Transition, renewal, reform, transformation

By FIDEL V. RAMOS Former President
May 16, 2010, 11:38am

During this transition period between the outgoing GMA and the incoming Benigno C. Aquino III Presidencies, most election flak/fallout has subsided, and in place are feelings of relief and hope in general. The major protagonists have been declared either winners or losers, and those who saw irreversible defeat have graciously conceded.

Kudos to the Comelec, etc.

Buoyed up by relatively peaceful elections – in which an unfamiliar automated system was introduced – there now appears an overall sense of “change for the better” among us. This sort of national semi-euphoria (with bated breath) is not unusual, in spite of the no-holds-barred, bruising, protracted contests.

Accolades and commendations are due all around, particularly to the Comelec, AFP/PNP, DepEd teachers, PPCRV, NAMFREL, other civil watchdogs, poll volunteers, the professional media and, admirably, the patient electorate. To the winners go our warmest congratulations, and to the losers our encouragement to continue their advocacies. To Comelec Chairman Jose Melo goes our special appreciation for effectively steering his vast network to implement hi-tech reforms and insure honest, orderly, peaceful elections (H-O-P-E) which are credible to Filipinos and the international community.

Just within one day after the polls, the US and EU conveyed their congratulations for our “smooth” elections. Kudos from other quarters re the successful automated systems further indicated Comelec’s adherence to its Constitutional mandate.

Peaceful Transition

Some of us have gone through the complete transition of peacefully taking over at the start and willingly handing over after six years. During this past generation, only one such harmonious two-way transfer of Presidential power has taken place – between Aquino and Ramos in 1992, and from Ramos to Estrada in 1998 (ask former ExecSec. Alex Aguirre). Expectedly, the forthcoming Arroyo to Aquino III turnover (with ExecSec Larry Mendoza in charge) should be without any glitches, even if before May 10, there was much speculation about “No-El,” “No-Proc,” “Failure” and “Class 1978” scenarios.

The 40 days of joint planning (involving families, Cabinets and clusters) for the June 30, 1998 Presidential inauguration at Barasoain Church in Malolos, following the Centennial Celebration of Philippine Independence, was not only unprecedented but joyful in terms of historic pageantry.

The first crucial actions for the victors should be to: (1) heal, and then, (2) include. FVR’s initial steps were to approach his erstwhile opponents to seek their cooperation and restore friendship, and, simultaneously, plan for: (1) united efforts to forge peace with well-armed rebel/insurgent/separatist groups; and (2) sustainable growth while suffering debilitating power shortages and low credit ratings.

Hitting the ground running As announced, the incoming Aquino III Administration is ready to hit the ground running and make positive marks within its first 100 days.

The most immediate duty of a “minority President” is to campaign once more, this time to win a nationwide (read “majority”) mandate as the elected leader of all Filipinos – regardless of political party, regional origin, religious faith, or socio-economic status. For Noynoy Aquino to gain popular support for his programs, particularly deep reforms, he has to hit the road again to win new friends and persuade non-believers.

The advancement of peace and reconciliation I pinpointed as our most urgent priority in 1992 – because without political stability, social reform and economic progress could not advance.

To pursue this objective, I created the National Unification Commission through Proclamation 10-A (28 July 1992) with Atty. Haydee Yorac and Archbishop Fernando Capalla as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively. The NUC was tasked to formulate a viable reconciliation process and amnesty program leading to just, comprehensive and lasting peace. As a result, there were no coups/military adventurisms during FVR’s term.

Another must-do task was to develop sustainably. This was addressed by the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development created through Executive Order 15 (01 September 1992. The PCSD, with the NEDA and DENR Secretaries as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, protects the right of Filipinos to a balanced and healthful ecology as constitutionally mandated.

Restoring the efficiency of public utilities, electric power in particular, and economic competitiveness were key PCSD programs.

The LEDAC

There is one valuable tool that worked wonders in 1992-1998, but which were shoved into “inutility” during the Estrada and Arroyo eras – perhaps because of the proliferation of their Palace advisers and cronies, and their abhorrence of unsolicited advice.

