Opportunities

Many opportunities present themselves to our newly inaugurated President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that will convince people of her firm determination to be a "good president" this time around. Having obtained the strongest mandate for a presidential candidate in terms of number of votes garnered in the last elections, she could now confidently "bite the bullet" and embark on a personal mission to achieve good governance by ridding our nation of the perennial problems of corruption in the bureaucracy, laxity in law enforcement, useless and extravagant government expenditure and too much politics. The realization of her impressive ten point plan of action spelled out in her inaugural address depends on whether she could solve these problems first. And that requires true humility by acknowledging her past shortcomings and the exercise of an immensely strong political will by carrying out the reforms no matter who gets hurt. This is where the many opportunities, big and small, can be found and where the President can start with her reforms.

She already started it right by opting for a simple and frugal inauguration exemplified by recycled inaugural gowns. But the people around her seemed to have missed this opportunity completely by still holding a victory bash in Malacanang after her proclamation by Congress and by that grandiose inaugural street party in Cebu. Such affairs cast doubt on whether there is a genuine desire to curb extravagance. They may have all the reason to celebrate but during these times when the losers’ wounds of defeat have not yet completely healed and when almost 2/3 of our people wallow in grinding poverty, such ostentation seems to be inappropriate. There is an appointed time for every affair under the heavens. This is not the time for lavish parties.

Completely shunning the practice of repaying political debts from heavy campaign contributors and workers is another excellent opportunity for change. Those who are eagerly lining up to "cash in" on their financial and other forms of support with fat government contracts and juicy positions should be refused outright any reward for their money and efforts. It is common knowledge that this practice of dividing the spoils is the biggest source of corruption and should therefore be stopped. Patronage politics should have no more place in her administration since there is no more reason for her to play politics. All appointees in case of a cabinet revamp should be free of politics and politicians.

Another golden opportunity to curb corruption is to give no concession at all, and prosecute to the hilt as expeditiously as possible all cases involving plunder and violation of the anti graft law. Government prosecutors should be instructed to build up air tight cases against those involved and pursue them vigorously and speedily with proper regard to due process of law. Reported talks about placing ex-President Estrada under house arrest despite being charged with the un-bailable offense of plunder should be discouraged and cut off. Instead, she should instruct the prosecuting team to repel all forms of dilatory tactics so that a quick resolution of the case can be made by the Sandiganbayan.

In the area of law enforcement exists another significant opportunity for an honest to goodness reform. The prosecution of the kuratong baleleng case should not be affected by the conciliatory political gestures of the principal accused therein, one of the graceful losers in the presidential elections who was among the first to accept the results of the counting. Government prosecutors should be properly instructed to ensure that Panfilo Lacson be made to prove his innocence in a full blown trial and not be further allowed to hide behind technicalities, just as the Senate investigation of Jose Pidal should proceed to a definite and conclusive resolution. In the recent Jaworski-Yap shooting incident, charges should be upgraded to illegal possession of firearms, instead of mere illegal discharge of firearms, in view of the reports that some of the firearms used are not licensed or have expired licenses.

The chance to minimize politics also presents itself in the current power struggle for the leadership of both chambers of Congress. As titular head of the coalition in power, the President should crack the party whip so that party members will support only one aspirant for Senate President and Speaker of the House. Such move would likewise ensure the passage of bills necessary for the achievement of her ten-point agenda without too much political bickering and horse trading.

These are the existing, tangible and doable opportunities which the President can seize and undertake as to create an immediate impact on the much-needed reforms. Implementing them is a big step towards recovery from poverty to prosperity.

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