The lure of the siren(less)

Walang wang-wang” has been quoted from President Aquino’s inaugural speech so often that one might think it is the centerpiece of his six-year plan. It’s easy to understand why the promise struck a chord with most Filipinos. This image is etched permanently in our minds: “Tongressmen” riding in plush cars with license plate No. 8, lording the streets with a wailing siren, flagrantly flaunting their abuse of power. “Walang wang-wang” is good rhetoric, maybe even iconic as P-Noy’s first speech while he was President-elect. But it was not meant to steal the thunder from the real substance that should be the true measure of his performance.

The power of words is proven once again. In her July 10 column, Winnie Monsod wrote, “But one thing is obvious: His campaign platform of good governance, and his slogan of ‘kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap’ resonated with the Filipino voters. The Aquino campaign slogan distills what so much literature has brought out: the strong causal link between governance and development outcomes, and the costs of corruption… And all these deleterious effects fall disproportionately on the poor.”

P-Noy has vowed that the campaign mantra will not remain just a poster slogan, but the battle cry of every Filipino! Taken with three other declarations, the tenor of his leadership style is determined. Woe is the Palace member who does not live by these defining principles. We, the ordinary folk, are watching you closely. Off with the head of anyone who does not heed these principles!

1. Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan (Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.)

2. Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. (The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. This starts with me.)

3. Kayo ang boss ko, kaya’t hindi maaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo! (You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders.)

He lists the top priority areas of his administration, along with some key actions required to realize the objective and a timeline where applicable. These are at least 12 promises he must keep.

In the corporate world, these are known as KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). They become the areas for evaluating the outcome and subsequently the overall success of the turnaround we anticipate for Philippines, Inc. They should be seen as primary marching orders for each cabinet secretary. As mentioned:

1. Education (DepED): “We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.”

2. Infrastructure (DPWH): “Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructure for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.”

3. Jobs (DTI): “We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.”

4. Tax collection (DoF, BoC, BIR): “We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare,” such as:

• Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood (DepED);

• Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years (DoH);

• A home for every family, within safe communities (HUDCC, PNP, DILG).

5. Upgrade the military (AFP, PNP): “We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security.”

6. Agriculture (DA): “Security for farmers. We will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption.”

7. Investments (DTI, BoI): “We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will make our country attractive to investors.”

8. OFWs (DFA, POEA, OWWA): “Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.”

9. Two-way communications: (COMMS GROUP): “We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.”

10. Justice (DoJ, Truth Commission): “There can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again.”

11. Mindanao (OPAPP): “My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao.”

12. Social Security (DSWD, DoJ, DENR, DepED, DoH, NAPC et al): “We shall defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life.”

Understandably, there are gaps in this KPI list. After all, the inaugural speech cannot accommodate his entire social contract with the people. For example, what is the mandate for Agrarian Reform (DAR)? How urgent does the government consider environmental concerns, especially climate change (DENR, NDCC)? What will the watershed foreign policy be particularly towards the US and China (DFA)?

The administration’s fractious Communications Group must immediately publicize the First 100-Day plan. This vital to-do list will give the constituents a sneak preview of P-Noy’s foremost concerns. It will also show his ability to marshal his new team toward the direction he sets.

As potent as the to-do list is the “don’t-do” list. Behavior that should be imbedded in the working ethic will eventually mold the “culture” of the Aquino government.

“Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtatalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya.” (No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign.)

“Walang lamangan, walang padrino at walang pagnanakaw. Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong.” (No more influence peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more shortcuts, no more bribes.)

The power of words spoken with simplicity, sincerity and authority is amazing. It can make the sun shine again; there is laughter in the air, and hope in our hearts.

It has been said time and time again that a leader is only as good as his followers. We get the government we deserve. If our leader fails us, it is likely because we allowed him to fail. P-Noy promised, “Walang maiiwan.” We in turn should promise him, “Walang iwanan.”

Let’s keep our eyes on the ball, remind him of his promises, report any member of his team that does not live by his code of ethics. We share the grade in the nation’s report card.

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Contact the author at ms.comfeedback@gmail.com.