21/2008 8:28 AM

THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE
By LEONOR MAGTOLIS BRIONES

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If all countries are affected by the global crises, how come other countries are not as hungry as we are? One important factor is governance. It is bad enough that we are hungry. It is equally mortifying that we are also billed as the most corrupt country in Asia .

The July 21 issue of Business World adds another straw which just might break the overburdened back of the suffering Filipino. This straw is perhaps the heaviest and the most threatening of all: the spectre of hunger. The latest Social Weather Stations survey conducted last June 27-30 reveals that for the second quarter of the year, hunger has risen to 16.3% from the March figure of 15.7%.

What is more alarming is that those who report severe hunger now stand at 4.2% of the population, a full 1% increase from the first quarter report of 3.2%. Moderate hunger has likewise increased from 11.25% in March to 12.1% for the second quarter of the year.

Most alarming is the fact that the National Capital Region exhibits the highest level of hunger at a whopping 22% compared to 15.7% during the first quarter. This means that out of every 100 Filipinos in the capital region, 22 report that they have experienced hunger during the past three months!

While hunger levels are stable in Mindanao and down in Luzon , these have escalated in the Visayas.

Let me emphasize right off that we are talking of involuntary hunger, not the voluntary hunger of those who are dieting and fasting for whatever reason.

Does the sharp rise of hunger in NCR come as a surprise? Not really. We have been having double-digit hunger numbers for some time now. It must be remembered that NCR does not grow its own food. It consumes, rather than produces food. It is therefore dependent on the other regions and rice imports from other countries. Thus, it is severely affected by the shortage of rice.

Mindanao tends to be stable because its food producing regions are protected from storms. Besides, not all Mindanaoans depend on imported rice. On the other hand, large rice -producing Visayan provinces like Iloilo were devastated by the series of storms .Samar and Leyte which produce other food crops were likewise lashed by typhoons.

What are the implications of escalating levels of hunger in NCR? Obviously, the social and political implications are terrifying. Hunger in intensely crowded areas is dangerous. It can trigger increased levels of criminality, discontent, and destabilization. We have seen how hunger can lead to political action in other countries.

The usual official excuse is that present levels of hunger are caused by international factors like the rice crisis, climate change and the oil crisis. However, we must remember that Social Weather Stations has been monitoring hunger for some time now and the numbers have always been high, even before the triple crises this year.

If all countries are affected by the global crises, how come other countries are not as hungry as we are? Why aren?t the Thais, Malaysians, Singaporeans, Vietnamese, and perhaps the Cambodians as hungry?

One important factor is governance. It is bad enough that we are hungry. It is equally mortifying that we are also billed as the most corrupt country in Asia .

I have written repeatedly that a hungry man (or woman) is an angry man.

Kapit sa patalim

The ?temporary? policy of exporting Filipinos abroad has been in place for over thirty years. It has served as a useful ?safety valve? for keeping a significant number of the unemployed out of the country.

Through the years the ?temporary policy? has brought in billions of dollars in OFW earnings back to the economy. Thus, OFWs are often referred to as heroes and heroines. They undergo untold deprivation and suffering to support their families and the Philippine economy.

Through the years, we have had spectacles of women returning home in coffins. We have Filipinas driven mad by torture and abuse. Some of them have been thrown into jail, and hanged or beheaded. The stories are repeated so frequently over thirty years that we are not shocked by the next news item.

It is not as if these women don?t know the terrible risks they take when they go abroad to work as maids and caregivers. What drives them to leave and face the horrifying dangers of physical abuse, overwork, and even rape?

Take Odang. Against the everybody?s advice, she ventured to the United Arab Emirates , expecting to work as a sales girl. Not surprisingly, she suffered the usual indignities, including going without food. Her mother sold their tiny plot of land and borrowed heavily to pay for her return ticket. After a year of unemployment and mounting debts in the Philippines she set off for Jordan , hoping to be luckier . This time, attempted rape was thrown in together with illness, abuse and overwork.

Consul General Renato Villa of the Philippine Embassy is assisting in her repatriation. What drove Odang to go to hell and back?

Unemployment in her own country. Another case of kapit sa patalim.

OR BETTER STILL, FOR WHOM IS PHILIPPINE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION?
by Alex Brillantes, Jr. and Maricel Fernandez

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A paper presented in the public colloquium on: “Is there a Philippine Public Administration: A Timeless Issue,” held on June
26-27, 2008 at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG).

