Mar Roxas: hands on, innovative and productive. Surprised?
I find Secretary Mar Roxas to be a fascinating individual to assess as a presidential candidate. He is liked for his loyalty and dedication to the Philippines, liked for his honesty and earnest work, disliked by association with President Aquino, disliked for being rich, well-educated and gifted with an easy path to success, ridiculed for various photo-ops, and generally ignored by most of the population. His poll evaluations are on the low side and we get the sense he is on the cusp of taking off, or dropping off the face of the election map.
He is penalized because he does not cheat like Binay. Binay uses every available forum to diminish others and promote himself . . . way ahead of the election period. Instead, Roxas just works.
I looked at Secretary Roxas’ character in a prior blog: “The real Mar Roxas: a kind, intelligent, earnest man“. This one will consider his work history with specific attention to his current job as Secretary, Department of the Interior and Local Goverment (DILG). At the end, I’ll draw a conclusion.
Framing for the Arguments
Let me add this section after having read 2BFair’s rebuttal of my blog advising Senator Poe not to run for the presidency.
How might we frame our discussion? There are several ways.
- We can be completely factual with no political overlay. “Mar Roxas has worked here and got these bills passed. He said this, did that, and the results were . . . whatever.” Get out the scorecards, add ’em up, and calculate the best person.
- We can be political advocates and spin doctors. “Mar Roxas is the guy I want to win because one of his staff recruited me to help. Therefore, he did not just assist in bringing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) to the Philippines. He was the main man. In fact, the Manila skyline, with all its high rises going up, is his doing. Point of fact, Binay thrived on Roxas’ innovative work.”
- We can have an advocacy based on a strategic overlay that is not political, but may seem political. “In the best interest of the Philippines, Mar Roxas should be president.” This considers the context, the players, the risks, the environment. “Who is the BEST CEO for the nation?” is not as relevant as “who is the best CEO for the nation NOW?”
To elaborate on 3, which is basically my methodology, I think Secretary Roxas is going to run, because he has waited six years for the privilege. I further think that if Senator Poe runs, she will split the good-guy votes, handing the presidency to Binay.
I think Roxas is a veteran who has been through the wars. We know his loyalty to the Philippines and dedication to the job. Senator Poe remains a newbie, unchallenged, untested by trial. Where is her loyalty? To the Philippines or to families close to her? Senator Cayetano is smart but he is a loose cannon. Stability is very, very important to the nation right now. Turmoil would be a disaster. No other prospective candidate has the talent, character and intellectual wisdom that is important to the top job. If Manny Villar or others not now on the mentionables list decided to step in, I’d recalculate things.
So I confess that I am subject here to the influence of circumstances. It is true that I have been approached by Roxas supporters who asked if “we could work together”, and I politely declined. So you have to trust me on this. I know it is hard. Haha.
Accountability, credit and blame
A short form of the dialogue between 2BFair and me might go like this:
- JoeAm: “Roxas protected the Pope, and that is what we could expect of his government.”
- 2BFair: “Espina led all the security arrangements for the Pope, not Roxas.”
Well, I would say then that we should release President Aquino from any blame at all for Mamasapano, because that was a Napenas operation. And Roxas is responsible for absolutely nothing at all, because all of DILG’s work is delegated out to others.
Well, of course, I joke. But you can’t cut it both ways, that blame flows to the top but credit stops somewhere along the line. Roxas has to receive credit for the Pope’s protection. To believe that a hands-on guy was just sitting on the sidelines of the most important visit to the Philippines in 20 years is absurd. Airlines cancelled. 15,000 police housed, fed and transported. Cell phone companies blocking signals. Barricades up in advance. Traffic flows designed to fit the Pope’s desired contact with people. The President briefed. Inter-agency meetings held. Get the Pope to Tacloban and back. 44 separate separate security details planned and carried out. To perfection. If you need the evidence, just pull up a few articles on the visit. Roxas was everywhere, and he knew everything. Here’s one: “Pope Francis in Luneta: Things you should know“, Rappler.
Under his watch, security arrangements were superb. Put envy and preconceptions and politics aside. The guy performed. First class. Something you seldom see in the Philippines.
Education and Work History
Let me simply refer you to the Wiki biography, as it is thorough and shows what you might expect: quality education specializing in economics, work as a private investment banker bridging between New York and Manila, and varied government positions: representative, senator, and four cabinet secretary appointments [both Estrada and Arroyo appointed him to head the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)].
Very clearly, the comments I’ve read that say “Roxas accomplished nothing”, or that “he is not responsible for the BPO industry”, are wrong. He has worked diligently and produced meaningful legislation. He WAS the government’s chief advocate to facilitate the growth of the BPO industry. We ought not be political on this, either.
As you look carefully at the work history of Mar Roxas, two facets of that work become evident:
- He develops a strategic framework that drives the tactics, or work. So as Trade Secretary, he embraces the “palengke” concept that guides decisions and programs to build the economy by building robust markets, and as DILG secretary, we see the energizing and recognition of local government units, down to the barangay, as his method to fight crime and prepare for disasters.
- Roxas has an incredible work ethic. He is on the job, on the move, day and night, relentlessly. On location. Hands on. Fully involved, personally, in the project at hand. This is no pampered ivy league prep boy . . . his hands get dirty.
When I put Mar Roxas and Jejomar Binay side by side for comparison, I have to laugh. There is an incredible difference in style and motivation and yet most Filipinos . . . the masa . . . get it EXACTLY backward. The working guy is Roxas, the pampered guy is Binay.
Roxas has the deepest and richest working background of any prospective presidential candidate. He’s spent 22 years in the government labor yards, both Executive and Legislative. He works hard. He’s honest. He is on scene where the action is. He does not glad hand the powerful or flaunt his religion for votes. When he condoles with the grieving, he means it.
On the other hand, Jejomar “he’s one of us” Binay behaves like a pampered rich boy. He cruises as an entitled power broker, lording it over his various estates: Makati, sister cities, swank land holdings, and the Boy Scouts. He condescends to the poor as if they are all needy beggars. He cheats and lies and schmoozes with priests for publicity, but has the moral values of a scoundrel. When he condoles with the grieving, he means to use it.
One works for us, the other for himself.
The people have it completely backward.
The BPO Industry in the Philippines today represents about 1 million direct jobs, generates billions in revenues, and places the Philippines “Number 1” in the world for English speaking outsourced work. It is the fuel behind Manila’s current economic boom and residential tower construction. It is a major contributor to congestion in Manila.
- “See that skyline going up? That’s what I can do for an economy!” (JoeAm as speechwriter for Mar Roxas)
- 2BFair: “The BPO industry was driven by investors, not Roxas.”
- JoeAm: “Roxas, as Trade Secretary, formed the Call Center Association of the Philippines that energized the industry. To deny his role is to be in denial.”
“[Roxas] saw and harnessed the potential of the Philippines as a global e-services hub. He launched ‘Make IT Philippines’ and organized the first IT-enabled services (ITES) to the US which inevitably led to the biggest global industry names to invest in the country . . .” [Inquirer profile of Senator Roxas]
Why would anyone deny someone credit for work well done? I don’t get it.
DILG Main Thrusts
I set out on my own to identify the main thrusts of DILG by examining Roxas’ work activities. I’ll give you the opportunity to do the same thing at the end of this blog. I examined DILG press releases issued during Roxas’ term. Here’s what I came up with as his primary focus:
- Clean up corruption from the PNP and convert the PNP to a more professional, better equipped police force. Reduce crime.
- Incent Local Government Units (LGUs) to good governance and productivity by linking budget grants to good achievements. This extends one of the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo’s initiatives called the “Performance Challenge Fund”.
- Promote “grass roots” involvement of local residents in local governance. Use the barangay structure to good advantage.
- Improve the Philippines’ preparation for and response to national disasters. Roxas is vice chairman of the national government’s disaster response council. Resettlement of residents is a part of this work.
- Give special attention and investment to the poor.
- Deal effectively with major incidents, disasters and crimes.
These themes are easy to recognize and consistent in application. Secretary Roxas puts the burden of the nation’s well being on LGU heads, for disaster planning and response, for crime reduction, and for good governance. His unifying theme is “involved democracy”, where local officials and residents are engaged to shape and assist with the national government’s efforts. Secretary Roxas believes in grass roots governance.
Next, I went to the DILG web site to get the official statement of goals and objectives which I suspect were put together by the late Secretary Jesse Robredo:
[Photo credit: Inquirer]
Goals
- Peaceful, safe, self-reliant and development-dominated communities;
- Improve performance of local governments in governance, administration, social and economic development and environmental management;
- Sustain peace and order condition and ensure public safety.
Objectives
- Reduce crime incidents and improve crime solution efficiency
- Improve jail management and penology services
- Improve fire protection services
- Continue professionalization of PNP, BFP and BJMP personnel and services
- Enhance LGU capacities to improve their performance and enable them to effectively and efficiently deliver services to their constituents
- Continue to initiate policy reforms in support of local autonomy
It is interesting that the emphasis on disaster response that is in Roxas’ actual work is not contained in the official set of goals and objectives. It was very likely added due to the brutal hit from Yolanda. Furthermore, there is clearly an emphasis in the actual work on funding projects in poorer provinces. I’d guess that this is a part of the Aquino Administration’s intensifying effort to make sure the economic boom is broadly inclusive.
So there have been two major “add ons” during the course of Roxas’ term as Secretary. He is not just following in Robredo’s footsteps.
Getting a feel for Roxas work
[Photo credit: Rappler]
It is a rather shallow foundation for decision-making.
So I rolled up my sleeves and, over several days, waded through the DILG’s history of press releases. I wanted to get a sense of the kinds of activities that took up Secretary Roxas’ time at DILG. Yes, press releases are somewhat self promotional, but they also provide the best look we can get at the work being done.
This exercise was an eye-opener for the range of Roxas’ activities and how they focus on making the Philippines a better place:
- Better policing and efforts to reduce or solve crimes
- Better prepared to deal with natural disasters
- More professional, less corrupt, more effective local government units
- More investment and relief to the poorest areas in the Philippines
It is guaranteed to be instructional if you would grant Mr. Roxas the courtesy of going a little deeper than most, and scan through the “short list” of his engagements that I include at the end of the blog. You owe it to yourself to be very clear about his dedication to a better Philippines.
Results and Metrics
It is hard to point to statistics to verify the “results” of Roxas’ work.
- Reduction in crime: We face an anomaly in that reported crime actually went up in 2014 because of efforts to be more comprehensive in crime reporting. The statistical base needs to be stabilized and used to benchmark progress. A lot is being done but it is hard to calculate the results.
- Natural disaster planning: There are no statistics that mean anything. If there is a step-up in preparation, Yolanda delivered the heavy hitting message. Not Roxas. But he has been steady-on in getting local officials focused and ready for each approaching storm.
- Hands on crisis work: Secretary Roxas is perhaps the most “hands on” manager in the Aquino administration. If something is happening, he is there. A sultan’s invasion of Sabah, the Zamboangan siege, Yolanda, Ruby, Cagayan de Oro bombings, a Pope’s visit . . . he is a key adviser to the President, the guy who bridges between the cops, events on the ground, and the President. He stood by the President at Zamboanga when the “no negotiation for hostage” decision was made, and stood in the weather facing Tacloban Mayor Romualdez during the emotional, tragic days after Yolanda and dealt with a guy who was interested in making sure others got the blame for the tragedy.
- Detailed in work, but big picture in vision: We aren’t listening attentively if we don’t hear a presidential voice speaking:
- “The real poll winners are the people.” (After 2013 elections)
- “Focus on the job and help us help the people.” (To Tacloban Mayor Romualdez after Yolanda)
- “Make disaster planning a way of life.” (To mayors after Yolanda)
- “First Responder Units: Secure your families, man command centers.” (Before Ruby)
Evaluation: Engaged competence and dedicated, honest service
Mar Roxas has been in training to become President. He is ready. He knows the government inside out, and has had hands on experience with huge challenges and important projects, a depth of experience that makes Grace Poe look like a . . . well, a lightweight.
Mar Roxas projects an engaged competence and a great caring for the nation and its peoples.
I have total confidence he would pursue the straight path, and I can see already that he is able to deal with the kinds of public criticisms that whack at a president for six years. I would imagine that if he were president, the nation would be run as purposefully and professionally as security was handled for Pope Francis’ visit. His cabinet’s method would reflect his dedication to hard work and earnest deeds.
Which raises the point. People who KNOW Mar Roxas have only good things to say about him. The dirt comes from crooks, political opponents of President Aquino or Mar Roxas (the Binay camp is bitterly critical, having pegged Mr. Roxas as a primary challenger), and the sensationalist media.
But take a spin through some of his activities yourself. Roll up your own sleeves. What do you see? I grabbed perhaps one fourth of DILG’s press releases since Mar Roxas was put in charge. I’ve trimmed them down and include them here for your own reading.
Suggestion. When you are done, go back to the beginning of the blog to the first method of comparing candidates, totally objective. The scorecard method. Run it for the following people and see how it turns out: Roxas, Binay, Poe, Cayetano, Santiago, Duterte, Marcos, Trillanes, De Lima and Escudero.
If you find you are adjusting the criteria and scores to fit your preconceptions . . . ask why.
Highlights of Secretary Roxas’ work engagements:
- August 31 2012: Appointed DILG Secretary.
- November 2012: Files administrative charges against a DILG employee who attacked a policeman.
- November 2012: Orders hunt for money scam ring in Pagadian City. Relieves PNP chiefs in Zamboanga del Sur, Pagadian City.
- November 2012: Issues P2 million reward for top 5 suspects: retired General Jovito Palparan, Palawan, Governor Joel Reyes, his brother Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, Dinagat Island Representative Ruben Ecleo Jr., and Globe Asiatique developer Delfin Lee.
- November 2012: Identifies 15 provinces in the priority watch list of the PNP where there could be violence during the upcoming 2013 midterm elections.
- November 2012: DILG introduces web-site record of local government financial transactions.
- December 2012: PNP arrests suspect in murder of two young Caloocan girls; Roxas attends the girls’ wake.
- December 2012: Orders alerts for approaching Tropical Storm Bopha. Flies to Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley to assess storm damage and order relief.
- December 2012: Appoints Alan Purisima as Chief of Police.
- December 2012: Orders investigation into allegations that Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. has been operating jueteng. Relieves Pangasinan police director S/Supt Mariano Luis Versoza Jr.
- December 2012: DILG serves a Palace order suspending Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for six months for abuse of authority.
- December 2012: Orders manhunt for suspect in rape of Roxas City coed.
- January 2013: Orders investigation into the deadly firefight in Atimonan, Quezon Sunday that led to the death of 13 alleged crime syndicate members.
- January 2013: Leads Unity Walk in Quezon City and the signing of peace covenant in Samar Province to formally mark the start of the 120-day election period.
- January 2013: Directs PNP to explore all angles related to killing of Maconacon, Isabela Mayor Erlinda Domingo. Suspect arrested in 5 days.
- February 2013: Leads groundbreaking rites for a housing project that will benefit 120 families currently living in shanties along the Estero de San Miguel in Manila.
- February 2013: Formally turns over 38 new and top-of-the-line fire trucks that will be deployed in pilot cities all over the country.
- March 2013: Reiterates policy that DILG personnel are not allowed to engage directly in any profession without written permission.
- March 2013: Orders mobilization of PNP intelligence units in an intensified campaign against organized crime groups, criminal gangs, illegal gambling, wanted persons, loose firearms and private armed groups.
- March 2013: Opens talks with the brother of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III to try to resolve the Sabah standoff. Goal is disengagement.
