Impression survey

Yesterday’s news about a “cabinet reshuffle” or rumors that BIR Commissioner Kim Henares might be replaced certainly had some of us going “Huh?” Considering how effective and feared Kim Henares has been at the BIR, it seemed odd that such an idea would even be suggested. From all indications the “rumors” could only be the work of some PR spin doctors working for tax evaders or people about to be charged for tax evasion along with Janet Lim-Napoles.

On the political side, it’s possible that Henares’ name was merely thrown into the brew of mischief just to attract attention to the suggestion that President Noynoy Aquino should undertake a cabinet reshuffle. Knowing how Malacañang has all but shut the doors to unsolicited advise especially now that they are in a state of siege over the PDAF-DAP controversy, it is understandable for the President to throw a stone cold stare at such suggestions.

But the President might consider the sage advise from the Bible that says: “there is wisdom in the counsel of many”. At the very least the President should go beyond the palace walls and engage real life Filipinos to know how they feel about his team. I wonder if he’ll get something a shade similar to what I’ve been sensing regarding the cabinet official under him.

The Vice President/HUDCC: Distracted from his current job, politicized, constantly made suspect of the President’s men – Puro poor not developing housing for young middle class - could be more productive – keep his eye on being VP not 2016.

Executive Secretary: “Kalihim or Malihim” – needs more visibility – not as active as other “Little Presidents” in the past – marginalized by his enemies under the Office of the President – could be more active outside the palace in helping the President.

DFA: Active – needs to be more “productive” in terms of getting results – show benefits of engagements in terms of hardware and physical commitments from transactions –Seems to be getting tired and old, should have a young team supporting him.

Presidential Spokesperson: Over exposed – lahat pinapatulan – user-friendly status with media (they are only friendly when they need you or you are friendly to them) – 1 step forward = 2 steps backward in PR.

DOF: Works; just how we don’t know – Puro kabig walang bigay – Taking all the credit even for what others initiated. Should work closer with his people like BOC Biazon.

DOJ: You either love her or you hate her – At least some people are being investigated and arrested – a little less of her and more on the arrests – gives us something to talk about – must deliver on her promise to jail the pork barrel crooks - Matapang pero pikon.

DILG: “He” speaks for himself – The PNP needs serious help not a spokesman – failure of LGUs to deliver relief will ruin them: Residents of Cabanatuan and those affected by the last typhoon in Nueva Ecija have expressed concerns that the political differences between Governor Aurelio Umali versus Mayor Jay Vergara will cause the delay of recovery and return of electric power unless the DILG sets both camps straight regarding public interest.

DOH – Effective – Needs to talk more about ongoing changes – has to work harder against Dengue, Leptospirosis and AIDS. – Muntik na silang magkita ni Sec. Robredo.

Dept Agri: Big disappointment after Napoles scam – acting more like a complaints desk instead of being ahead of the problems. Everything he worked on at the start is beginning to fall apart after pork barrel scam.

DPWH: becoming more visible – unimpressive – likely to leave a legacy of puro “Pagawaing lansangan” – he needs to come up with a rehabilitation strategy and system in order to make projects do-able especially EDSA and other areas in Metro Manila – Why can’t they fix the flooding problem on EDSA?

DOTC:  Parang Facebook puro  “like” to o we want to pero wala pang nagawa - excels at communicating his plans but fails to do his job – Mabait naman daw siya – chances of making substantial contributions to team PNoy: Slim and None! – itanong mo kay Boo Chanco.

DSWD: Omni-present sa disasters – down to earth and over-worked – if the rest of the cabinet worked as hard and were all around, the administration would be the most loved, pero hindi eh! – they need a dedicated set of logistics (plane – boats – trucks etc.) for disaster and relief operations.

DepEd: Making a difference – Priestly patience and forgiving nature makes him effective – kaya ba nanalo La Salle? – they need to improve on number of schools especially classrooms 65 to 70 kids per class is unacceptable.

DOLE: Effective – Low key but open minded – respected by stakeholders – practical solutions – needs to improve on protection of OFWs lalo na yung paliit na paliit na suweldo, a few more years parang Philippine salary scales na ang OFW.

DBM: Must you ask? “Kailangan pa bang i-memorize yan? Shocking discoveries in media! - He should go on leave – The more he defends it the deeper he gets into trouble.

DND: Full of heroes full of holes – under appreciated – needs serious attention/help.

DOST: Active – doing well working with private sector – engaging – needs to liven-up his public presence – realistic goals not over-reaching.

DAR: been doing a lot of distribution and has been good at resisting political/social pressure & harassment – must do more to get corrupt DAR officials and expose them.

DOT: It’s More Fun In The Philippines! – Doing great – many foreigners all over the country even in Metro Manila. - Needs consistency – promote and develop access to other destinations. Cebu and Boracay is so yesterday – Focus naman on local tourist needs, puro na lang foreigners.

DTI: Nakakatulong – spreads out the work to all – late bloomer sa government post – can be sensitive and resistant – needs to be more consumer minded.

DENR: Been suspiciously quiet – needs to update the public on impact or effect of mining – should help promote urban greening movement.

DOE: Too new to know – seems to dive in right away – lots of potential if his heart is on the job and not just a parking spot before 2016 – He should avoid being like two other cabinet members who are too preoccupied with 2016. – Develop DOE facilities and capabilities; they don’t even have their own testing facilities.

That’s All Folks!

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