Reorganizing the Executive Branch

The results of the recent midterm election, by any measure, were clearly readable even by ordinary folks. Some of the President’s alter egos either weren’t doing well or doing nothing. 

PBBM’s statement when he asked for their courtesy resignations indicated that clearly and the decision to shuffle or reorganize the entire executive branch was timely.

If we recall, the President was at the forefront of the whole campaign stretch. Surveys pointed to a perfect 12 winners from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas. The administration, it went without saying, had all the manpower and logistical resources reinforced by the AKAP, AICS, among other dole programs. Billions of pesos in taxpayer money was turned into dole-outs. By any measure this could be considered, without winking, vote buying in broad sunlight which the Comelec, legally or otherwise, failed to control or stop. 

Given that more votes went to the DuterTen bets, the money failed miserably to sway voters to the Alyansa side. The vulnerable poor who were closer to the government officials though were pampered. 

Shamelessly, most “representathieves” made it appear that the funds came from their own pockets. “Ang kapal ng mga mukha” (thick-faced). 

So, again, how can you trust your so-called district solons who lie through their teeth? Honestly, I’m trying to find one good man or woman in that reinforced concrete Batasan structure other than Senator-elect Rodante Marcoleta. I see no one parallel or identical to his degree of integrity.

Going back to the reorganization of the Executive Branch, the courtesy resignations demanded by President Marcos Jr. covered the entire executive apparatus from Cabinet members to the national government agencies, especially those appointed by the President himself. 

As it is still ongoing, no sacred cow appears to have been spared. Hopeful. By the tone of his speech, PBBM seemed disturbed, calling his action a response to the inadequacy of the government services rendered by the officials. 

With the poor election outcome of his Alyansa bets, he stressed that it’s time “to recalibrate the administration, not with business as usual; the people have spoken and they expect results not politics.” It’s time to realign the government with the people’s expectations,” he said. Of course, it must.

But not only were some executive officials underperforming, corruption was unabated and appeared to be the norm. In particular, the corruption at DPWH sucked billions of taxpayer money with overpriced contracts and purchases. It’s surprising that resigned Secretary Manuel Bonoan had done nothing.  Who would not think that he was part and parcel of the thievery in the department that he headed. 

With the opportunity presented by the resignation of the Cabinet and their adjutants — so long as this indicates real good governance is on the way and is not a mere huge PR stunt — I stand with the President squarely and may even, in all humility, suggest who should be retained and who should be the replaced.

Really, there are “asses” in the Cabinet who are pulling down whatever good the President is doing. As I write this piece, a few Cabinet secretaries have been reappointed. DHSUD Secretary Acuzar has been replaced with a veteran and expert construction manager, engineer Jose Ma. Aliling. Expect more houses for the homeless.

DTI Secretary Cris Aldeguer-Roque re-assumed her post, which is a good thing. There was undoubtedly neither reason nor factual basis to consider her courtesy resignation. Secretary Roque is up to the task — a silent, efficient, competent and visionary worker who has contributed significantly in providing more trade, business and economic opportunities, especially for the MSMEs which are close to her heart.    

We will continue on the subject next Sunday.