- March 2013: Lauds a “new breed” of local politicians who foster innovations in poverty alleviation and public service delivery at the grassroots levels. Gives out awards.
- March 2013: Adopts a policy of near-site or on-site relocation for informal settlers residing along the precarious waterways of Metro Manila.
- April 2013: Visits Dinagat Islands to lead efforts to boost the socio-economic development of the province, one of the country’s poorest.
- April 2013: Gives out awards to the five winners of the “Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities”.
- April 2013: Directs all local chief executives to create transition teams and prepare for an orderly turnover to incoming local officials on June 30.
- May 2013: Calls on former Police Senior Supt. Cezar Mancao to turn himself in.
- May 2013: Urges local government units to help the DSWD speed up the legal process for child adoption.
- May 2013: Turns 15 local jails over to COMELEC during the election period.
- May 2013: Reports “generally safe” elections with crime down significantly from 2013 and 2007 elections. Roxas announces “the real poll winners are the people”.
- May 2013: Condemns an NPA attack in Cagayan province that killed eight policemen on their way to a medical examination.
- June 2013: Confirms no evidence of a bomb in the explosion that hit Serendra Two Condominiums.
- June 2013: DILG conducts survey that shows 96% of residents are satisfied with barangay services.
- June 2013: DILG sponsors flood drills in several high-risk barangays along six major waterways in Metro Manila as a part of the previously announced “zero casualty” drive. Roxas goes on-site during drills.
- June 2013: Roxas announces that the PNP would procure 2,500 patrol vehicles worth P2.08 billion to increase police visibility, mobility and crime-fighting ability.
- July 2013: Announces the government’s acquisition of 74,879 units of Glock 17 Generation 4 9mm pistol worth P1.2 billion under a goal of arming each police officer with a service pistol.
- July 2013: Announces a new recruitment process to address the so-called ‘padrino’ system as part of the wide-ranging reforms in the country’s police force. A “tambiolo” system of selection will give policemen a chance to prove their worth.
- July 2013: Roxas relieves Calabarzon Police Chief in a widening investigation following the deaths of two recaptured fugitives at the hands of their police escorts.
- August 2013: Roxas announces P170 million refurbishment program for 1,700 older police stations.
- August 2013: Administers oath to newly elected congressmen.
- August 2013: Hands out keys to first resettled residents in Bulacan.
- August 2013: President Aquino lauds Roxas’ performance, saying Roxas always finds solutions to problems being brought to his attention.
- August 2013: Roxas rules out bomb in blast in San Juan City.
- August 2013: PNP mobilized to respond to Typhoon Maring.
- September 2013: Zamboanga siege; Roxas says that the primary mission of government forces in Zamboanga City is to secure the safe release of hostages who are being used as “human shield” of armed men believed to be rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
- October 2013: Roxas assures residents of earthquake-ravaged Bohol of enough supply of rice and other basic commodities and called on them to avoid panic-buying and hoarding. Later issues probe of relief goods hoarding.
- November 6, 2013: Roxas directs all governors and mayors in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and MIMAROPA to activate their local disaster risk reduction and management councils and disaster monitoring systems in preparation for a cyclone that may have the makings of a super typhoon.
- November 7: Secs Roxas and Gazmin fly to Tacloban to check local government compliance with disaster planning and evacuations.
- November 8: Typhoon Yolanda strikes.
- November 11: Roxas reports communication lines are still out, instructs unaffected governors and mayors to contact the national disaster council to make available needed assistance to re-open supply lines to stranded communities. Simple things like back hoes and chain saws are needed.
- November 16: Relief goods arrive in 38 of 40 Leyte towns; November 18, conveyor belt relief program is working.
- November 19: Roxas asks Tacloban Mayor Romualdez’s Attorney to stop spreading lies that Roxas asked the Mayor to surrender authority to DILG. “Focus on the job and help us help the people.” December 6, Roxas asks Romualdez to stop re-writing history.
- November 20: Roxas states that ample relief goods are now flowing into damaged communities. Conditions are normalizing. The search for bodies, and identification, continues.
- November 21: Two Samar legislators ask that Sec Roxas stay on in Tacloban to organize relief. He has been in Tacloban since the day prior to Yolanda; legislators say complaints are political jealousy.
- December 2013: Roxas visits Palawan and announces tourism in Palawan and Borocay is “back in business” after Yolanda.
- December 2013: Urges private contractor to speed up work on an oil spill in Estancia, Iloilo. “Three months is too long.”
- December 2013: Roxas orders tighter PNP mall security in the light of a recent jewelry store heist.
- December 2013: Sec. issues a press release regarding NAIA 3 shooting incident.
- January 2014: Zamboanga City officials cite Sec. Roxas for his “altruistic contribution” and concern for Zamboanguenos during the standoff between government forces and MNLF faction.
- January 2014: DILG institutes “Seal of Good Governance” for LGU’s that perform well.
- February 2014: DILG announces P578 million program to improve potable water delivery to poor communities.
- February 2014: Roxas calls on elected officials of Mindanao to extend their all-out support to the Framework Agreement for Bangsamoro.
- March 2014: Roxas calls on the country’s local executives to continue implementing reforms related to good governance in order for them to secure more support from the national government.
- April 2014: Announces P178 million in anti-poverty projects for Romblon Province.
- April 2014: P 1.79 billion made available for reconstruction and rehabilitation of government facilities damaged by Yolanda.
- April 2014: Cordillera region to receive P2 billion for poverty reduction over the next two years.
- April 2114: Announces P258 million anti-poverty projects for Nueva Ecija.
- May 2014: Directs the PNP to extend their all-out support to the e-Subpoena System.
- May 2014: Appeals to local Mindanao executives to support the goal to plant 1.5 billion trees in Mindanao by 2016.
- May 2014: Hands over P38 million to Northern Minda mayors to assist in poverty alleviation.
- May 2014: Announces that DILG has saved the government an estimated P3.1 billion through the barangay justice system as the first line of dispute resolution.
- May 2014: Announces P367 million for anti-poverty projects in Albay and P641 million in CAMSUR.
- June 2014: Issues order for LGU’s to prepare disaster preparation plans for the forthcoming typhoon season.
- June 2014: With Sec. Abad, delivers P2.4 billion in funds to Bohol for earthquake rebuilding projects. Also announces P636 million for anti-poverty projects in Bohol.
- June 2014: Calls on local chief executives especially punong barangays to fully activate their respective Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) to assist the local police in its anti-criminality efforts.
- June 2014: Issues Memorandum Circular No, 2014-70 enjoining all LGU heads in Central Luzon to prepare for the adverse effects of El Niño phenomenon.
- June 2104: Gives speech highlighting “the power of community” in dealing with natural disasters.
- July 2014: Flies to Davao City to meet with Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and other local officials to discuss security preparations following reports of possible terrorist attacks in the area.
- July 2014: Announces bidding process for PNP purchase of 1,865 new patrol jeeps.
- July 2014: Initites a campaign to put a halt to rice hoarding.
- July 2014: 649 families living along danger zones in Maricaban creek in Pasay City are relocated under the “Oplan Likas” program. 187 families living along the flood-prone Salapan Creek in the City of San Juan are also relocated.
- July 2014: Roxas to mayors: “make disaster planning a way of life.”
- July 2014: Prepare for arrival of Inday.
- July 2014: Flies to Mindanao to receive the release of four police officers held captive by the NPA.
- July 2014: Issues press release regarding the capture of Said Giad alias “MAESTRO”.
- August 2014: Commends the League of Provinces of the Philippines for deploying automated weather stations across the country.
- August 2014: Orders Bureau of Fire Protection to assist with containment of Albay brush fire.
- August 2014: Announces PNP will deploy 900 new police recruits to help deter crime in Metro Manila’s crime-prone areas.
- August 2014: Advocates for a measure to provide higher pension for the uniformed men and women of the PNP and military.
- August 2014: Warns gun traders, importers and dealers engaged in the illegal trading of firearms that they face not only imprisonment but also suspension of their business licenses.
- August 2014: Advises that barangays are not exempted from the provision of the law requiring local governments to post a summary of their incomes and expenditures.
- August 2014: Announces accomplishments of the National Capital Region Police Office regarding their vigorous anti-criminality campaign in the region. Several officials have been relieved of duty.
- August 2014: DILG will assess the performance of LGUs in the delivery of social services that promote the welfare of children.
- August 2014: Announces support for enactment of the Freedom of Information Bill and the proposed Anti-Dynasty Law.
- August 2014: To help local governments comply with the Full Disclosure Policy, the Department’s regional offices have been helping LGUs develop web sites to make information available.
- August 2014: Announces that DILG’s 2015 budget of P104,571 billion is “pork free”.
- August 2014: Encourages PNP officials to work smarter, not just harder.
- September 2014: Malaybalay, Bukidnon – 66 former rebel families receive livelihood assistance worth P65,000 each. Roxas and Governor Jose Maria Zubiri Jr. hand out the grants.
- September 2014: Engages in several forums to promote grass roots governance, including participation by church, barangay officials and local leaders.
- September 2014: Joins with Metro Manila mayors to focus on crime reduction.
- September 2014: Announces his personal willingness to undergo a lifestyle check, consistent with DILG requiring PNP officers to undergo lifestyle checks.
- September 2014: Issues statement on the arrest of gun-for-hire leader Raymond Mangali.
- September 2014: Gives out commendations for heroes of Zamboangan siege.
- September 2014: Roxas expresses appreciation for the Gold Open Government Award for Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) granted to the Philippines during the Inaugural Open Government Partnership Awards at the United Nations Head Quarters in New York City.
- September 2014: Issues assurances to residents of Albay that the national government is ready to provide assistance should there be an eruption of Mayon Volcano.
- October 2014: Announces he will look into the concern of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes’ frustration that the Philippine National Police is not enforcing court orders.
- October 2014: Orders the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to deploy additional police forces to reduce the crime rate in at least eight “problem areas” in Metro Manila.
- October 2014: Lauds the Philippine Nurses Association and all Filipino nurses in and out of the country for their contributions to healthcare services.
- October 2014: Gives assurance that the DILG-PNP are ready to do their share in meeting the dreaded ebola virus disease under President Aquino’s “whole government approach”.
- October 2014: In cooperation with water agencies, DILG launches a national survey that will map out the extent of water service utilities nationwide.
- November 2014: “Let’s make disaster preparedness more understandable,” said Sec. Roxas during the soft launch of CHARLIE a centralized alert system.
- November 2014: Presents nationwide programs of the department to help local government units deliver services better and faster.
- November 2014: Expresses “unwavering commitment” to ensure that the citizens of ARMM remain safe from any acts of terror and criminality by the Abu Sayyaff Group.
- November 2014: Leads the inauguration ceremonies of the Yolanda Memorial Wall in Tanauan, Leyte.
- November 2014: There was ‘No Politics in Distribution of Yolanda Rehab Funds’ say LP, UNA, & Independent Mayors.
- November 2014: Awards the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to wounded PO3 Ariel Dobles at the Butuan Doctors Hospital, for bravery and service to the country.
- November 2014: Press release reporting that a total of 30 kidnappers-for-ransom were arrested from January to November this year.
- December 2014: DILG orders all local government units which are expected to be affected by Typhoon Hagupit (super-typhoon Ruby) to brace for its possible entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
- December 2014: Arrives in Eastern Samar to prepare for Ruby. “First Responder Units: Secure your families, man command centers.”
- December 2014: Despite high volumes of road debris, Roxas and the rest of the National Frontline Team vow to exhaust all efforts to communicate with all affected local government units (LGUs) so the national government can help them respond better to their post-disaster needs. [The motorcycle spill photo]
- December 2014: After staying for almost 7 days in Eastern Samar, Roxas reports that the situation in Eastern Samar has stabilized after Typhoon Ruby. National aid is being provided.
- December 2014: Confirms that the PNP now has custody of one of the gunmen who ambushed the convoy of Iligan Rep. Vicente Belmonte Jr.
- December 2014: Gives public assurance they can count on the PNP for the “safest Christmas” thus far, thanks to their intensified anti-crime campaign.
- December 2014: “It’s more than just building houses. We’re building communities.” Roxas describes the One Safe Future Program (1SF) after the DILG grants six city governments in Metro Manila P334.5 million seed fund for socialised housing.
- January 2015: Reports that more than P1.1B worth of pro-poor projects was allocated for the Cordillera Administrative Region under the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program.
- January 2015: Appeals for public understanding of security and safety preparations for the forthcoming visit of Pope Francis.
- January 2015: At the PNP’s 24th Foundation day, hands out awards to selected PNP to represent the work done to provide a successful visit by Pope Francis. Roxas recognizes the sacrifices made by police officers who barely slept and rarely saw their families during Pope Francis’ five-day stay.
- January 2015: Urges high ranking officers of the PNP to have a more updated and centralized system in accounting for crime incidents to increase efficiency and accuracy.
- January 2015: Announces the relief of PNP-SAF PDir. Getulio Napenas pending the investigation to be conducted by the Board of Inquiry (BOI) on the “misencounter” in Maguindanao.
- January 2015: Gives DILG’s sympathy to the families of those killed in Mamasapano and assures that government support will be made available.
- February 2015: Asks public to await the Board of Inquiry findings on Mamasapano, with members: PDDG Leonardo, Espina, PDir. Catalino Rodriguez, Jr., PDir. Benjamin Magalong, PCSupt. Generoso Cerbo, PCSupt. John Sosito.
- February 2015: Meets with families of SAF 44.
- February 2015: To senate hearing, about the SAF44: “They have done their part, we now have to do ours.”
- February 2015: At senate hearing: “I have been and always will tell the truth,” Roxas to Sen. Nancy Binay.
- February 2014: Reminds Filipinos of the fundamental value of ‘unity’ as he urges the nation to always remember the many lessons that the bloodless EDSA People Power revolution taught.
- February 2015: Announces that PNP officers who allowed Senator Revilla to join Senator Enrile’s birthday party are subject to sanctions commensurate to their negligence.
- March 2015: Enjoins all local government units (LGUs) to conduct relevant activities that will highlight the key role of women leaders in nation-building during National Women’s Month.
- March 2015: Submits all his phone text records to Senate committees investigating Mamasapano.
- March 5, 2015: Reports that PNP’s Board of Inquiry report on Mamasapano will be timely and objective.
- March 2015: Announces PNP will procure mobile CCTV units for police patrol units in Manila.
- March 12, 2015: Issues statement about the suspension order of Makati’s Mayor Binay. “Ang batas ay batas, at lahat tayo ay sakop ng batas. . .Ang pinaka importante? sa akin ay ang tuloy tuloy , regular, walang patid? ?na paghatid ng? serbisyo sa mga mamamayan ng Makati , kaya sisiguraduhin ko po ito . . .”
- March 13, 2015: Distributes PNP Board of Inquiry report. Roxas holds Purisima accountable for the SAF deaths.
- March 13, 2015: Calls on the public to remain calm in the face of the “drama” being staged by Makati Mayor Binay and his supporters in Makati City.
Read all press releases here: DILG News Archive
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The Society of Honor by Joe America 
Joe, that was really interesting. Thanks for the highly exhaustive research.
You have actually convinced me – and I am hard to convince – that Mar can be a very good president in terms of being a LEADER, a TEAM LEADER and a COMMUNITY BUILDER – the criteria I detailed here: https://joeam.com/2015/03/12/why-mar-roxas-should-run-for-president-and-why-you-dont-need-to-defame-grace-poe-to-make-it-happen/#comment-113516
Plus I like his focus on building solid institutions and on modern risk management instead of the old-school “bahala na” mentality then praising how “resilient” Filipinos are. Let them eat cake. Seems he is not that kind of person, maybe there is not only a new middle class rising at all levels like I wrote in my Tipping Point Article, there could also be a new upper class rising. Good, because nobody will have to start manufacturing guillotines. Besides, one should not waste heads.
