 |
|
Gil H.A. Santos, Editor-At-Large Center For Philippine Futuristics & CACNNews.org |
July 18, 2010
In a Democracy such as the Philippines’ successful candidates into elective offices—the presidency, governorship, mayorship, and legislative positions—invariably complain about their constituents’ unsatiable demand for services and public assistance.
The Filipino presidents I have covered for the Associated Press, the defunct International News Service, the AP-Dow Jones news services, Time magazine, the Philippine News Agency and the local Journal group from President Elpidio Quirino down to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had one regret: the “people will always complain of your incompetence.”
We do not have a monopoly of that phenomenon. It is also found in the advanced Democracies in Europe, in the both sides of the Pacific Ocean and down under. It is also found in the other continents. The more underdeveloped the country, the graver is the problem/people’s complaints. Just read the developments in Latin America and Africa.
The leaderships’ common solution: just do your job and let history judge you. But at least listen to the “people.”
President Carlos P. Garcia said “if I worry about all these complaints I will never be able to do my job.” But his alter egos from the cabinet secretaries addressed the public demands and issues of the time.
On the other hand, his predecessor President Ramon Magsaysay Sr. said “those who have less in life must have more in law” so he was more attentive to “people’s pleadings”.
In fact, because of the nature of the psy-ideological political problems during his tenure, Magsaysay was, comparatively, the more responsive to the masses.
President Ferdinand E Marcos just rammed through his martial law regime and justified it as his way to “reform the Philippine society.” It took 21 years and the martyrdom of Senator Benigno Aquino Sr. to throw him out bloodlessly in the first people power. I.
President Cory Aquino, people’s choice to restore Democracy enjoyed the country’s trust but failed to make the crucial decisions to reverse the economy’s plunge. She also failed to capitalize on her tenure’s international goodwill to get as much economic assistance.
President Fidel V. Ramos obviously was the most trusted by investors as the economy started its upward spiral during his tenure. But his successor Joseph Estrada failed to manage the country competently. He was the only president formally impleached and thrown out in people power 2.
Arroyo is considered the most callous and insensitive to ethics, propriety and public complaints among all the post-war presidents. Proofs are her national trust and credibility ratings—comparatively the lowest-- according to recent publicized surveys.
Our political executives have said our colonial historical background, cultural flaws which feature our inclinations towards neighborhood gossips and audio-visual entertainment (mostly in the rural areas and the lesser formally educated of our people), and the developing stage of the economy are the causes of all these.
Candidates do not really discuss issues in campaigns. Clearly there is an explanation. But this is definitely NOT a simple one. My simple answer –this will even be oversimplified to the political scientist or classic professor—is a set of considerations:
- The sitting executive politician must be a communicator--he must capably explain to his implementing subordinates in understandable terms—to push his realistic vision-mission statement, which will guide his governance’s direction within the planned timeframe.
- He must have the political will to make the lonely decisions after listening to all factors/parties to of any given issue or concern. He is the only elected executive officer; nobody else makes the decision. All other contributions are merely recommendatory.
- He must surround himself with, or recruit, unselfish over-achievers to fulfill his do-able campaign promises, which must depend on the available funds and capable government personnel to deliver. Managing a dynamic team of over-achievers is a complicated task to start with and requires personal leadership qualities.
- The sitting executive politician must earn and maintain the credibility/ trust of the entire country—and unite the country-- through the art and science of consultative assemblies. This is the only way the Filipino can be convinced he is a participant of the development plan; and he can be persuaded to fiercely cooperate in the plan’s implementation with least demands from government.
This is an unsolicited advise to the sitting executive politicians—from President P-Noy down to the last town mayor. They can take it or ignore it. This was first ignored during the 1987 creation of the Cory revolutionary government.
(Gil H. A. Santos is professor of journalism and international relations in the Lyceum of the Philippines University, President of the Center for Philippine Futuristics Center and GNN TV program host. Email your reactions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0917-8274620.)
or leave an intense debate comment below:
