Presidential appointees

Throughout my years as a consultant for various government offices, I have seen a concerning trend of young, inexperienced individuals being appointed to important executive positions.

Although President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his department secretaries may not personally know their appointees, these choices are often heavily influenced by the friends or benefactors of these individuals. The backers rely on their connections or loyalties to maintain their grip on power through these appointees.

On 17 June 2025, I wrote a column titled “Political Appointments.” At the time, I was with the Presidential Communications Office in Malacañang as Chief Editor of the Presidential News Desk. Accepting such massive courtesy resignations is the prerogative of the President, but I know that some experienced veterans in the field of communications did not underperform, contrary to what was announced.

In the case of young appointees, I am not a fan of promoting them to positions of power without the wisdom, experience, education and training required of their office as this can often lead to disastrous outcomes. Most of them are misfits; they lack an understanding of critical decision-making principles, leading to misguided actions, ineffective policies, wasted taxpayer money and power tripping.

The nature of politics and administration requires a deep understanding of both the system and the issues at hand. Only experienced leaders bring with them the wealth of knowledge gained from years of navigating the political landscape. They understand the nuances of policymaking, the complexities of public administration and the importance of bipartisan cooperation with career employees.

If the President prioritizes youth over ability, the government would end up diminishing the importance of diligent public service and the necessary qualifications for leadership roles. He should teach future generations the importance of preparation and learning through experience.

In upcoming columns, I will offer specific examples of young appointees who have little to no educational background, experience, or training for the positions they hold. These individuals often flaunt their power and waste taxpayer money through poor judgment and a lack of accountability.

One such example is the “Tres Marias” in one department — all square pegs in round holes with little or no understanding of the requirements of their positions. 

What they lack in the head, they fill in the mouth, as all of them love to see themselves on TV or live stream. They act as “push buttons” for a scheming consultant — someone who, though not part of the bureaucracy, wields power through them simply because he recommended them to be there. This delusional consultant wants to leave behind a “legacy” in that department that only he himself needs and appreciates.

Now is the time to expose this charade so that the President, the Cabinet Secretaries concerned, and the Filipino people will know their true colors. As they say in Tagalog, “Abangan!” (Wait for it).

Unfortunately for us Filipinos, we will have to endure these individuals until 2028, or until their Cabinet Secretary is replaced. Some may even find a way to return in the next administration. Having them in power now is a tragedy; their potential return in the future would be a catastrophe.

Pray that in two more years, we will rid ourselves of this bunch of nincompoops.