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I ask for more though, because Mar might get it – he has the Wharton background. For the benefit of the big players is not enough, even if there is trickle-down in form of jobs and subsidiary business. BPO will last a few years, even beyond Mar’s term. But it can easily move and WILL move at some point – even back to the original countries as automation make more jobs obsolete and presses wages down. The Filipino boom during the mid-1990s, during Ramos’s time, proves the dangers of overconfidence.
What is needed is to use the BPO boom to build a stronger self-sustained manufacturing base, to develop stronger capabilities in research and development, to promote the growth of medium- and small-scale businesses all over the country. THAT would be the foundation for lasting mass prosperity.
————————————————————————————————————————–
Mar would have the competence to move the country up a few notches in the direction of being another Taiwan or at least another Thailand. He will have to go against the entrenched rent-seekers that rule the country – even those that profit from BPO are IMHO mostly like that. True competition is necessary to make the whole nation competitive. It would of course mean more people of common origin rising up like Manny Villar. OK he is laying the groundwork, making LGUs more participative, improving the police. That is a VERY good sign. Makes hopeful for more.
Yes, I agree with the demand for more. It is absolutely fair. What he promises is continuation of the straight path and the promise it represents, no backward steps. The challenge should be to step up, not forward. But I think we would look at continuity in the cabinet positions that run their areas well, and change to upgrade those that don’t. I also think China has to move onto the planning board, front and center. Defense is an area that MUST be stepped up to professional standards of long-term planning. And Foreign Affairs. I also think infrastructure work coming from DOTC is falling short of what is needed. It is too fractured, argumentative and slow. Manufacturing. Agribusiness. Poverty. The nation needs upgrades.
But what Roxas promises is stability, honesty, and moving forward. The good, steady platform. The pace, and quality of output, that’s what we should be demanding be stepped up.
By the way, anti-trust is on the agenda. It is a part of one of Senator Aquino’s main thrusts, included in a bill aimed at enhancing Philippine competitive practices. So the groundwork you ask for is there, should the next President assign it a priority.
What I like about Roxas’s resume you just detailed here is that it gives the impression of a man who knows what needs to be done first and gets it done. Sense of priorities is something very important. Don’t start painting the walls if pipes are leaking everywhere.
So it makes absolute sense to make sure LGUs are more participative and the police is honest and reliable. Without that groundwork, local SMBs cannot really prosper. Poverty reduction is also a priority before everything else, reduce absolute poverty to a minimum.
Now if you have a manager like Roxas, the rest is just details. He knows his priorities as head of DILG, he will know his priorities as President. In fact there is NO other candidate with that sense of priorities around, that type of leader/manager is new for the Philippines.
“The nation needs upgrades.”. Tell me about it.
A lot of my opinions come from applying my experience with the stuff I do best:
1) getting totally messed up software projects up and running again
2) upgrading to new versions without damaging the data underneath
3) building interfaces between software packages that are very different
4) leading very mixed project teams to STILL deliver on time and on budget
5) ensure that software solutions are constantly improved once they are stable
This is where I learned about priorities. But you can’t just be in emergency mode.
You need to lay the groundwork for more. I can see that Roxas is actually doing this.
PiE ,good for you translated to tagalog : buti nga sa iyo(it sounded different once translated)
nothing was mentioned about CARP he has a lot to say:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Mar_Roxas#Comprehensive_Agrarian_Reform_Program
“Roxas stressed the need to improve on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, saying it has not been as successful as it was hoped to be since it has not alleviated poverty.
He said that the CARP expires by 2008 and by law there is a need to review it, and, “as in life, what may have been appropriate 20 years ago may not be appropriate anymore today.”
“So, if CARP is to be continued, it must be in a different form with more resources. If it is not continued then we must put a different tool in place to alleviate poverty in the countryside,” Roxas said.
For Roxas, the CARP, as it has been implemented so far, clearly has not led to greater income and opportunities for those who are supposed to have been its beneficiaries.
CARP was designed as a wealth redistributive program, and land was the focus because it was thought at the time that wealth came from land, he said.
But land in and of itself does not produce wealth, it requires inputs, support, farm to market roads, fair trading, he also said.”
I heard people say he is just another haciendero, so got to dig in about his views on CARP.
.
No, he is a businessman who sees failure of business process. When land is passed to the disenfranchised, but no means to convert it to cash, it will not help at all, other than as a place to put up a hut.
Yes, so we hear anecdotes of beneficiaries who sell land to mall developers and so on.
Yep, or dummies of vice presidents.
Yes, especially that. 73 million tax case for the dummy.What could the furies be preparing as follow up? I guess they(Binays) would still use the death defying declaration that it is null and void.
No to Binay!
To those in the Philippines, start debating with your barbers and your favorite neighborhood store owners and fellow sukis(patrons). Just don’t get into a fight, barbers have weapons.and fellow sukis can break bottles.
..or dummies of vice presidents
I worry if, just to prove that the VP has nothing to do with those land and that he did not use dummies, those huge tracts of land will ultimately be in the hands of Tiu. Before the Chinese are the ones using dummies as they are not yet Filipinos therefore not allowed to buy them, now it’s the reverse, the politicians who want to hide their ill gotten wealth use them as dummies. When exposed, the VP denied, what will stop him to sell to Tiu and his group (in cash), pretty soon, not only the parts of the Western Philippines that we own will be occupied by the Chinese but also most of lands subject to carp will be sold to Chinese mall developers. Most of those in the Forbes list of billionaires are, except the Ayalas and the guy who heads the NGCP, who gets his billions as power supplier of Meralco, are they also controlled by Chinese?
One must make a distinction between Chinese by citizenship and Chinese by ethnicity. Historically, Filipino Chinese are outcasts in China and are, in allegiance, Filipino. Now if that is wrong today because of Chinese efforts to infiltrate and dominate the Filipino business community, that would be a story worth writing. That requires knowledge of personal associations that I don’t have. I believe the Chinese-Filipino businessmen are controlled by the desire to make money.
They can do that better in the Philippines, by being loyal to a Filipino economic system that favors them.
Which fits my impression of Mar: he will actually do something to enable enterpreneurs, but he will only do it if it has a solid foundation. Giving land without enabling – useless.
When I got unemployed and applied for founder’s subsidy at the unemployment office, I was sent to some courses on business basics and had a coach at the unemployment office, a former IT salesman who reviewed my business plan two times before approving it. Helping people help themselves is the best way to move forward, not just giving people stuff and hoping they will make something out of it if they have no experience doing that. “inputs, support, farm to market roads, fair trading” – Mar is thinking in the right direction.
“buti nga sa iyo” I know. Actually I HAD to learn to deal with that stuff. Certain people at my old employer did not like me and gave me total garbage projects. Except each time I managed to get garbage back running and even improved on it. Got better each time.
Now I have the reputation of being able to get nearly ANYTHING running in my market. Underdogs can gain strengths that make them winners. If they stop being like victims.
That BTW is the main theme of my next blog article which I am gathering ideas for.
“Historically, Filipino Chinese are outcasts in China and are, in allegiance, Filipino”
So true, I know most of them, and they are good people, and some of them were victimized by crocodile BIR examiners and corrupt politicians not to mention the kidnap for ransom gangs.
My other concern is the CARP or some other lands being turned into malls and housing projects as was done by Villar through his real estate corporations. I remember traveling from Batangas to Manila in my younger days, It was so refreshing to see green and golden rice land along the highway, now they are converted into subdivisions. Large tracts of land sold and converted from riceland or agricultural land to golf course and recreational facilities, no wonder we are now importing rice.
That is worth a blog. The erosion of national character, in favor of unregulated growth. In my area, there are gorgeous terraced rice slopes being carved up into housing in very unmanaged ways. The argument from the landowner is, I’m free to get maximum value from my land. And that is to use it for homes or businesses. The middle ground of preservation of heritage and the overall beauty of the Philippines falls to local government officials. They are easily purchased.
Pity.
PIE, I’m impressed with project upgrades method you listed as needed by the nation our beloved Philippines.
The six items you enumerated are highly technology leadership statements of experienced high-tech management processing. With your IT project management experience, the nation needs you to effectively upgrade from messed up systems to improved timely solutions yet constantly improved once stable.
High technocrats analyst/management are needed priority to the Philippines situation. I’m impressed! Overseas Filipino Nationalist/Technocrat be ready to come home!
I’m still dreaming…..
William H. Over holt, author of the Rise of China, attributes the return of Overseas Chinese Technocrat/entrepreneurs from Taiwan, HongKong, Southeast Asia, America and Europe during Deng Xiaoping reform period.
Hmmm.. the aspects I listed help me understand what Mar Roxas is doing and see that he is doing it right, but I doubt I could do much to help the Philippines at this stage.
Without a local culture to back returning technocrats and other people with overseas experience, nothing is going to happen. Philippines does not have that YET.
Go home and get badly burned – I do not intend to do that. Just look at the mean-spiritedness in Filipino politics. You have it everywhere back home, don’t like it.
You are into IT, you must heard of Backup (plans)… try first so as not to get burned stay away from matches, candles,lighters and always keep in heart what you learn in fire drills, learn the location of fire exits and if you are owner of the property have fire insurance before the fact .
Correct, that is why I might start by making a small firm with my cousin. He knows how it works on the ground and I could slowly gain new experience and see how things work.
Definitely not give up anything here in Europe before I am sure I will land safely.
If Mar manages to continue to improve peace and order, establish rule of law and promote equal opportunities for all during his possible Presidential term, populists like Binay and Duterte will not have a chance anymore. The masa will no longer feel like victims.
Let’s all blame this perception problem on the Media!
It is huge, and fueled in part by a popular crab mentality to run down anybody who looks too good.
Class- and group-based distrust in the Philippines is also a major part of the equation. This distrust has good reasons based on experience and cannot be that easily removed. Admit I also suspected that this guy is not for real. But it seems he is doing and will continue do what is necessary – more than any other can. Not only for the places where BPO companies reside and for their “hacienderos” but for the entire country and people.
At least he is not what I feared he is – a hypocrite who will back big business and console the little people with photo-ops, while protecting a rent-seeking pseudo-modern business elite against competition. Seems the years abroad shaped him in a good way after all. Seems to understand that in today’s world, such a model will go the way of the dinosaur. He is not just a better packaged version of the old Filipino elite symbolized by Peping and Tingting Cojuangco. That would have been a catastrophe for the future of the country.
You make me realize he is essentially a very early version of an executive OFW who decided to cast his lot at home, and dedicate himself to it. He did not choose to enrich himself. He is reportedly worth P140 million, a lot by general standards, but had he remained in investment banking, he’d likely be worth P1.4 billion, or more.
No problem with elites if they are more like the Japanese samurai elite – with a certain sense of dedication and service. The old Filipino elite had just a sense of entitlement, I would have gladly guillotined Imelda back in my activist days. Let her sing her last song…
Mar is a very hopeful sign. Noynoy had a sense of service but still acts a bit too entitled. Bam Aquino is totally modern and if that new culture takes root the country will be fine.
Yes, because the Japanese Samurai elite belief in racial superiority was a good thing particularly in the Philippines or Korea, accepted doctrine by the Japanese military. Imelda’s infractions were tame by comparison.
The samurai elite was good for Japan, that is my main point.
Mitsubishi for example is one of the worlds oldest corporations, formed by a samurai family.
I’d observe that incredible discipline led to racist interpretations of that discipline. The discipline is largely missing in the Philippines.
He will become a Billionaire at the time of his mother’s death…
Not a problem in my opinion, if he has a sense of duty towards the country like I wrote above. Plus the practical aspect that he already HAS the money unlike Binay et al.
Ahhhh. Okay, thanks.
The Japanese zaibatzu has been their undoing financially. That’s why they were toppled by other emerging markets in this global economy.
That’s an interesting point. The ties were both financially, as they bought into each other, and disciplined in the sense of loyalty or tightness within the group. Unfortunately, that loyalty, when applied to cheating and being non-transparent, led to the domino collapse of the related institutions. Discipline wrongly directed can pose big problems.
Democratic ideas
Federalistic ideas
Communist ideas
Socialist ideas
These are all ideas. They’re only good if the people implementing them are good. But they will fail if the people who will implement them are corrupt and bad.
Reform the leaders and the people first inside, and whatever ideas they concur in will prosper.
History is replete with these ideas the failed because of bad and corrupt leaders and people implementing them.
*******
1. Mar’s work ethic strikes me to be of the highest order.
2. As noted, metrics is lacking… but presence is undeniable. Healing presence at times.
3. After reading that exhaustive activity list, a fitting sobriquet that comes to mind is “Mr. Incredible.”
P.S. As a member of the Society, I will forward my Swiss bank account details later when Mar ascends the palace. I only accept a fee for success, not for mere effort. After all, we have to live by our high — and honorable — standards. Ahaha!
*****
We pay in bitcoins.
If I am able to gain confidence in the Philippines again, I might actually open up a 5-10 man programming outfit with my cousin who already has a construction firm. Build in Manila and sell in Europe. That I admit has long been an idea, but I definitely feared lagay and hassle.
In fact it would be MUCH easier for me to set up the same thing in Romania or even Spain Find good guys and monitor them by occasional visits and remotely. If they screw up I know that I can get them because rule and implementation of law is quite reliable within Europe.
But then again, there always has been this bit of patriotism left in me – the guys I recruit would REALLY learn something relevant by doing and not just be BPO drone workers. Filipinos have a lot of underutlized talent that they waste because they lack confidence.
I have a business associate who set up a small programming shop in Vietnam with 15 people. His main shop in Europe has just five people specializing im SAP MM consulting.
Absolutely no hassle for him, all goes very smoothly and is a win-win situation.
With the reputation the Philippines has, no business without the size and clout of the big BPO outfits would go there. Too much risk of being “shot down” by bigger competitors or by local politicians who hate your guts. Even with family you are wary of starting something.
I was once contacted by a local employment agency to work for a Singapore entity that is an outfit of a German company. All of the programming team were Filipino and worked in Makati. Their HR and the company were all in Singapore or Germany. All the Filipino employees were basically not paying taxes (Their salaries were based on Singapore programmer salaries). I didn’t like the setup and never applied.
Mahirap iyong ganyan, sabit ka diyan kapag nahuli. But then again, if it were easy to set up a local subsidiary that would not be needed.
A country where you still have to pay departure tax upon leaving – nobody else does that – strikes me as very bureacratic and complex. Tapos kung hindi ka malakas at mayaman, hahanapan at hahanapan ka ng technicality para pilit kang itaob. Not really helpful.
I think you could do something similar. The trend these days in local IT is starting your company in Singapore and just creating a presence in the Philippines. You get all the advantages of PEZA and the perks of being a foreign company investing in the Philippines while not fully invested only in our country. One of the perks is the 15% income tax rate for declared technical employees. This is somewhat detrimental to fully Filipino companies because we don’t get those perks.
http://www.peza.gov.ph/index.php/eligible-activities-incentives/fiscal-incentives hmmm…
“Information Technology Enterprise:
Income Tax Holiday (ITH) – 100% exemption from corporate income tax:
4 years ITH for Non-pioneer project
6 years ITH for Pioneer project
ITH Extension year may be granted if Project complies with the following criteria (one criterion is equivalent to one ITH extension year,), provided that the total ITH entitlement period shall not exceed eight (8) years:
> The average net foreign exchange earnings of the project for the first three (3) years of operations is at least US$500,000.00 and,
> The capital equipment to labor ratio of the project does not exceed US$10,000.00 to 1 for the year immediately preceding the ITH extension year being applied for.
o 3 years ITH for Expansion project (ITH applies to incremental sales)
Upon expiry of the Income Tax Holiday – 5% Special Tax on Gross Income and excemption from all national and local taxes. (“Gross Income” refers to gross sales or gross revenues derived from the registered activity , net of sales discounts, sales returns and allowances and minus cost of sales or direct costs but before any deduction is made for administrative expenses or incidental losses during a given taxable period)
Tax and duty free importation of equipment and parts.