The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council established by virtue of RA 7640 (9 December 1992) was the first act passed by the 9th Congress and signed by FVR into law. The 8th Congress’ original LEDAC proposal was among 15 legislative acts vetoed by President Corazon Aquino. Within FVR’s first 100 days, however, it was revived because of its inherent merit for binding the nation, securing the peace, and propelling our economy forward. Ramos convened LEDAC every Wednesday morning for consultation and advice while Congress was in session – or an average of 35 times every year.

RA 7640 provides: “Section 1. Declaration of Policy – It is the policy of the State to formulate... socio-economic development programs taking into account conservation and ecology; more equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; increase of goods and services for the benefit of the people; and expanded productivity to raise the quality of life for all...

“The State shall promote industrialization based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources...

“Section 2. Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council – There is hereby constituted a consultative and advisory body to be known as the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council... composed of twenty members, with the President as Chairman. to include the following:

... a representative of the LGUs, the youth, business cooperatives, agriculture, and labor...”

In a recent article, former Senator Ernesto Herrera memorably wrote: “It’s basically impossible for a President to avoid political engagement with Congress. That’s why there is LEDAC.”

Rebuilding Our Bonds and Values: Fighting Corruption

The NUC and the LEDAC became truly powerful tools for binding the extended Filipino family then numbering 76 million (1993).

For common people and leaders alike, today’s most urgent task is that of rebuilding our individual values and restoring the bonds of trust between citizens and those who govern, including enhancing our democratic institutions.

The lack of “bonding” seems the likeliest reason why surveys consistently graded PGMA with “the lowest approval rating of all Presidents since 1965.” Did she not neglect respecting our national values as against her self-gratifying dynastic interests?

The new leaders must agree on a workable strategic program embodying our people’s collective will:

* Build State capacity;
* Modernize the economy; and,
* Terminate absolute poverty.

During these past ten years, Filipinos have seen such pernicious corruption that they have become pessimistic about our nation’s future.

Our country has fallen to the bottom of the World Bank’s list of 10 East Asian States ranked according to perceived corruption. What is worse, many believe that corruption happens with the tolerance – if not collusion – of the highest political authorities.

The 2009 UN Human Development Report reveals the Philippines at rank 105 among 185, meaning we’re well down the ladder at 57 percent – a big drop from our 46 percent in 1997. We’re facing nutritional and educational disasters. Six out of 10 Filipino children are malnourished. And, only 59 percent of those who enter Grade One ever finish high school. We need not mention water and energy shortages which have recently hugged the headlines.

A transformational president

We are supposed to have elected a “transformational” President who will change things for the common good and not just “rearrange” them – given that the weakness of our political, economic and social institutions still allows great scope for the exercise of Presidential authority for personal advantage.

The Philippines is now among East Asia’s most highly unequal societies.

In 2006, the richest 10 percent of Filipinos had roughly 23 times more income than the poorest 10 percent. And, since the global recession is raising poverty levels worldwide, our income gap could still deepen. In South Korea, by comparison, the income gap between the highest and lowest 10 percent is only 8 to 1.

Another national weakness is our tax effort, which is among the lowest in ASEAN. Our meager tax take of only 12.8 percent prevents us from making needed public investments – in people’s health, education, infrastructure, etc. – to avert disastrous shortcomings.

The 2005 “Comparative ASEAN Tax Effort” reports that the five-year average percentage ranking was: Brunei (25.1 percent), Vietnam (18.2 percent), Malaysia (17.0 percent), Thailand (15.3 percent), Singapore (13.7 percent), Indonesia (11.8 percent), Laos (9.6 percent), and Cambodia (7.2 percent). More recent findings could place the Philippines even lower – considering our massive 2009 fiscal deficit (also projected for 2010).

Best Wishes

Can Aquino III be transformational?

Concerned Filipinos wish him and his team all the best!

Please send any comments to fvr@rpdev.org. Copies of articles are available at www.rpdev.org.