Alex Brillantes, Jr. is a Professor and Dean at the University of the Philippines, National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG). Maricel Fernandez is a University Researcher (UP NCPAG) and former instructor of Saint Paul University Philippines. The assistance of Kate Asilo in the preparation of this paper is gratefully acknowledged.

Download Paper (PDF 400kb)

ABS-CBN Interactive
Views and Analysis, 7/14/2008

THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE
By LEONOR MAGTOLIS BRIONES

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This is what the Young Turks are all about. They belong to different parties, faiths, and “lifestyle” preferences. Nonetheless, they respect and celebrate each other’s differences. They are united in their advocacy for New Politics and their eagerness to engage the youth and invite them to be active in the movement for reforms and political activism.

“Are you willing to talk in a church building”? This was my anxious question to Adel (Tamano) and Danton (Remoto) when we discussed the scheduled visit of the Young Turks to Silliman University on July 10, 2008. The dialogue with the Political Science and History majors was scheduled to be held in the Udarbe Memory Chapel. The All-University Convocation/Town Hall Meeting would be held in the Silliman Church . Adel, a Muslim, replied that he did not have a problem with speaking in a Christian sanctuary. Danton assured me he “is a good Christian soldier.” Erin (Tanada) and Gilbert (Remulla) did not mind either.

This is what the Young Turks are all about. They belong to different parties, faiths, and “lifestyle” preferences. Nonetheless, they respect and celebrate each other’s differences. They are united in their advocacy for New Politics and their eagerness to engage the youth and invite them to be active in the movement for reforms and political activism.

On the other hand Silliman University , all of 107 years old, is steeped in Christian tradition. The conduct of university convocations always include opening and closing prayers led by the university pastor. Nonetheless, the organizers agreed to dispense with the other features associated with convocations. The talk show format was adopted instead. Dr. Cecile Genove acted as talk show host and moderated, with the Student Government president Stacy Alcantara assisting.

Full support was provided by President Ben Malayang III, Vice-President Betsy Joy Tan, Dean Carlos Magtolis, Jr. of the College of Arts and Sciences and Dean Tabitha Tinagan of the College of Business Administration.

Two other events were handled directly by the Student Government. These were the forum with political science and history majors and the symposium with business and economics students. Both were packed with students.

Most nearly everything was discussed: GMA, corruption at all levels starting with the Sangguniang Kabataan to the highest levels, exploitation of the environment, gender equality, the role of media, governance problems with national and local leaders, and yes, alternatives. The oft repeated concern was about loss of trust in the present leaders and lack of hope for the future.

Those who believe that the students from the provinces are different from those in Manila are in for a surprise. The questions were just as intense and well informed. And the depth of despair just as disturbing.

The sharing of hopes for change was touching. Even with his political disappointments, Gilbert urged the young not to lose hope. Erin who is now carrying the torch for his grandfather and father, called for a redefinition of nationalism. Danton urged inclusion of the marginalized. Adel called for a place for everyone at the national table. He advised the young to be part of the political process.

Pres. Malayang commented admiringly, “They are so different from their fathers!” Yes, they are different in a wonderful, contemporary way. But they are also the same in that they honor the trails blazed by their fathers.

Reclaiming the meaning of Gloria

When the two-hundred voice festival choir sang John Rutter’s major choral work, “Gloria”, they did not have a woman in mind. With their celestial voices, they were exulting, “Gloria in excelsis Deo, Glory to God in the Highest!”

This was during the choral festival celebrating the centennial of the United Church of the Good Shepherd in Mandaluyong last July 12. The event was organized by Dr. Romulo Pizana who conducted eight choirs from different churches and denominations in singing “Gloria”: The Manila Concert Choir, His Sounds, Ellinwood Psalm Ensemble, Ellinwood Malate Church Chancel Choir, Church of the Holy Redeemer Choir, Good Samaritan United Methodist Church Choral Ensemble, National City United Church Choir and the United Church of the Good Shepherd Chancel Choir.

The other conductors were Vera Pepito Acosta, Liza Gay A. Clavecilla and Mayen Bernas-Borja. The accompanists were Prof. Jourdann Petalver, Mark Oliver Olivares and Raymund Lim. Soloists were Prof. Naomi Sison, Ms. Gemini Paraso and Dr. Cheremyn Guerrero.

