E.D or 'Failure to launch'

The title is a bit tongue in cheek, but the fact is that the new Aquino administration is clearly having E.D or experiencing “Failure to launch”. By E.D, I am not referring to erectile dysfunction but rather “Executive Dysfunction”.

In numerous gatherings I’ve attended, there is a unanimous opinion among businessmen that the P-Noy administration is slowly beginning to become a disappointment. Even the more understanding and generous of businessmen agree that P-Noy’s people have either dropped the ball or failed to follow through on the momentum they had, post elections.

During the last two months after becoming President, P-Noy successfully communicated to people in government that his administration would be intolerant of corruption. As a result, it is now common to hear government personnel being cautious and fearful of being suspected or charged with corruption.

But the blessing has also become the curse. Because of caution and fear, doing business has become excruciatingly slow and tedious. Further adding to this “failure to launch” is the failure of policy makers and decision makers to clean up and clear up; how and what is allowed.

One would think, that we simply do business by the book, but unfortunately it is not that simple because decades of rules and exemptions to the rules, as well as court cases and injunctions etc has complicated matters. In addition to this, there are the conflicting rules of local governments, special economic zones, and the national government.

Everybody has his or her own rules, and his or her own interpretation over and above the turf war between rival businesses and national government offices versus governors and mayors.

On the other hand, the new administration “Failed to launch” a real and visible hunt for corrupt people in government. They managed to cast aspersions on the entire bureaucracy but failed to collect the “scalps” of their enemies.

I really can’t blame some cabinet members if they can’t move or communicate how business is to be conducted because, at this early stage, a number of cabinet members are now under the gun, or demands of people, corporations and religious groups who gave a lot of money and votes to President Noynoy Aquino.

In addition, some cabinet members are also under pressure from members of the Commission on Appointments many of whom are hoping to get better than average support from certain departments, or outrightly want to control certain departments for political or commercial interests.

The E. D problem in Malacañang is also being aggravated by the fact that every high-ranking official who becomes the flavor of the month in Malacañang almost always becomes target practice for Senators and the media.

First it was the Malacañang Communications team, then DILG Secretary, who certain people repeatedly try to drag into the fiasco that was the August 23 hostage crisis.

Even DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima, who alongside her fellow IIRC commissioners did an outstanding job defusing the tension caused by the 23 August hostage crisis, soon became another “victim” of intrigue.

Then we have DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno who is being crucified based on nothing else but a mythical list provided by a geriatric resource person playing as expert witness.

It is certainly difficult to be a visionary and a missionary if you have no guarantee or job security.

Even while the President is in the United States, businessmen in the Philippines are actually talking about Executive Secretary being a “Temp” or short staying executive because Mar Roxas may eventually step in once the one year ban on hiring losing candidates is lifted.

Unlike Erectile Dysfunction that requires the little blue pill, Malacanang’s Executive Dysfunction requires character not chemicals.

In order for President Benigno Aquino to launch his government, he must now make his “Stand and Deliver” speech to his cabinet and the entire bureaucracy. He must now tell his political allies the same thing George Bush Jr. told the world: “You are either for us or against us”. And he must re-state his call to the entire Congress and the Commission on Appointments: “huwag na ninyong pahirapan”.

Rather than waste time listening to each and every instrument in his “orchestra”, P-Noy simply has to choose how many and whom does he want on his team.

Having made the choice, he must respect what expertise and authority each person brings to the table. They may have a different working style, work ethic or personal independence but that is part of their value. Contrary even to Presidential impressions. There are not many qualified people who are willing to give up their life to be in Malacañang.

 Then the President must work smart by choosing what pieces he believes his “orchestra” can perform.

He needs to do this and more because the truth of the matter is that people, some of them in government, are already making fun of his: “tahakin natin ang matuwid na daan”. When those below you begin to mock the spirit of your commitment you have either lost your audience or you have failed to lead the charge.

Given reduced budgets, political realities, as well as opposition, the best advice the President can get is to listen to the people. Filipinos don’t have unreasonable demands or expectations.

The best example was how people appreciated the ban on sirens and blinkers which were the peoples’ objection to abuse of power. Go ask the people 10 Do-able things that Malacañang can do for them, and just like the NIKE advertisement: Just do it!