It appears that the P-Noy administration is in a way following the footsteps of his predecessor. Both used the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) as incentives in gaining the cooperation of congress. The former president took hasty steps to gain the favor of judiciary to avoid prosecution after leaving office. P-Noy is taking serious steps to extend his influence way beyond his 6-year term.P-Noy has committed to build and reinforce his “Daang Matuwid” during his 6-year term. But questions have been raised that after 2 years, a lot of paving and filling potholes still need to be done.
On the positive side, he has cleared the pathway of booby traps and obstructions and has started putting up road directions for the future.
There are 4 welcome recent developments:
1. Judicial reform for the next 18 years has been established. It is up to the incumbent ombudsman and chief justice to improve, if not fix, the nation’s ailing justice system. They should not fail us!
2. It is sad that DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo had to die just to rally Filipinos to highlight his effective low-key practice of transparency and accountability for local governance. Had he stayed on, he may later be the victim of insidious political intrigues and his accomplishments forgotten in time. At least, now, a template for good government has been recognized and established.
3. The country’s long-standing problems are hinged on widespread poverty amid ignorance and unfettered population growth. The RH/ Reproductive Health bill is, as of August 28, 2012, being subjected to legislative amendments ensuring its being faithful to the Philippine constitution and moral code. It is good the open stand of the Ateneo professors on this important legislation has drawn the Catholic bishops to be more transparent in their opposition to this important bill. This is important for the laity for effective implementation.
4. Poverty and ignorance should be erased by the K-12 edict for school children and the CCT dole outs to keep children in school. Corruption is not only imbedded in live contracts that had to be rehashed or cancelled and would therefore need diligent review of procurement systems. The slow process of starting changes in our damaged culture will take firm sustained effort over generations.
The 2013 elections should strengthen P-Noy’s team and will test how the Filipinos are reacting to P-Noy’s “daang matuwid”, which should travel far beyond the foreseeable future. With God’s help, let’s give the Pilipino a chance.