Exemption from wharfage dues on import shipments of equipment.
VAT zero-rating of local purchases of goods and services, including land-based telecommunications, electrical power, water bills, and lease on the building, subject to compliance with Bureau of Internal Revenues and PEZA requirements
Exemption from payment of any and all local government imposts, fees, licenses or taxes. However, while under Income Tax Holiday, no exemption from real estate tax, but machineries installed and operated in the economic zone for manufacturing, processing or for industrial purposes shall not be subject to payment of real estate taxes for the first three (3) years of operation of such machineries. Production equipment not attached to the real estate shall be exempt from real property taxes.
Exemption from expanded withholding tax.”
How often do BPO companies do “hit and run”, that is stay for 4 years and then downgrade or close their operations? Or close/downgrade one legal entity and then come in with another legal entity as soon as the period ends?
AND – what benefit does the State have thru these PEZA companies, except for a few jobless people less – and of course trickle-down effects through consumer spending? Similar to OFWs, except that they live in the Philippines. Or am I missing something?
Actually I find the approach wrong from the start. Why not simplify business registration and procedures for ALL businesses of a certain type, foreign or local? Like you wrote, it is a bit detrimental to local companies – and I think it may deter local initiative.
The thing is, you can’t win in the long run by just being a source of cheap qualified labor. It is the path of least resistance and that path does NOT lead to long-term success.
You have not missed anything, we lure investors through tax perks.
Even those not in PEZA, who wants ACCENTURE, IBM ,ORACLE, SAP, etc. to pack their bags? Well if they do pack their bags, that is the chance for small it firms. Sort of good riddance? but no we need investors, but we are overlooking the potential of our local smes.
Well survival of the fittest, and what level playing fields?
Now that is exactly the balance I was talking about. Don’t keep them totally out, but if they are investing at least have a plan to push your own because they will NOT stay forever.
Such extreme tax breaks are a sign of desperation if you ask me, that means that there are other competitors just around the corner. Wonder who they are, any idea guys?
While smarter countries give their own industries time to grow and nurture them a little, THEN open themselves up to the world market. Japan, Korea, Taiwan did it that way.
Before Larry Ellison dismissed cloud computing as hogwash, he was threatened by he clouds penetration to smes, then guess what he is now a believer…And his rivals also joined the cloud band wagon….Until The celebtrities got exposed through a device syncing mishap. Cloud computing is now a security risk.
Realized the power of true computing late. Never the mind, I was an odd ball anyway. I wish I could be a nerd.
Yes, it is a security risk, but I think the cyber security community is at the forefront of further enhancing the security features of Cloud computing. With every breach, there is a lesson learned. I think the most vulnerable point of contact for these breaches is still the human side of it, when phishing emails are opened and trojans are left inside the target system to exploit its defenses.
I have a piece in PDF format that I want to share here. I wish I can “attach” it to my comments. But I still have to learn how to do it. Can I email it to you? Thanks.
You can e-mail it to my attention at: societyofhonor@gmail.com
I got an idea, Joe. Let’s invite a Binay supporter to come up with an exhaustive article like this one, and with your concurrence, let’s publish it here.
So we can have a substantial comparative analysis of the two and avoid the inane one-liner commenters. Accomplishment vs non-accomplishment. Integrity vs the lack of it. Quality of political allies.
So if any Binay supporter gets to read this, we invite you to submit.
We can put it in a matrix for the two, with criteria in the first column, and the entries for the two in the next two columns.
I am definitely NO Binay supporter, but I will gladly play devil’s advocate if in the next two weeks nobody volunteers. But I would make an article similar to this one with the virtues.
It would be up to those discussing to weigh the virtues/lacks of both against each other.
You have just put a bug into my mischievous ear. If I did the blog, of course, I would have to insult Roxas and severely taint Poe. Those are the values of we pro-Jojo people.
In one of President Aquino’s TV interviews, he was asked one word to describe Roxas. He said “THOROUGH”
I believe it. That he is thorough.
From the hip:
1. Miss the team leader aspect, how good are his subordinates? Purisima wasn’t his choice, at the end action had to be taken earlier and more decisive. It seems that at the top of the PNP there is considerable friction.
2. Would love to see this highlight list besides a similar Binay’s activity list to find clues why one gets traction and the other not. Is it only style or also content, based on empathy with the average citizen?
3. Poverty is 99% inherited. Not assistance to the poor, which is proven not to work. But very specific, breaking the automatism of inheritance needs priority. Proper food for pregnant women and infants. Statistics and targets on stunting. Individual help in pre-school education. Assistance during basic education. Incentives for family planning… . All require very much actions on barangay and municipal level.
4. Miss education. Shift from passive listening to active doing exercises, from copying in taking initiative, in rewarding creative mistakes…
Beautiful and succinct reply from the Society’s Chief of Audit. 🙂
Mar Roxas is certainly not Peter Seller’s CHANCE character. He is more like Reagan populating his portfolio.
Joseph, I know you are watching for icebergs. Thanks for that.
1) Good question. The PNP operates through a police board, so I’m not sure what powers he has to change or discipline people.
2) Binay I would imagine spends more time face to face with local people, schmoozing and recruiting sister cities. Maybe I’ll look up his NHA activities if they are published.
3) I’m confident Sec. Roxas or his staff will be reading the blog and comments. I trust they are taking notes.
4) Education is not really his current job focus. It ought to be in his presidential platform, if he is the chosen LP candidate. Another noteworthy area for his staff.
Joe, I’ve already called you who you are! 🙂
🙂
“Purisima wasn’t his choice”. I think General Espina is the kind of guy that Mar promotes.
“Would love to see this highlight list besides a similar Binay’s activity list to find clues why one gets traction and the other not.” So would I – the comparison would be interesting.
Boy, I feel like a billion pesos!! Most political pundits I came across said in no uncertain terms: CAN THE BARANGAY SYSTEM!! Now I can answer: SYSTEMIZE THE BARANGAY!! 🙂
Used right, rather than to support vote buying and cronyism, and it is a very valuable component. Our captain spends most of his time resolving conflicts. People don’t really have the means to solve them through the courts, and the other alternative is to take up violence. So it is a valuable service.
With this context, call the systems specialists in. (Calling PiE in the sky. You too, Karl & GianC. The “mountain” can always go to Manong Ed 🙂 ).
Joe, you think the country can be run as a virtual federal republic? I believe we have the human technology to do it; the technological hardware can be built in phases; the software is in and out of the country; the financial systems can be marketed both in and out of the country; we can harness Filipino hackers to protect the virtual systems, many of them are still “tied” to their “mother’s” apron, anyway. (IMO only. ok?)
IMHO you should have three levels with the following basic functions:
NATIONAL: takes care of legislation, defense, justice, customs and police functions.
Controls natural resources, airports, major ports, national roads, expressways
Central databases for all important matters: residency, court cases, police investigations
REGIONAL: takes care of economic development and regional administration.
Controls minor ports, local roads, industrial zones, value-added stuff like oil refineries
Implements taxation and educational policy based on national government guidelines
MUNICIPAL: takes care of the citizens.
One-stop shop and service center for all citizen needs:
plate number, NBI clearance, business registration, land titles, taxes, Q&As…
That would be a very efficient system IMHO, but it would need a different Constitution.
Provincial would be between Regional and Municipal and Barangay like Joe said.
I would suggest Nasugbu, Batangas as the municipality to study and multiply as needed:
from wiki:
“Some economic highlights are the development of Nasugbu’s agro-industrial industry (feed mills, meat processing and poultry-growing) by building more farm-to-market roads. The loal government is encouraging investors, particularly computer companies, to build a technological park. Aside from the technopark, there are plans to develop the Wawa fishing port as an ecotourism center, which would be patterned after Pier 39 in San Francisco.
While the government wants to turn Nasugbu into a viable investment area, they also wish to preserve the town’s natural environment. Hiking in the mountains and virgin forests around Nasugbu is popular…”
Sonny,
As far as I can tell, Nasugbu does not have an official website.
And it is not very easy to find Nasugbu in the official website of Batangas.
http://www.batangas.gov.ph/
In my spare time and using free resources I created these (years ago):
http://j.mp/rp-12bt
http://j.mp/mun-12bt
http://j.mp/data-12bt
These are shortcuts – as you can tell.
Case-sensitive, btw.
Replace “bt” with what you think might be the two letters I had chosen for another province … and you just might come across more info.
Some of the links may not work anymore – for various reasons.
I hope nonetheless that you can see a “system” (innovative, productive, or otherwise) in the effort.
i7sharp
Actually my model is more like a computer system architecture:
National: database, network and security services
Regional/provincial: applications and billing
Municipal/barangay: user interface
Not federal but somewhat decentralized and more user-friendly while remaining efficient.
PiE, I would like to take this to my drawing board and apply systems methodology on this. Whatever applies.
wrote something on that just above.
I wobble on the matter, sonny. I think a strong Central government is needed to deal with corrruption and leverage the skills that are just developing (measuring by metrics). I’d rather see skill development than structural change, I guess.
Conflict resolution was a very important role of Filipino tribal datus – the barangay captain is a modern version of the local chief, so to speak.
Apt description. In one barangay I lived in, the captain had been there so long that he eventually could walk no more. So he tried to turn the captaincy over to his niece. Another prominent family member ran in opposition, and it was physical tribal warfare for weeks prior to the election. Kidnappings, physical violence, the whole shebang. This is not your friendly neighborhood councilman.
Nope, he isn’t. And that is the world that Binay fully understands and controls, Mar not. Duterte also understands that world, Poe partly does. It is the world beyond the so-called Great Cultural Divide postulated by the late Ver Enriquez. It is the original Filipino culture of pre-colonial times. Now one can ignore it or even defeat Binay in 2016, this native culture is going to win at some point because there are simply more of them.
Better to fetch them from where they are and modernize them, take them seriously. Because if not the whole thing will blow up in everybody’s face at some point. If you keep them down it is a threat to long-term stability. Come on, Binay is just the beginning, Duterte too, Estrada was a black sheep from the old elite who played to the masses. I can already imagine the typical arguments of the Binay camp, especially on the street:
– OK we stole but we are the underdogs, government and Chinese are the bigger thieves
– This is what happens when one of US dares to want to be in power – THEY destroy him
– They didn’t care when OUR boys died, the SAF 44, they only care for their MONEY
Now you can deal with these arguments in a good way or in a bad way. Having Manny Villar as a running mate might be good for Mar, he knows how to defuse these arguments. Remember that history has made people very distrustful of those who are not their own. Formal laws and economic data are NOT the only thing that counts, the undercurrents of a tribal mentality have to be considered. Only then can you find real long-term stability.
Make Karl Garcia Barangay Captain here, and together with me as Chief of Wildlife we promise not to support cronyism. Only cornyism.
That’s funny. Well, it seems that the Chief of Humor to this point has been Edgar Lores, but we need to distribute some honors beyond the chief. Maybe we could take up the scouting merit badge approach. Grant you a badge for humor, Bert gets one for satire. Sonny gets a wordsmith badge. That kind of thing.
Binay would appreciate the touch, I’m sure.
I wonder what his merit badges are for. I hate to guess . . .
Binay fits into my teenage satire of a Pilipino trapo…
“Ip I am boted, I will make sure dat ebrybody gets binipits!!!
pirst me, den my pamily, den my priends will get BINIPITS!!!
And ebrybody who is doing monkey business will be iscrutinized!!!
my political ribals and my inimies will all be iscrutinized and duly punished!!!
All who pollow my path and help me will be rewarded, dose who do not will supper!!!”
🙂
A classmate of mine made fun of “Ferdie”‘s rhetorical style and Ilocano accent years before Apo Hiking Society did, during a time when it was still dangerous to do so.
We were the bold generation that set the foundation for the February revolution, crazy kids who took real risks, some of us paid the price for our boldness but we were – modesty aside – an inspiration for those younger than us to move when it was time to move.
Remember how in a school play, some classmates played newspaper vendors selling the “Bolatin” – bola means bullshit for the non-Filipino speakers here, the quasi-state newspaper then was Bulletin Today – formerly and later again named Manila Bulletin.
During the February revolution and after, the Daily Inquirer was a beacon of sense and democracy. Sic transit gloria mundi. And I don’t mean Gloria Arroyo, for god’s sake.
Lots of high school kids trying to run the country these days: Junjun, Bongbong, Noynoy.
“Where have all the good men gone
and where are all the gods?
Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?”
I humbly accept my wordsmith badge. 🙂 Today, the word. Tomorrow destiny’s story. I got my eye on the price. ooops. I meant prize.
Putting an eye on the price is not wrong if it is done in a good way. After all, Ilocanos put money on the dress of newly-wed brides to give them luck in earning and saving money to build their families future. Ilocanos have a Protestant ethic without being Protestant.
Follow Edgar’s lead. Open your Swiss bank account now.
Closed it more than ten years ago. All black money I earned and spent before is beyond the statute of limitations. Now, I render unto Caesar what is due to Caesar. In a relatively fair society like the one I live in now, I give my due share to the community. In return I get police protection, public services and an infrastructure that is useful to me. I need not live in a gated community, I can go to work by public transport or by bike if it is near enough.
No squatters on the banks of the river, just beautiful full-breasted Caucasian girls bathing naked in summer. No need to become a terrorist to hope for virgins in paradise. Clean air inspite of the garbage incineration plant just outside my window – it has filters.
My internet connection is 16 GB, enough to have full blast power when I work remotely for customers. Could have more with the fiber optics cables that reach every home inside city limits, but I do not need it yet. Tamils, devout Muslims, reformed skinheads, ex-snipers, former French foreign legion people just close by, but no real danger because they all know cops come in 5-10 minutes when called and undercover cops are all over the city.
Heating, electricity, water, buses, trams and subways are all managed by a municipal company. If I need any documents, I go to the municipal service center, where friendly employees service me real fast. Got my business permit in 10 minutes of my turn. Got my police clearance within two weeks of applying for it, thanks to a central national database. My tax accountant files all my returns electronically, I pay my taxes via electronic banking.
Under one of the bridges near the river just across the incineration plant, heavy metal fans gather on hot summer days. They sometimes get loud, especially when it rains, but when it is sunny they are in a good mood and never truly dangerous. Police are strict but courteous, abuses that happen are quickly brought to internal investigation and justice. Bad things happen here also, there is no earthly paradise. But thank god not so many.
But this is a community that works, that is humane and gives opportunities. When I was in trouble some years ago and could not pay my taxes on time, the municipal treasury told me OK we will give you time to pay, but with 1% interest per month, we do that to avoid people misusing the system, but give me a date when you are sure you have the money, if you don’t pay by then fines will be stiff. Printed out a form we both signed, I payed on time.
More than ten years ago, a lady security guard in the rapid transit system caught me spitting on the platform. She told me you pig, why did you spit, do you do that at home? Realized that I don’t spit on my own floor at home and looked down with a sense of shame. Never spat on a platform again. I do smoke on platforms from time to time and throw butts on the railway tracks, I know it is not correct but that is with smoking itself my last bastion.