Each time choirs sing “Gloria”, it never fails to touch the heart and soul of both listener and performer. It is one of the most beautiful sacred choral works ever .It is also one of the most difficult to sing, with its sustained high notes and pulsating rhythm. From beginning to end, it praises the majesty and glory of God and ends in a breath-taking, heart-stopping climax which all but gives a glimpse of paradise.

Fr. Francis Lucas later txted: U can’t realize how impressed we were. Ur music lifts d soul. Felt like we were in GLORIA…thanks a million. That was a feat!

Gloria is not a woman’s name. It is all about God’s Glory. At present it is associated with many other things. It is time to reclaim the true meaning of Gloria.

BUSINESS MIRROR – Opinion
July 14, 2008
by Liling Briones

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During the past week, I was deeply engrossed with two seemingly disparate activities. The first was the visit of the Young Turks—Adel (Tamano), Danton (Remoto), Erin (Tañada) and Gilbert (Remulla) to Silliman University , Dumaguete City , on July 10 and 11. The other activity was the “Magkaisa sa Awitan” choral festival commemorating the 100th anniversary of the United Church of the Good Shepherd (UGCS).

The music of New Politics

It is starting. The young are singing a different political tune. It is the music of New Politics. Young people are responding to the call for New Politics in talk shows, blogs and assemblies. They are moving away from apathy and are starting to march to a different drum. They are talking to the Young Turks.

Who are the Young Turks? During the first leg of their university tour in Silliman University , many asked this question. Are they similar to the young men of Turkey who started the Young Turks Revolution that brought down the monarchy? Or are they like the young Filipino politicians who defied their party elders?

Adel says it was the media who gave them the name, which was quickly picked up by young people who responded to their blog, the opposite of apathy.wordpress.com.

The call of the Young Turks is addressed to the young—not necessarily in age—but in terms of hope, fresh ideas, and relief from the cynicism and sense of hopelessness pervading the country. They call for the participation of all sectors, especially the marginalized, in the political process. They challenge the youth to engage the government on urgent national issues.

Coming from different political parties, the Young Turks cross political, ideological, religious and social boundaries imposed by the traditional political process.

For their visit to Silliman University , they got up at the crack of dawn to board the first flights to Dumaguete. Upon arrival, they gamely followed a strenuous schedule, which included three major fora with the political science and history majors, business and economics students and the all-university convocation held in Silliman Church .

In between, they walked from one part of the campus to another, talked with students, faculty and staff. The only thing they could not do was sleep.

The questions raised by the students in the three fora were both disturbing and inspiring. A recurrent theme was the disappointment and apathy of the youth. One student complained that their hopes had been raised and destroyed so often. What guarantee is there that they would not be disappointed again with New Politics?

Another student talked about his province, which is one of the poorest in the country even as their governor is wallowing in wealth. A son of a former mayor spoke passionately about how his father was impelled to change political parties in order to access funding for their poor municipality.

A student wanted to know why Gilbert proposed the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan even as Erin wanted it reformed and strengthened. More questions about gender equality, exploitation of natural resources and exclusion of minorities in politics. And always, the despairing query, “Is there hope?”

Gilbert kept repeating like the Lord of the Rings’ Arwen, “There is hope. The hope is in you.” Erin challenged the young to “reclaim the government!” Danton called for more inclusiveness in politics. Adel urged the youth repeatedly to continue engaging the government and the political system. He said everyone should have a place at the table.

A different kind of music, indeed!

‘Gloria’ is not the name of a woman

This is as far as Christians are concerned. This is the musical message conveyed during the soul-stirring rendition of John Rutter’s “Gloria” by more than 200 singers from eight choirs under the baton of Dr. Romulo Pizana. To the typical Filipino, Gloria is not a woman’s name. It means heaven. Paradise . To serious Christians, “Gloria in excelsis Deo” means “Glory to God in the Highest.”

Those who were at the choral festival caught a glimpse of paradise as they listened to the heavenly voices exulting God. It was literally heart-stopping for me when the sopranos scaled the high notes as they sang “rex celestis,” King of the Heavens. I thought my heart could not bear so much beauty. And as the choir accelerated to the glorious climax, many in the audience felt they were transported to celestial heights.

Thank you, Romy. Thank you Manila Concert Choir, His Sounds, Ellinwood Malate Church Choir, Ellinwood Psalm Ensemble, Holy Redeemer Choir, Good Samaritan United Methodist Church Chorale Ensemble, National City United Church Choir and the United Church of the Good Shepherd Chancel Choir.

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