When I leave via plane I am checked rigorously, but the security people are courteous. Even the border guards I encounter when I leave Schegen zone or come back are civil, even if they regularly check me with their central database – which they do for everybody. Hell even customs people who checked me with dogs once – I flew to Romania often then – were firm but very polite without any harrassment. I gladly pay taxes for THIS community. And hope to help my original community with the lessons that I have learned over here.
I’ve sometimes pictured our country’s political system as infested with trichinosis. The one and only cure: excision – remove the deadly pest, preserve and feed the the healthy parts. Mar Roxas has seen the disease it seems. MetaFORZ Be With You.
Mar on education….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Mar_Roxas#Education
“On July 2007, Roxas filed several bills in his first through the creation of a “people’s fund” for education that will help close the resource gaps in teachers’ training and salaries, infrastructure needs like classrooms and school buildings, among others.[11]
He also sought to increase the measly salaries of public school teachers, he filed a bill to mandate the upgrade of the government salary schedule under the Salary Standardization law every four years, or whenever necessary, to the prevailing cost of living index. For the benefit of students in private schools, he filed a proposed Pre-Need Code, which seeks to tighten-up the regulation of pre-need companies. He has also consistently pushed for increases in the budget of the Department of Education.”
Nice to hear. This are all necessary steps but not sufficient. We need to change the content, the mentality of teachers too. From only telling “what” and a little “how” to minimal “what”, maximum “how” by practicing and sufficient “why”.
Several month ago I met a group of college graduates where none could multiply by 10 without the help of a cellphone??? Not from a small obscure college in the province, I have seen their basketball skirts regularly on national TV and with 5 or 6 campuses in the greater Manila area.
Education is not Mar’s current prime responsibility, but as an optimist just an advise for the next president.
K to 12 is the main thrust of DEPED.
Many birth pains, which include classrooms. No college enrollees come school year, etc.
College instructors will have no job for a year or two.
Stop gaps are home schooling, hiring college instructors to teach high school.
Maybe a little bit cure the symptom or in other words Temporary relief.
I like the idea of active participation rather than passive listening, but number of students per class must be minimized to 20.
We have many jocks, showbiz youth, basketball stars, football stars, I wonder how they do in academics.
The athletic scholars, are they able to do good in academics? I understand you are supposed to maintain a high GPA, but school spirit can get in the way of that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Mar_Roxas#SMEs
“Roxas filed a bill that provides a package of liberal incentives to micro, small and medium enterprises through amendments to the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises (Republic Act 6977)
He said that the micro, small and medium enterprises comprise 99.6 percent of local businesses and employ 70 percent of the Philippines’ total work force. But he noted that their full potential has yet to be achieved, as they currently contribute only about 30 percent to the national economy.
“We want to reward our small enterprises for their contributions to the economy by ensuring their access to credit and support services. This is about giving our Filipino companies the chance to realize their potential,” Roxas said.”
Good – this is what I was looking for. Roxas thinks in a pragmatic and modern manner.
PiE, I would suggest your 5 to 10-member team to be deployed under the aegis of a Mar Roxas leadership to size and define all 1000+ municipalities of the islands. And maybe use a modified SIPOC methodology as hinted to by Joseph.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIPOC
Correction: 1490 municipalities, viz. 149 teams. This is now thinking out of the box. (my box anyway). A motivational video would be THE IMITATION GAME.
With what goal in mind?
I’m taking the cue from your comment, PiE.
“He said that the micro, small and medium enterprises comprise 99.6 percent of local businesses and employ 70 percent of the Philippines’ total work force. But he noted that their full potential has yet to be achieved, as they currently contribute only about 30 percent to the national economy…
… This is about giving our Filipino companies the chance to realize their potential,” Roxas said.”
Good – this is what I was looking for. Roxas thinks in a pragmatic and modern manner.”
My takeaway from the story is about an individual realizing that he has the solution to a problem that was threatening to destroy his society’s way of life. Inspite of his own circumstances he decides to help his own society.
So? Any clicks? If none, then let me go back to my drawing board.
More or less I get it. The objective is to be of assistance. Actually everything gets to be more interesting the more I get into the details. Questions are starting to form. They are necessary to understand the picture better.
I think you should return and go to work for DOJ to use your TWIN skills: IT and investigations. Turn them into a domestic NSA.
Are you sure they want to know what I might find?
🙂
Bato-bato sa langit. Ang tamaan huwag magagalit. I put my bet on PiE’s twin skills (IT & Investigation).
It just struck me that Mar Roxas and Bam Aquino would be an incredible team. Aquino should be majority leader of the Senate under a Roxas administration. Move to the new thinkers, pro small-business.
If MAR is reading replies to your post, it will be good for him.
I suggest he makes his objectives quantifiable. What gets measured, gets managed well. This will give the impression that he is an organized and results oriented manager and not just a run-of-the mill bureaucrat. It will provide him more votes from the middle class.
Secondly, if he does indeed go around the countryside without fanfare and photo ops, I encourage him to do more of it and dialogue with as much grass roots folks as possible. That will produce the winning votes.
Thirdly, I think he has learned his lesson not to lose control of his emotions. It is not Presidentiable. He may bawl out his subordinates in private but not for everybody to hear. That is managing by Filipino values.
Good luck to him and hopefully he will get the numbers in the coming surveys leading to 2016.
“I suggest he makes his objectives quantifiable”. He needs some sort of Mission Statement for the Six Years of his Presidency, broken down every year into SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, Time-Related) which he reviews with every SONA.
Well at least Mar Roxas already is aware of how important Risk Management is and is applying it. Governor Joey Salceda of Albay applies that AND quantifiable objectives.
“dialogue with as much grass roots folks as possible” Yes, real dialogue to find out their needs and to communicate with them how he intends to make things better. Show the normal guys that they are being taken seriously and that their input is being respected.
I’m confident you have just spoken directly to him or his staff. Thanks for the excellent advice.
This is definitely a very good article for Mar Roxas. I am convinced, and if I am to assume that everybody else in the Society are convinced, too, that Mar Roxas is the best and most qualified candidate to elect in the 2016 presidential election, what remains therefore is just one small detail, and that is that we have to answer a very simple question, like:
Can he manage to up his single digit rating in the statistical surveys before the election?
That my friends is the most valuable single criteria above others.mentioned in this article.
A slight, deft tweak of the scalpel. Nice!
Notice that a significant number of the DILG’s projects belong to the NHA of Binay. We can view this as either an LP thing or a President that can’t breakaway from his ties but recognizes that in order to secure his legacy he has to give the project to someone who can actually implement it and not just treat it as an early campaign tool.
NOTE:The hazardous waterways relocation project highlighted by the President in one of his SONA’s has been budgeted to the DILG. A friend of mine have been complaining to me about the subtle but noticeable foot dragging of the NHA on these projects, constantly returning to the question of why was to budget funneled through the DILG and not through the NHA.
If the hazardous waterways relocation project fails one of the main culprits would be the NHA under Binay.
Intrigue. I think the major flood control projects in Manila are almost done. I don’t know the status of relocations. I wonder if there is a master plan somewhere.
There is Joe. Direct all questions to Tolentino of MMDA.
Joe, call me a contrarian or what not but I have to stretch the coverage of the discussion and add color to it to make it more interesting.
So let me start first with the easiest and boring part. Everything you said about Mar, the personal and professional, I agree with. On the basis of who he is and what his accomplishments was, I picked him in 2010 to be the next president until he let go of his dreams, another admirable quality, and gave way to Noynoy. The latter winning the presidency is proof of Mar’s intelligence and how he appreciate not only the moment but what the consequence of that moment might be. It’s all about the country.
Now, to the annoying part of the narrative. His being intentionally left out of the loop in the Mamasapano raid should have been the moment to show his personal side. I was expecting an indignant Mar Roxas after learning he was left in the dark about the operation. There was none. He could have express his displeasure not being on board when the people involved in the operation were directly under his authority and guidance or supposed to be. Regardless of whether or not the president will get offended, he has to tell his side of the story and how he felt about it. I wouldn’t mind seeing Mar get miffed, for I have yet to see him do that, and make obvious what he feels by giving the public a piece of his mind on the matter. That’s called being human. I raised this issue because it’s going to be out there in front when campaign time comes.
I think he did get angry as I recall. I’m not sure to whom he expressed it. But then he cooled off and sucked it up to remain professional. I think he has been publicly criticized so harshly about his temper in the past that he does try to suppress it. He’s stuck if he gets criticized no matter what.
So I confess that I am subject here to the influence of circumstances. It is true that I have been approached by Roxas supporters who asked if “we could work together”, and I politely declined. So you have to trust me on this. I know it is hard. Haha. – Joe Am
========
That paragraph above is one that you should have expounded more. For me, that is the more relevant part of the story that we missed and that everybody seem not to talk about. Were you invited to work as part of the cheering squad or group who will take charge to counterbalance the noises out there by engaging in endless debates and counter debates in various fora and doing the dirty work in the process? That’s good. Or were you to work behind as a political strategist, consultant or adviser for the promotion of Mar and his presidential agenda as the viable and worthy candidate in 2016? I say, if it’s the latter, go for it. Mar badly needs a David Axelrod on his side.
I say that because Mar Roxas is the kind of person that is not what the masa can easily identify with not because of economic difference or the privilege that goes with it but because he seems to project aloofness or reserved or cold demeanor. That’s what I see from my end which doesn’t affect my positive impression of him as a politician. To me, he is the present embodiment of Ramon Magsaysay; same complexion, same stature, same aura, at least based on the images/pictures I have seen. But Mar doesn’t have that machismo and toughness appearance like Magsaysay has. His goody-goody image is okay to a certain degree but he also has to project toughness and be transparent about it. I mean, if he’s offended and mad, he should show it. People want to see you get down and get dirty sometimes. And that’s where I think a political strategist-cum-image consultant comes in. People need to see ALL sides of Mar and they will like and go for it once they’ve seen it. That should be the focus of Mar’s team even before.
Good thing there is more time to make some necessary adjustments.
I remember a story about President Manuel Roxas, Mar’s grandfather from my elementary school Filipino teacher, that somebody tried to throw a hand grenade on his stage while he was campaigning and he immediately reacted by kicking it into the air were it exploded.
Filipinos like tough guy types as leaders, this is a cultural thing you cannot remove easily, and they like guys who are able to talk to them at their level or at least pretend to do it. Noynoy had difficulties with both of these aspects as well, in fact even more than Mar.
Your second paragraph exactly captures reality. 🙂
No – he should not change his image. He should sell himself as THE humble servant of the people. Why not? And of course live the part. Very important to keep his credibility.
Of course, you can change your image. Politics, like entertainment is also about image. You think those celebrities who enters politics do so because of intelligence? What you cannot change is who you really are.
Correct, but you can control yourself. Do you want him to shout Sanamabeach in the vernacular again. He’s been there and done that.There is a fine line between behavior and identity
Do you want him to shout Sanamabeach in the vernacular again. He’s been there and done that.There is a fine line between behavior and identity
========
No shouting please. 🙂 There’s more than one way to skin a cat and shouting invectives is not one of them. If the people who are rooting for Mar are satisfied with the way things are going now, I say, good luck.
This is the time when opinion outside Mar’s sphere matters most. Mar is sliding slowly from the pack. That, in spite of what Joe Am enumerate on this blog as his accomplishments as a public servant. Only a rabid anti-Roxas will question it because it is a credible representation of Mar’s performance. Those accomplishments can carry him on top of the list of presidentiables. Those should suppose to push him up and establish him as a strong contender.
Obviously, it hasn’t. Yet.
What would make look sincere,or is that the wrong question?
.No vote buying please.
I have observed a strong Roxas supporter, the father of Jun Abaya, and his unsolicited advice is alliances like the network of magdalo or any network.
I think he should start with his son who was surprisingly a non factor in the first pulse asia survey last year. or two years ago(senatoriables)..zero not even awareness or no one was even pissed off. ZERO.
There really is magic going on with our perception managers.
What would make look sincere,or is that the wrong question? – karl g.
========
There is no question, Mar is a sincere guy. In fact, I have yet to read or hear somebody raising that point about him.
There is such a thing as packaging and I think it is an issue that pro-Roxas or even the anti ones should contemplate and put on the table and talk about in substance. Do I think Mar is not being packaged correctly? I don’t know and I’m not sure what the answer is. All I know is that at this time of the game he need something that will energize the effort in creating a momentum for him towards 2016. I’m not seeing it, unfortunately.
That is what my view of how things are moving right now vis-a-vis Mar’s standing in the scheme of things. I maybe wrong and have been wrong in the past but just the same I have to throw it out there for you guys to see if it’s worth discussing.
My bookie Sal wagers that Roxas will start to rise in the surveys. He got in a couple of good shots in recent weeks, one in putting down Nancy Binay in the Mamasapano hearing when she implied he might not be telling the truth. Another when he called the Binay dare that he deliver the suspension order personally “adolescent”. Maybe that is the kind of manliness you are looking for, short of a temper tantrum. He can do it well when he needs to, I think. But he has simply been working, and that warrants credit. The others are playing the political games. He still has time to rise past Binay’s falling numbers.
High School were the exact words, if I remember it correctly. Maybe Sal anticipated that the Q and A will end with a Binay question, yes?
“High school adolescent perspective, nakikita ng sambayanan ng uri ng pag-iisip ng mga nagsu-suggest nito. Ano ba ‘to parang sa high school?”
The dare came from Toby Tiangco, VP Binay’s dummy . . . er, spokesdummy . . . er . . . spokesman.
He’s become a very nasty fellow, toward Roxas.
His(Tianco’s) breakaway from LP started during the Corona impeachment trial, I forgot his narrative, but it has something to do that it(impeachment) was being railroaded or something, and he was there to tell it all.
I find him to be a very unlikable person. He makes up lies and treads the edge of libel in some of his statements. He is a hate-generator.
that is exactly what he is.
“Obviously, it hasn’t.” it takes a lot to sell someone by his accomplishments in the Philippines, where porma and emotions count a lot. But I think it can be done.
Now if someone translates the contents of the above blog into Filipino and summarizes it in such a way that the masa gets the message – they are not stupid they are just more caught in the day-to-day and you have to address to them that Roxas is helping them:
– mas maayos ngayon ang pamamalakad sa mga local government
– mas handa na tayo ngayon kapag may lindol at baha
– mas malinis na ngayon ang takbo sa PNP
actually you need people to LOCALLY break down what Joe wrote above and I just translated as an example to the REAL benefits experienced by the people themselves.
So that they can say “oo nga naman, may nagbago na sa pamumuhay ko”…
These guys care for their everyday lives, that is where you must reach them.
Calling on Mar’s advisers/campaign people joeam have already done some of the sleeves rolling time to o some work of your own. Translate in all major Filipino languages and disseminate. Imagine if your website has an ilokano/waray/cebuano/chavacano/bikolano/tagalog version.
Now if someone translates the contents of the above blog into Filipino and summarizes it in such a way that the masa gets the message – they are not stupid they are just more caught in the day-to-day and you have to address to them that Roxas is helping them:
========
I think that is doing things the wrong way. If people are helped, regardless, no need for translation because its not about comprehension but feelings and emotion. Roxas did the job well, why the need to translate? Let the accomplishments speak for itself and people will hear.
Thanks Jameboy.
You’re welcome, anytime. 🙂
I don’t know if the person who contacted me works directly for Roxas or an independent support group. It doesn’t matter. I don’t commit my thinking to organizations so we will never know the answer to your questions. Also, as a foreigner, I can’t meddle in politics. But I can have opinions.
During the official campaign period, I go silent on the candidates. It may start in October this year.
He does not sound “entitled” like some of the blokes on this blog DO, lah dee dah ;
NOT even fair dinkum, HAH, ha, ha, boomerang to ALL, bato bato sa langit ETC, etc
unlike not like re above
Before, we know his value system buy stepping aside and let Pnoy be the party’s candidate even if it was so difficult for him to do but he did it anyway, conquered his disappointment, moved on and supported the elected President; anecdotes if true prove that he is transparent in his emotions, as human as the rest of us, not prone to be all smiles and goodness in public but robs us blind in private, now we know how THOROUGH he is in his job, we know he is not corrupt for not even a tiny hint of his being so is surfacing so far – all that is left to do is let the electorate know these things also, gently educate the masa voters (as they are the key, whether we accept it or not) so he can finally be elected President.
I suggested to talk to barbers and suking tindera. maybe we should add maids,yayas,drivers and gardeners,garbage collectors,and mailmen to the equation. what else?
You actually need to convince certain people who are influential in communities like for example barangay captains – they will then argue it to the people if they are honest.
Some would be for sale but if you can convince them that there are REAL long-term benefits for the ordinary people then you might win them over. In fact it might make sense if Mar himself does that from time to time, real dialogue instead of just palengke cycling.
Keep that up and I may turn fanatic or apologist for Mar Roxas. Thanks–I like the article.
Thank you for the visit and the read. Roxas needs some more apologists to get his poll numbers up. 🙂
I just saw the news on inquirerdotnet that the Vice Mayor of Makati Pena was just sworn in as OIC of Makati. He holds office at the old Makati City hall because the new Makati city hall is still barricaded by Binay supporters.
DILG National Capital Region Director Renato Brion brought the suspension order at the Makati City Hall at around 8:20 a.m. … Brion posted the suspension order at the entrance of the City Hall saying that “he was not allowed” to go to Binay who had been holed up in his office since last Wednesday.”
This news means that for the period of the suspension of Binay Jr, only Pena’s signature on Makati City Affairs is authorized. Even the the Makati city supporters of Binay will get their salaries through the signature of OIC Pena.
Thank God for small mercies. A plus for DILG Chief Roxas.
Obviously, as you aptly used the phrase in a post at Raissa’s Blog, these guy, together with advisers, including Daddy Binay, have “lost it.” They did not think through this — just the usual knee-jerk reaction. If these guys hold on there for 6 months it will just give free Ad to my new fan (as in fan-atic, Roxas).
AND so it goes, MISTAH ☺
I like that Roxas handled the matter as he said he would, “as my job”. He did not grandstand or rail at the Binay’s, he sent a huge force of police to keep order and a man to deliver the suspension. Now, the new mayor should order all extraneous people out of the new building and off government premises so that services to citizens can get back to normal. The police should move out. If protesters continue to interfere with government services, legal remedies should be taken.
Oops the events are coming in fast. The Court of Appeals has just granted a 60-Day TRO on the Ombudsman’s Suspension Order on Mayor Binay.
Interestingly, this may be the New Show in town, taking over the limelight from the Mamasapano Show.
Spotlight has focused on the courts. The Court of Appeals puts out the TRO that effectively challenges the Ombudsman’s action. The three judges on the Court of Appeals are: Justices Jose L. Sabio, Jr. (Chairman), Jose C. Reyes, Jr.(Senior Member, and Myrna Dimaranan-Vidal (Junior Member).
Sabio’s brother was indicted in November of 2104 by the Ombudsman for trying to influence a court case in Justice Sabio’s jurisdiction.
Jim Paredes on twitter: “Court stops Junjun Binay’s suspension— WTF? The weakest link in our ‘democracy’ is our judicial system. They are allies of the powerful.”
Indeed the media are disproportionately highlighting the sins of the Executive and the Legislative branches compared to the Judiciary. It’s about time there is a balance on the attention, considering the Judiciary is the last line of defense in the Justice System. If I recall correctly some of those who went to the hills during Marcos Martial Law years were due to the prostitution of the Justice System.
Yes, I agree. The judiciary seems to me to do more harm than good, partly due to process that gives attorneys power over a court’s calendar, partly due to failings of humanity: weak ethical bearing, political influence and corruption. It is a court system without good process, without spine, without comprehension of the way legalistic recitals roll through the Philippines to undermine justice. Judges are poorly titled when they are called “Justices”, because it seems they too often fail to render it.
*******
1. From Inquirer:
“The issuance of the order of preventive suspension necessarily violated Petitioner’s rights since it seeks to suspend him for allegations, which assuming without conceding to be true can no longer hold him administratively liable considering the doctrines laid down in the case of Aguinaldo v. Santos…” Binay said.
“In the case of Aguinaldo v. Santos, the Supreme Court ruled that “a public official cannot be removed for administrative misconduct committed during a prior term since his re-election to office operates as a condonation of the officer’s previous misconduct to the extent of cutting off the right to remove him thereof.”
2. The Aguinaldo doctrine cannot apply. When Junjun was re-elected to the office in his present term, the charges of misconduct against him were unknown. Therefore the electorate cannot be said to have condoned his previous misconduct.
*****
Thanks, Edgar. I hope the Ombudsman makes an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court. It is insane when a judiciary does not care about the well-being of the state but merely cites arcane legalisms. It’s like reality gets redefined as some surreal world where wrong is right and right is irrelevant.
I’m reminded of judges running about like Andrew’s famous headless chickens, their legalisms flying about like so much blood to the wind, detached from all sense or direction.
The Aguinaldo ruling should be overturned. An administrative wrong doing is still an administrative wrong doing. The electorate’s condonation be damned.
*******
A senator, a cabinet member, and a CA judge walk into a bar.
The senator boasts, “You guys picked the wrong job! I make the law… and look at me! I just salted away P100M from my pork barrel. Woo-hoo!”
The cabinet member sneers, “That’s nothing. I execute the law… and the jueteng lords hand me a P200M payoff every so often. I don’t need an alias like Sexy, Pogi or Tanda… although Pogi would be nice; don’t have to deal with Janet and Benhur; and don’t have the furies of Conchita, Haydee, Kim or Leila chasing after me.”
The CA judge smiles. “I interpret the law to my own liking… and who pockets your dough when you need a TRO?”
*****
One has to find jokes or one gets downright bitter . . . I see now how crab-like tear-down of the powerful emerged to be so prominent here. I can imagine people living a lifetime with this kind of schtick going down. Rather affects the mental balance . . .
Nice joke, by the way. hahaha
Edgar,
There were two CA judges in the group, said one to the other, “That’s peanuts. Me, I apply the law, too, TRO or no TRO. The one who has the most dough I interpret the law according to my liking.”
*******
Ahaha! No, there were three CA judges… And they were Sabio, Reyes and Dimaranan-Vidal.
****
I think this calls for another MILLION PEOPLE MARCH in Luneta, ) to express our outrage against the sad state of our judicial system, particularly the corrupt justices. A peaceful and orderly gathering (picnic-like, like the one held In 2013 against the Napoles scam) of families and people from all walks of life to show our unity against corruption.
There need to be more Ongs. Even on the Supreme Court, there are justices who are lenient toward judges who consort with crooks. Read the Ong case and you can write down their names.
*******
Giancarloangulo,
Re the Aguinaldo doctrine, I wonder how much of that perversity can be attributed to the Catholic mentality. A man can be forgiven for his crimes (read sins) when they become known (read confessed) to the people (read priests) and accordingly condoned by (read reconciled with) the community.
You are right: no crime should go unpunished (within statutory limitations). This is a Western legal concept ironically derived from Church doctrine, which is biblical in its origins.
*****
And the disposable raincoats, how’s that for micromanagement
Attention to detail, we called it in the Army . . .
Uncle Joe, thank you for showing Mar’s true worth to the nation.
Regarding then TRO granted to Jun Jun Binay, I hope that poetic justice will be sweet and swift. We still believe in poetic justice in this country, but it feels to slow……..
Yes, I have been doing a slow burn. The matter is not over, I think, and a lot of people are getting angrier and angrier at the way the entitled power their way through right and wrong and leave it shredded in the dust.
The justices have to tread carefully or be swept away as the Trapos that they seem to protect.
Mar Roxas … “innovative and productive”
What would be a good local word for that?
“magilas”?
I used the term in my very first comment (dated 02/18/2014) in this blogsite:
http://j.mp/ja-dm01
Salamat.
i7sharp
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – da Vinci
“Simplicity is its own artistry.” – Starbucks
Mar – masigasig, masipag. A bit different but similar to what Joe wants to say, plus it sounds good in Filipino. Mar Roxas, tahimik na trabahador para sa sambayanang Pilipino.
Mar Roxas, natatangi sa kanyang mga naitupad na unti-unting pagbabago – sa pamahalaan, sa pulis, sa pundasyon ng ating bayan.
Mar, maginoong manggagawa para sa isang modernong Pilipinas. Mar, marunong na organisador para sa isang bansang mapayapa at mayaman.
maginoong manggagawa and tahimik na trabahador make Mar’s ostensible disadvantages into advantages – his high-born origins and his low profile, combined with the hardworkingness and terms that suggest down-to-earthness to the masa.
Of course he will have to show it more during his campaign, he will have to work the barangays to attack Binay’s base, prove to the masa that he is for them also.
“magilas” – maraming “gilas” – not only … but also …
Jose Rizal was magilas.
Manny Pacquiao is magilas.
Mar Roxas will be magilas?
I believe Ayala would love the word.
Google for “GILAS Ayala.”
i7sharp
Panganiban says gilas is gallantry, elegance, galing
That is why I prefer other terms. Galing alone is not enough. Sigasig suggests follow-through, sipag is industriousness.
I, too, like sigasig. I like the dynamic connotation, also thorough.
Inside “magilas,” you can see “agila,”
Have you looked at our “agila” – the Philippine Eagle – lately?
http://j.mp/rp-eagle
i7sharp
Agila was a great Filipino movie from 1980 starring Fernando Poe, Jr.
Spanned the times from the Philippine revolution up to the postwar republic.
I like the sentiment but we need the right words. What we are trying to project is the worker whose works are unrecognized because he is not the self promoting type. We try to access the insecurity and somewhat universal feeling that we are not being recognized enough. The key here is being seen as a somewhat tragic figure but not seeming pathetic. This is a fine line but if handled correctly and with grace, people will rally for you.
I believe joe wasn’t here during Erap’s campaign but the masa took him as their own and treated his negative attributes and turned it as a direct insult against the masa.
“tragic figure” no, not tragic. Enough of that already. No more victim culture.
“with grace” with or without Grace Poe please. She must campaign for herself.
I agree PiE but we need an emotional hook. I am still thinking of what that could be.
Pictures of what Mar has done. Maybe even a komiks showing his accomplishments. Komiks always works with the masa and the masa is where he has to win the vote.
Hire a good illustrator to show Mar as a slightly confused-looking but well-meaning guy whose hair is always standing on end because he is concerned for his people. Show him making kamot to his hair in private. Show him rushing in Tacloban, the motorbike fall.
Cast him as a human hero similar to Peter Parker in the latest Spiderman movies.
Full page in the komiks with the Pope’s visit, showing what Mar did and how he was everywhere. Show him coordinating with General Kalbo Espina, both looking serious.
Show him receiving the BOI report on Mamasapano with a very concerned face. Tousling his hair in frustration. Going out with his tousled hair and slightly bewildered look and thinking “ano kaya ang sasabihin ko sa press?” and then delivering it professionally. Show him in his face-off with Junjun, with Junjun having a more Andrew E. type expression in his face, and telling him not to be “high school”. Show him thinking about the 7000 islands at night – “kailangang mahila ko ang mga tao”, ending with a dream of him on a bike doing it.
Put in some masa-style bakya humor, like during the Pope’s visit Mar meeting Espina and thinking “buti pa si Espina walang buhok na aayusin”…
PiE I have no idea if Mar can be naturally funny like Erap. Maybe there is still time to pair him with an assistant that is naturally funny and have it rub off to Mar.
Waking up from his dream, he thinks “tama, huwag nang motorsiklo, matutumba lang ako. Bisikleta ang kailangan – sigasig at tiyaga. Kaya natin iyan”.
One of my communication trainers once said that humor is a powerful force – it opens the mind and laughing brings oxygen into the brain, thus strengthening our thought processes.
Some suggestions:
Mar Roxas
MASIPAG at MASIGASIG
MATINONG pamamalakad
MALINIS at WALANG BAHID ng korapsyon
Galing sa MABUTING ANGKAN
Hinubog sa TAMANG PAG-IISIP at ASAL
MABUTI niyang PINAGMULAN para sa MALIWANAG nating KINABUKASAN
The last paragraph, other candidates especially Binay, Marcos, Poe, cannot claim.
*******
You must be a copywriter! 🙂
*****
🙂
Nice work
Mar Roxas, makabayan sa gawa, hindi makabayad.
Mar on a palengke bicycle: sa ikauunlad ng bayan, bisikleta ang kailangan.
pulling the 7000 islands behind him… a nice campaign poster. Symbolizes dynamism, hard work and thoroughness.
and this one with a picture of Mar on top, and pictures of Binay and others at the bottom.
if they can play it dirty, why not his campaign too.
Mar (with picture), laging handang (alluding to Boy Scout Motto)
– gawing matatag ang gobyerno at negosyo (pictures of LGU and SME efforts)
– gawing matatag ang ating kapulisan (modernized PNP pictures)
– lumaban sa lindol at bagyo (disaster relief efforts)
Jojo (with picture), laging handang
– kumita ng pera (Alphaland pictures)
– humakot ng tao (Makati city hall occupation pictures)
– tumulong sa pamilya (pictures of Nancy, Junjun etc.)
This as a viral meme posted on Facebook and shared infinitely. Doesn’t have to be done by Mar himself but just by a few supporters. Use the power of modern social media.
One tactic is the Jamby Madrigal campaign. It seemed she ran not to win but to ensure that someone was attacking villar.
He should do it himself, not through others. Masa like some show of balls. Paninindigan.
IN this case because mar is not the front runner he can do it himself, unlike when PNoy ran.
If this time in 2016, democracy does not work properly again in the Philippines, convert the system into a Philippine Idol or Pinoy Big Brother style TV show. Let the public decide by paid phone and text voting who will leave the Senate. At least the state would earn some money.
That’s downright brilliant. One vote per sim, please.
No, by money, we want a source of state revenue.
Those who come in are voted like barrio beauty queens using money contest.
Hahaha, even better.
I think the worst thing one can do to Mar Roxas is to put a label on him and treat him like a product for sale. All those adjectives will not be of help if they will be just thrown out there for people to read or listen to without concrete ideas of what they really stand for. They’ll just be empty slogans that will be drowned by the noises of the counter empty slogans of Binay and those of the others who are also running for president.
What will do justice to Mar and set him apart is by presenting his VISION of what the country should be in the future; his PHILOSOPHY that country first before self; the PLANS AND PROGRAMS his administration will undertake and implement to further the developments and improvement achieved by the previous administration; his DESIRE to enrich people’s participation and vigilance in safeguarding and abiding the democratic space we now enjoy; his INTENT to promote unity and reconciliation by being the president of all Filipinos; the REFORMS he intends to undertake in pursuance of his objective to improve public service and promote general welfare; his CONVICTION of good governance and maintaining professionalism in public service; his RESPECT with all those who professed their FAITH in their God or Supreme Being and his absolute trust and confidence with the Filipinos in facing the challenges of the future.
Anything short than that is denying Mar what he rightfully deserved.
Sa pamamagitan ng sigasig at tiyaga, makakamtan natin ang ating mga pangarap. Ihinihingi ko sa inyo ang inyong kooperasyon upang maitupad ang aking mga inaatupag.
Para sa isang Pilipinas na tunay na makatao at makadiyos, kahit anong pangalan ang ibigay natin sa iisang Diyos at Bathala ni sinasamba nating lahat. Isang Pilipinas na mapayapa at nakakapagbigay ng sapat na hanapbuhay at oportunidad para sa lahat. Isang Pilipinas na moderno at malinis ang pagpapatakbo, na may mga tunay at propesyonal na tagapaglingkod-bayan sa lahat ng bahagi ng pamahalaan.
Mga kababayan, hindi ito magiging madali. Marami pa tayong hirap na dadaanan. Marami pa tayong kakainin na bigas bago natin maabot ang ating gustong maabot. Ngunit kaya natin ito. Iginagalang at ipinagkakatiwalaan ko kayong lahat – bilang kapwa Pilipino.
Ang talumpati na ‘yan ay isang ehemplo ng ‘one size fit all’ na talumpati. Kahit sino, si Mar o si Binay man o si Mary Grace Poe ay pwedeng gamitin at sabihin ‘yang talumpati na ‘yan at eksakto aangkop at babagay sa kanila ang mga katagang ginamit. Bakit ‘ka ‘nyo? Kasi pwede sa lahat at walang pang-uuri o pagmamay-ari ‘yung talumpati.
Dapat ang sasabihin ng isang kandidato ay ekslusibo sa kanya. Na hindi pwedeng sabihin ng iba dahil may tatak ang kanyang talumpati na personal sa kanya. Na kahalo sa mga payak na pagpapahayag ay ang kanyang sariling kaisipan at kaalaman sa kung paano baga, bilang ehemplo, maiaahon sa kahirapan ang ating mga kababayan.
Sa kasi ni Mar, sinakripisyo n’ya ‘yung kanyang pangarap maging pangulo nuong 2010 sa pagbibigay daan kay Noynoy alang-alang sa pagkakaisa at sa bayan. Siya lamang ang may eksperyensiya na ganyan kung ihahambing natin sa ibang nangangarap maluklok sa Palasyo. ‘Yan ay pwede n’yong gawing batayan ng kanyang talumpati ukol sa kahalagahan ng sakripisyo para sa bayan at hindi sa sariling lamang.
🙂
Tama ka diyan, jameboy, hindi ko naman mabigyan ng personal na nota iyong talumpati dahil hindi naman ako si Mar, hindi naman ako ang kumakandidato kaya pasensiya lang.
Isinapilipino ko lang naman iyong mga prinsipyong inilista mo sa taas na dapat ipahayag ni Mar, upang makita ng mga bumabasa rito na hindi panay kababawan lamang ang pag-iisip ng Pilipino, at hindi lamang sa Ingles naipapahayag ang mga dakilang prinsipyo.
Kung kayanin ni Mar na seryosohin ang mga mamamayan, maabot niya ang mga ito – hindi sila tanga, nasira lamang ang loob nila gawa ng sila ang napakadalas nalugi sa ating kasaysayan. Kaya sila nasisilaw ng mga manlolokong katulad ni Negrong Binay.
Kung mapatunayan ni Mar na siya’y isang maginoong pinuno para sa lahat ng Pilipino at hindi lamang para sa mga katulad niyang mayaman, kung marunong siyang humarap sa taong-bayan sa paraan na hindi consuelo de bobong kabaitan lang, talagang panalo siya.
Magaling si Mar, diyan ako nakakatiyak. Bilib na ako sa kanya. Kaya lang, hindi pa ako nakakasigurado kung ang gagawin niya ay para sa lahat. Hindi iyong magbibigay-abuloy, kundi iyong magbibigay ng oportunidad para sa lahat ng may sipag, sigasig at tiyaga upang ipundar ang kanilang sariling hanapbuhay o kaya negosyo, dahil sa ganito lamang tuluyang uunlad ang bansang Pilipino. Hindi sa pagpoprotekta ng mga kapakanan ng isang maliit na grupo na matagal nang tumataga sa kayamanan ng ating Inang Bayan.
Kung tutuusin, mas bilib pa ako kay Heneral Espina. Hindi lamang sa kanyang katapatan, pagka-propesyonal at pagkasigasig bilang pinuno ng PNP habang nandoon ang Santo Papa.
Dahil din sa kanyang tapat na pagmamalasakit para sa kanyang mga namatay na pinamumunuan, dahil sa kanyang pagharap kay Iqbal na walang ipinakitang kawalaan ng respeto tulad ng iginawa ni Cayetno, kundi nagtatanong lamang kung bakit nila ginawa ito.
Ganyan ang NARARAPAT maging pinuno ng sambayanang Pilipino – tapat, propesyonal, masigasig, magpagmalasakit sa taong-bayan, marunong humarap sa paraan na matatag at nagpapakita ng tunay na damdamin, ngunit hindi naghahanap ng away sa kapwa Pilipino.
Kung hindi siya, marami pang ibang mga pinunong manggagaling sa sinapupunan ng ating Inang Bayan na katulad niya. Maaring isa na rin dito si Mar, kung maalaala niya na ang kanyang suwerte ay nagbibigay sa kanya ng tungkuling lumingkod sa buong bayan.
Isa siya sa mga mataas na tao na nagsisimulang makaalala kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging MAGINOO – hindi ito pribilehiyo lamang, kundi kapalit nito ang pagsisilbi. Alam ito ng mga haring talagang dakila – binigyan sila ng kapangyarihan ng Bathala upang gamitin ito upang lumingkod sa bayan, hindi para sila ang ituring na Bathalang nasa lupa. Kaya may pagkakataon si Mar patunayan na siya’y nararapat mamuno. Ako’y naghihintay at umaasa.
What if Binay angers the public enough then gives up, then horror of horrors Erap runs with a condition that Binay,son and wife will be pardoned if convicted before the end of his term.
Huwag tayong matakot kay Binay. Sariling kapahamakan natin ang ating aabutin kung magpadala tayo sa takot. Palakasin natin ang loob natin, at sa bandang huli, hindi Prinsipe, ay Presidente pala, ang aabutin ni Binay kundi palaka lang. Dahil kamukha niya.
Si Erap naman, hanggang porma lang iyan. Anong nagawa niya kundi mag-inom, mag-chicks at magsugal? Pangit naman kung diyan tayo bibilib. Hindi hanggang pier lang tayong mga Pinoy. Magpakasigasig tayo at maipupundar natin ang ating kinabukasan.
ok sms voting for the president, those that suck it up to Ayala , Pangilinan and Ang will win.
Erap can’t win again, I think. Nor would Binay give up. Sal puts the probability of your scenario developing at 0.65%, but he also pegs the probability of strange things happening at 97.2%. Go figure . . .
stranger than fiction. but it could up the odds, if pogi,tatang especially sexy comes with the package. Binay says it will be too obvious if I pardon them, so you do it.
Science fiction please.
Huwag lang sayang fiction, we have had too much of that in the Philippines already.
ok science fiction,back to non fiction. So Grace,Mar, Binay and entry of Kapatiran partylist.and some other nuissance candidates. I don’t think Grace will run for VP.
Poe will try to erode Binay’s masa base. Mar is the best candidate, but he will have to convince the masa even more in such a constellation. He can, if he rises to the challenge.
Binay wins. Grace Poe does to him what Lacson did to her father, thereby proving she is the ultimate trapo ego.
Don’t think so – if Mar manages to give the masa, the underdogs the feeling that they can be more than the victims they so often have been in the past. And takes the victim card away from Binay. This veteran card player – blackjack, pusoy and Texas Hold’em – knows.
That is a very good strategy.
The only chance he has – and this comes from a guy whose motto is: whenever I didn’t stand a chance I used it.
He could be the Cincinnatus sonny is searching for. If he finds it in himself.
like don’t be a victim , carp is so thirty years ago. Enter Jameboy’s comment on Israel where they can plant in small area arridland.
Don’t worry about AFTA and china and smugglers of those onions. Pangasinan and La Union will rise. Benguet will be vegetable and Strawberry Capital of the world !
I used to have the victim mentality too. Took my little sister, raised almost fully in Europe – thanks to me indirectly because I was the reason we all had to leave – but with the fighting spirit of Handyong and the cunning of Oryol – the legendary ancestors of all Bikol people – to slap me in the face and tell me: stop thinking of yourself as the victim all the time, stand up and fight for yourself. Having been oppressed for so long has given us Filipinos a victim mentality, has broken the spirit of many of us, has made us lack trust in ourselves and in our fellow countrymen. We were slaves so long that we behave like American blacks in many ways, with a crab mentality and a mentality of underdogs without hope, hating each other and those who are a bit whiter and richer looking down on the others.
Binay is like a black gangsta, a guy who pretends to be for his own people, but oppresses them even more. What he does is called blaxploitation among African-American writers. People who were slaves oppress each other, having learned it from their former masters.
Our masa behave very much like the Maori in the movie “Once Were Warriors” – a strong people that have lost their pride and their sense of direction, but even there there was one woman who found back to mana – to healthy pride and strength AFTER suffering.
We must find a way back to wholeness, to confidence. And remember that our being underdogs gives us many advantages – if we only learn to overcome victimhood. Always worshipping martyrs is not the right way, lalo tayong nagmumukhang kawawa sa ganoon.
Karl, you are one of the young generation, you are on the way back to wholeness, I noticed that you are asking the right questions from the very beginning. You still do not quite believe but you do hope. It is because of people like you that I write in this blog.
don’t know what to say.
Mar was out of the country for a while, had to prove his own mettle and made his own career in the United States, without family connections and katulong at home to back him. Noynoy was just a boy when he was in Boston, Bongbong was a spoiled rich brat in UK/US.
This is why he is already showing a different outlook, but he too is still too timid. And he might be sucked back into the mentality of his upper class, nay the mentality of nearly all Filipinos, to take the path of least resistance. To go Noynoying in a way – would be a pity.
But I still hope that he continues on the right way and does even better because he has the potential to be one of the greatest leaders the Philippines ever had. I will support him if he wins, but I will slap him with words if he does not live up to his promise. Mar makinig ka!
Huwag mong sayangin ang kakayahan mo! It’s now or never for OUR country, I tell you.
Betray your own class if you have to, in order to be loyal to the entire Filipino people! Already you have bred new leaders like General Espina. Breed more of them please.
Love that last paragraph.
“don’t know what to say.” Karl, you don’t have to say anything. Just continue on the path you are going. You will be one of those who will make the Tipping Point happen. Years ago, I also had lost hope and agreed with ben ign0-rant on most things – now I hope again.
But not only because of you, but because of many others like you. The critical mass needed to build the Tipping Point is building. Also because of Mamasapano, when our people realized that there are truly serious matters, that not everything is fun and showbiz.
That the boys of the SAF 44 can be any of us, all of us, if we are not careful to secure our future. Not against Muslims, but against the challenges our difficult world of today give us. But let us not be guided by fear, which leads to anger which leads to hate and suffering.
Let us be wise, like the Kankanai say. Let us look at dangers fearlessly like headhunters. But let us put our heads together to face them and not knock them off and waste them.
Let us coach our leaders when they make mistakes, not destroy them. But let us choose good leaders who are willing to listen, unlike Noynoy who seems to think he is a saviour. Did many good things but got caught up in his own sense of being special, a living saint. Sayang fiction, not science fiction. He did not live up to his promise, like many of us didn’t. Let us learn from our mistakes, not repeat them all the time. Sawa na kasi ako sa replay.
replay jeans?
Mas gusto ko Tommy Hilfiger. American brand kaya bagay sa matabang katulad ko.
I think Mar should be developing his message right now and it has to be inclusive without being pandering.
And he should be able to do it because as you said he has the deepest experience considering both the Legislative and the Executive.
Empowerment. That was what Hope poster and the obama campaign capitalized on. It is the hope that there can be a transformational politics when we go beyond the old party politics. It didn’t happen but at least it was able to mobilize everyone.
The message is two part.
I have gone to all the Philippine Provinces.
In my work as legislator and more importantly as your DILG secretary I have seen your problems and I’ve heard them from people like you.
I’ve been to Nueva Ecija, Bicol, Benguet, and most of Mindanao. I’ve seen the lack of refrigeration units that waste a lot of your produce instead of being exported to other nations/islands. How you people continue to work the land and yet hunger for food.
I’ve seen the problems of urban centers with congestion and failing infrastructure. I’ve seen our old dilapidated airports and outdated transport systems tried to fix it but came up short because of lack of time.
I’ve talked to OFW families and have seen how it has change the dynamics of the family and the societal time bomb it can become.
I’ve seen the inspired leadership of your local leaders and What the National Government can do to empower them.
I’ve seen the greed of your local leaders and Have instituted reform to reform and punish them.
Thanks giancarloangulo. I did not mean to sound negative about Mar, I was only doing a SWOT analysis on him because he is the first candidate I take seriously. Cayetano failed.
For those who don’t know it, I think you do: SWOT = Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats – a management methodology to assess potential. For Mar:
Strengths: Experience, Professionalism, No-Nonsense Approach, Been Places, Modesty.
Weaknesses: sometimes too timid, sometimes appears patronizing towards masa.
Opportunities: can learn to reach out to the masa more, really listen to them and care.
Threats: could be sucked in and used by his milieu, the rent-seeking oligarchs.
addendum to Opportunities: can still learn to be more of a leader with cojones. Is already practicing it on poor Junjun. Did not dare criticize Noynoy but went after Purisma – kudos.
Important definitions of rent-seeking and oligarchs can be found in detail HERE:
https://joeam.com/2014/12/05/the-continuing-occupation-of-the-oligarchs/
https://joeam.com/2014/10/19/binay-the-poor-and-changing-from-a-rent-seeking-society-to-a-competitive-society/
to PiE
Careful with SWOT, S and W are properties of the studied object, O and T are properties in its environment.
Mar’s opportunity you mention is a strength, it is in his hands. Opportunities are e.g. current the anti-corruption momentum, increased “literacy” of larger group of Filipinos partly due to 12 million OFW’s…. things in society he can build on.
This victim mentality of Filipinos could be transformed to an opportunity. It seems that Filipinos are stuck in an early-teen age, when teens see the world as conspiring against them and only can trust their fellow teens. Many mechanism keep them in that mentality. E.g. after 30 year start-up companies still can apply for start-up protection, after 30 years ARBs, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, are still ARB’s and not normal farmers, they still get full support of DAR…. Many systems prevent people to “grow-up”.
People don’t like to be victims or to beg for handouts, have too much utang, Mar should play this, expose the mechanism that create this mentality, promise individual “adulthood”, independence, and propose changes to address it.
josephivo, thanks for your correction on SWOT. Don’t have an MBA or econ degree, I was not even a manager. I am just a guerilla businessman who learned things on the fly. A wild man, like Joe said – a pragmatist who is constantly sharpening his skills as I go along.
As for the victim mentality, the main theme of my next blog article will be that underdogs have many advantages – provided they get rid of the victim mentality. The inspiration is again a book by Malcom Gladwell, this time one about Underdogs.
“Many mechanism keep them in that mentality. E.g. after 30 year start-up companies still can apply for start-up protection, after 30 years ARBs, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, are still ARB’s and not normal farmers, they still get full support of DAR…. Many systems prevent people to “grow-up”.”
My start-up protection was just under a year. I got start-up funding to get me out of joblessness which was my own fault because I was drinking too much. Three years after starting my business I almost lost it, couldn’t pay my taxes because I had overspent. The tax offices (national and municipal) gave me some respite, but within strictly defined limits. I worked hard to meet the deadline, took three years to get out of the debt spiral, gasping for water and once pawning my Swiss watch to pay the rent, but I finally got out of it. Because the system taught me that I was given a chance and that you are allowed to make a mistake once but not twice. If I had not done what I did, I would today be someone living on social security benefits in municipal housing, forced to clean the streets.
Actually many people in the Philippines are not grown up. Look at Bongbong, Noynoy and Junjun. Look at Miriam. Look at Cayetano. Look at most Filipino leftists, Walden Bello and Crispin Beltran are notable exceptions. The entire country is very much immature. Look at the way crises are handled. This is why I posted something on Utoya in Norway. They had more casualties than in Mamasapano, but they did not act like Filipinos there. Look at the oscillation between being too vindictive and too forgiving, instead of being firm but fair too those who do bad things – it teaches more of a lesson than the first two ways. But Mamasapano in my observation led to a greater seriousness in the nation, they have realized that there are situations which have to be dealt with, not just by ignoring them.
Your last para, about grown up. It is impossible for me to say that, for I am a guest. It is easier for you to say, for you are Filipino. Still many will bridle, thinking that you are a “holier than thou” outsider. Yet it is important to get the citizens here to realize what maturity looks like, so that they can see that volatility is not it, crabbing is not it, vindictive is not it. Maturity is seeing and talking objective sense rather than playing children’s games of one-upsmanship and “you are for me or against me” and “I will find every blame and excuse in the book to show that I am whole, even when I screw up.”
I look forward to your next article. Like, lots.
“It is easier for you to say, for you are Filipino. Still many will bridle, thinking that you are a “holier than thou” outsider.” which is why I am, unlike some others, making no secret of my “growing up” process. I do not dispense wisdom in spoonfuls like ben ign0-rant does.
I know I repeat myself at times, but here are some prime examples to illustrate what I mean and how I learned things from the school of hard knocks, every mistake a new lesson:
1. How I spat on the platform of rapid transit and got told off by a lady security guard who caught me, telling me “do you spit on the floor at home you pig” – not more, not less but that taught me, I was ashamed. NOW contrast that with the AMALAYER viral video.
2. How I got help in starting my own business out of being a jobless drunk on the dole, with coaching by an unemployment office IT specialist and subsidized business courses – I even admit I half-slept through 3 out of 4 courses. I was on the way but not yet there.
3. How the municipal tax office gave me a break when I told them I would not be able to pay my taxes on time. How they told me, let us know when you can DEFINITELY pay, we will give you respite but you have to pay 1% interest per month, to avoid system abuse. How the lady behind the desk then typed in the date I gave on the computer together with my municipal tax account number, printed out the form we both signed and how I later paid.
4. How my former boss and business associate told me, after I did a Santiago on him just about half a year ago: “this is just absurd theater. Let us maturely talk about our interests and how we can find a common way. I was your boss ten years ago we are now partners.”.
5. How a “patriot” I know, a former skinhead, told me when I told him about Cayetano and the Mamasapano thing just weeks ago: “these holy warriors are all crazy. War is easy, know that because I have been there. Peace is hard, really hard.” A major epiphany for me.
“Yet it is important to get the citizens here to realize what maturity looks like, so that they can see that volatility is not it, crabbing is not it, vindictive is not it.” Very correct. I know because I have been all of the three in my life and sometimes still fall back to them.
“Maturity is seeing and talking objective sense rather than playing children’s games of one-upsmanship and “you are for me or against me” and “I will find every blame and excuse in the book to show that I am whole, even when I screw up.”” May I add that maturity is also channeling one’s passions to constructive use instead of being controlled by them. But Cayetano is not passionate, I have realized. He is just an asshole opportunist.
“I look forward to your next article. Like, lots.” Welcome, as you see, I too had to find my message, I can only write down what I fully see, think and feel. Thank you for your tolerance and patience. I have lectured a lot, but learned a lot on the fly here. This is truly worth it.
It is rewarding when people both give and receive here. I for sure get a lot.
If he does, I will dedicate this song to him:
With this song, I mean Erap, not Mar.
Joe you have outdone yourself with this bit of punditry on Aquino II and Roxas. Roxas is a good follower but IMHO does not have the gravitas as a leader of a still developing country…
Your piece reminds me of this post by Paul Krugman on the proper way of criticism…
Jonathan Chait does insults better than almost anyone; in his recent note on Larry Kudlow, he declares that;
“The interesting thing about Kudlow’s continuing influence over conservative thought is that he has elevated flamboyant wrongness to a kind of performance art.”
Who do you like of the presidential prospects mentioned for 2016? And a brief as to why he or she would be better than Roxas, and more likely to win. Give us your flamboyant rightness.
Those who think maliciously, you could be misinterpreted as being a partisan propagandist. I see you as someone doing advocacy for what you think is right for the Philippines. Just as I am, with a somewhat different, developing take on the matter.
Until clear proof of the contrary, I shall continue to take you by your word that your main interest is the good of the Philippines. So far you have not disappointed me. Unlike Cayetano who first inspired me and eventually has disappointed me in a very heavy way. Or the Catholic Church which disappointed me – but may redeem itself with Pope Francis. In that sense I too am a deeply moral person – even if my metrics are somewhat different.
Flamboyant rightness reminds me of the blog following this.
🙂 Indeed there is an echo hereabouts . . .
Have never voted for President in elections… Nobody on the list is suitable… I would support though former Chief Justice Puno is he runs on his platform of radical change to the political system…
I heard him speak on several occasions and his decision on the constructive resignation of Erap was revolutionary in nature.
We have to junk the centralized from of the political system that is the mongoloid system derived from the past colonial political systems…
The role of the State is primordial in economic development but the foundations of the Philippine State is shallow at best…
We continue to to be victimized by the very people tasked with the leadership of the State
at all levels….
Okay, well, I am writing to people who vote, so please consider that in your calculus before casting aspersions on what I write or who I pick. We need not all fit into your bitter and negative assessment of the system or nation in order to be respected.
Mar Roxas said Aquino ordered Purisima to inform Espina about the oplan but Purisima did not follow the order. I read the BOI report but I did not see it. Maybe I missed it. Is it really in the report? Thanks.
I scanned it, but did not see anything about Espina. There were clear instructions to coordinate with AFP. I have not read the report in detail.
Thus far, 238 comments have been posted.
Thus far, none from 2BFair?
i7sharp
So? What’s the point? Everyone has a life to live outside this blog. I hope it is rich and fulfilling.
Joe, not so much trying to make a point as simply stating an observation. FWIW.
“Everyone has a life to live outside this blog.” Really? Gotta check that out… 🙂
I think he has no problem with Mar at all. Just with Grace Poe being put down.
Yes, but I think Poe is getting a lot of put-downs for her performance at yesterday’s press release. I’m going to relabel the hearings “the Mamasapano Witch Hunt”.
Joe, Mar is at 4% as per the latest Pulse Asia survey, lagging behind the likes of Erap, Poe, Duterte, Miriam, and even Bongbong. What do you think is the reason for this? I admire all his credentials, but it’s hard to argue that he is the candidate to rally behind to beat Binay if he is a far 6th or 7th. Too early and a lot can happen from now ’til May 2016, yes, but given his exposure in seemingly all events of national interest (Robredo, Yolanda, Pope, etc.), you would think he would at least fare better at the surveys.
Binay up to 29% from 26%
Poe down to 14% from 16%
Estrada up to 12% from 10%
Duterte up to 12% from nowhere
Miriam 9%
Bongbong 6%
Mar 4%
Chiz 4%
Alan 3%
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/679431/binay-still-leading-duterte-enters-top-5-pulse-asia-presidential-survey
The masa controlling the vote is already happening now. If it is to be a masa President, then Duterte is the best choice possible. He at least knows what he is doing, is harsh but not corrupt. The rest is very weird – I would like to know who likes Binay and WHY?
I like MAR but if I am in his position I will upset BINAY by not running at all and support DUTERTE – CAYETANO or CAYETANO – DUTERTE tandem. . . Poe & Chiz will not support Binay anyway and will not run because they don’t have national machinery…
MAR can still win if he gets POE on board with Chiz Cayetano and Duterte helping their campaign and Leni Robredo in the Senatorial slate… Without Grace’s support, MAR will surely lose to Binay.
If Poe will not run as VP she could just support MAR-CAYETANO tandem. I think Cayetano will agree on VP run with agreement that he will get DOJ post should they win. Poe remains a senator with major committee chairmanship and Duterte as DILG Secretary. . .
I’d like to see Grace Pulido Tan in SC should MAR against all odds become President…
After yesterday’s near advocacy of impeachment of the President by Poe, I’m not sure she should or could be on the LP ticket.
Duterte is 70 years old. He will either stay in Davao – or run for President if he sees real chances of winning. Nothing in between, he is biding his time.
The laboring people simply can’t relate to him because he does not have a field force like Binay’s hundreds of sister city mayors speaking up for him. The people who know people who know the masa tout Binay. No one touts Roxas. He’s bought no one off.
Mar’s too different as well. Just realized that. A lot of politics in the Philippines is about a person people can identify with. One of our guys even if he screws us. I mean Mar is DILG secretary so he should have mayors who speak up for him.
Duterte does it differently – touring the country for his Federalism Forum, speaking directly to local leaders including mayors. Totally grassroots approach. Works as well.
Strange things are happening to Mar Roxas.
Based on his accomplishments, he’s been a workhorse in the Aquino administration. He has never been linked to any corruption allegation. He’s out of the loop on the Mamasapano debacle. He’s not one of the masterminds, he’s not being taken to task to explain why it happened. Meaning he is clean. So, how come he is still trailing in the surveys?
With PNoy under siege and Jojo Binay slowly sliding due to corruption allegation, and other controversies whirling around why does it seem to be not working to Mar’s advantage? What is he doing wrong that people seems to be not warm to him? Do they see him as not his own man because he always end up, right or wrong, on the side of PNoy? If so, I think Mar should start distancing himself with the President not to abandon him but to focus more on his own concern. He should stop talking about Mamasapano for he really has nothing to do with it. It’s all PNoy’s, hence, he should do all the talking. For starter, it would be good for Mar to suggest to the President that an apology is not a bad thing to consider in the Mamasapano case.
With regard to Mayor Junjun Binay’s case, he should delegate to his subordinate all DILG activity on it and let his department do what should be done. It’s pretty obvious the Binay camp is using him as a prop to bolster their allegation of political vendetta against the gov’t. He’s being portrayed as the bad guy. He should distance himself from his enemies if he wants to defeat them.
Mar should focus on his work and be more visible to the public not for political reason but more on his official function. I know he has been doing that already but I suggest he do it double time so that he’ll be wean away from activities that is not beneficial to him.
2016 is just around the corner. It’s now or never for Mar. I hope.
The problem, Jameboy, is that you are recommending he do what he has done for five years, keep his head down and work. He needs to do the opposite, at some point, and step up into the limelight as Cayetano and Trillanes and Poe are doing. And Duterte. And Santiago.
But Roxas has been known for only one thing: work. And I’m suggesting he do more because no one appears to be doing the work nowadays. The Aquino administration is up to its neck defending, justifying and ducking all things that are Mamasapano-related. Mar should avoid getting sucked on that.
And what’s the opposite to get the limelight? Political posturing geared towards 2016? He can do that why not. If others can hog the headlines just by opening their mouth, so can Mar. But to be honest Joe, Mar is not a political animal. He’s been in politics as long as I can remember but he has not demonstrated the cunning, the sly and the vicious character of a traditional Filipino politician.
He doesn’t have the shrewd and stealth of an Erap Estrada. He definitely don’t have in his system the bully and quarrelsome nature of Miriam. His brown complexion is in no way in the vicinity of the thick skinned of the Binays. I mean, Mar is too gentleman to a fault. And that is what separates him from the rest. Of course, also the work. In a way, he and PNoy are more or less the same in manner and demeanor. Only thing is, Mar is the intelligent one.
I keep on going back on this article because I think something’s wrong on how Mar is paring in popular surveys and I’m interested in exploring the reason why or if there is a contributory factor that needs to be talked about and dissected for learning experience.
That, aside from liking Mar, of course. 🙂
You make good sense, jameboy. I hope you . . . and he . . . figure things out . . .
Very thoroughly researched and complimentary article on Mar. I have always thought he is the best presidential candidate, even though in my opinion, his televised, over-hyped, lavish wedding was overkill and not appealing to the masa. But one nagging thing I cannot understand is why PNoy by passed him during the Mamasapano incident. The only thing I can imagine is with the upcoming election perhaps PNoy was protecting his friend from the possible negative consequences, or perhaps PNoy simply did not want Mar to know that he was conferring with Purisima.
I think Mar’s weakness is a personal strength. He is not a killer political shark. He is a businessman and government manager.
How can we interpret this to the large majority of voters which is the poor people when they believe that Binay is clean. Poor people believe in Binay because they immediately get the help they wanted even though its not for long term. And they are not paying large taxes. Its the Middle class who are being rob by corrupt govt oficials.
You are exactly right Emily. It is hard for us to do much, other than talk to relatives and friends who may be in the provinces. The presidential candidates will have to do the heavy lifting, and I’m thinking VP Binay is going to be challenged broadly across the Philippines.
To interpret to the large majority means we that believe in Roxas should touch their hearts. Like the website of Mar
http://blog.marroxas.com/1982/04/19/ninoy-aquinos-tribute-to-senator-gerry-roxas/
What their fathers fought and what they are fighting for now.
There is something in that video and the words of Ninoy that touch the hearts who ever watch it. Like the same thing when Cory died that gives back memories and what Ninoy has fight for.
It’s like their path are always crossing from the fathers to the sons.
Now that the nation is being challenged again by those who wants to get the power.
We have to reach each and everyone what our nation needs.
God give us a man a time like this demands:
Strong mind, great heart,
True faith and ready hands.
A man whom the lust of office does not kill.
A man whom the spoils of office cannot buy.
A man who possesses a principle and a will.
A man who will not lie.
Why not a little comics. The fathers and their sons.
What their fathers did (memorable times – death of Ninoy – passing of Gerry- Get their sympathy) and what their sons are doing.
More on pictures for them to identify the characters.
Relate the past from the present.
I’d vote Mar Roxas for President if he is running !!
If he is such an exemplary politician, why do the people in his own hometown, at least everyone I’ve met, dislike him vehemently and pins all the corruption and lack of development of the entire Capiz on the type of governance they had with him? This hatred was even evident when Roxas lost in his own province in the last national elections. They voted for whoever could beat Mar for VP. It was Binay who got their votes. Nobody knew Binay was a scumbag but if Mar is hated more there, is he worse? What do we not know? Why was the slogan of Capizeno’s during that election was, ” Roxas: Ganito kami sa Capiz, walang nagawa”?
Can you provide references, like reports of these problems? News reports, perhaps. Or do we have to take your word for it? I do know that local politics is filled with angers, so it seems to me that in any given community, half the people hate the other half on any given day. Even Jesse Robredo had his battles. I do know that Secretary Roxas was highly respected by other cabinet secretaries. I’m inclined not to buy what you are selling.
Do more reserch man. He won in Capiz by more that 100k.
Haven’t read everything. I know Mar and I think he’ll make a good President but I think the people think he’s not the one we need as of the moment. I also don’t like some points in this article where go gabe credits to his job as DILG secretary when the job was done great, but in times of failure you pointed out that he delegated the job and the blame should not be put on him.
Wow!!! I
Very informative. Worth reading!!!
This affirms my support for Roxas and Robredo!!!
Thanks for reading, noemi.
Great work sir, question though, since you got the research maybe you can help me on this one, 1.79 billion on yolanda, can you elaborate more on that? We all got the idea that its money NOT well spent? It can help also thanks.
Here are the facts: http://yolanda.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/December-Yolanda-Updates.pdf
Internationally, the Philippines is recognized as having done a superb job on recovery. Much better than the US in New Orleans.