The invasion of the incompetents

The title and position of undersecretary and assistant secretary have become “lima singko” or a dime a dozen, that the public no longer puts much importance or weight on who is appointed into those positions. Historically, the idea was that incoming Cabinet members would “carry” or bring in one or two individuals based on “trust and confidence” and leave the rest of the bureaucracy alone. Other than that, the time-honored practice of bestowing the title of undersecretary and assistant secretary is only given to career professionals who, by virtue of experience and expertise in the department and the field, have earned the position and the title. This practice or tradition is more than ritual. It is designed to ensure that every department under the Executive branch is staffed with and led by qualified individuals who have been in those roles for the long term and would ensure continuity of policies and implementation. The practice is also designed to encourage and protect government employees, particularly career professionals, regarding job security and especially respect for their expertise and position.

Unfortunately, all that was disregarded by several Cabinet members, especially during the Duterte administration. What prevailed was the “bitbit mentality” of political appointees who brought in so many of their staff from previous positions or offices. Aside from the handful of “bitbits,” there were also the recommendees or “must appoint” individuals who got postings because someone from Malacañang, Senate, Congress or a fellow Cabinet secretary issued a handwritten request. Worst but not the least, are the endorsements made by vested interest groups who planted these representatives not based on skills but their loyalty and effectivity in promoting and protecting the selfish interests of certain sectors in business and industries!

As a result, the blatant disregard for competence and integrity and “indirect insult” to career executives have led to underperformance, lack of motivation, bullying and, in different departments and agencies of government, even resignations because people see no future or possibility of rising to Usec or Assec due to “the invasion of the incompetents or politically connected.” Either we place a limit on the “bitbit” employees or carry-in baggage into government by Cabinet secretaries or the Civil Service Commission does something in terms of limiting slots, elevating standards and requirements for undersecretaries and assistant secretaries. Maybe the new or younger members of Senate and Congress would consider legislating that alongside a provision where priority for promotion and appointment to such positions, including head of government-owned and -controlled corporations would be given to government executives on-site or who are in line for such.

Given the limited budgets of departments, agencies and GOCCs, political appointees don’t think about the fact that a slot they steal for their bitbit takes away the budget for the promotion of career executives. The same law should also provide that if the career executive in line for Usec or Assec has only three to five years left in government service, they should get the slot and not some “bitbit” whose greatest professional accomplishment is to suck up to their boss’s past and present. Let us all help to restore dignity in government service and reward those who are in for the long haul and not those who are hauling wealth and favor to their patrons!

*      *      *

When I heard the news about ex-senator Juan Ponce Enrile sounding the alarm that he had credible information pertaining to plans to destabilize the incoming BBM administration, I honestly could not help but shake my head in disbelief. In terms of practice and logic, you would think that a well-connected political veteran and former secretary of defense would keep the information confidential and bring it straight to Bongbong Marcos and not the national media. Having lived a storied life of 98 years, it is hard to imagine that JPE is still trying to make himself significant or relevant under the incoming administration. Whichever side you are in politics from 1969 onwards, there is no denying that “Manong Johnny” will not easily be forgotten by friends and foes alike. In the meantime, it would be wiser and more prudent for JPE to quietly pass on the information directly to BBM or to his chief of staff or the current leaders of the AFP. Announcing the supposed threat to the world, waters down the significance of the revelation and casts doubt on the competence of the people in the intelligence community. Who knows if the AFP-PNP have actually been monitoring such a thing hoping to catch suspects, the announcement of JPE effectively scares and scatters whoever and frustrates all the work of the AFP-PNP.

What drove JPE to make the claim is something that’s hard to analyze unless he himself explains it, but at this point it gives me a point of reference for other people who are still trying to weave their personal story or legacy or perhaps trying to stay in the game. If you are seniorly senior, it may be better to come to terms with the fact that time is running out and that we are not promised tomorrow, not at ten, not at 20, not at 98. What’s certain is that we will all go through the departure gate of life. Some get to check-in at God’s counter and sign up for “his” flight by way of living their lives based on God’s Word and guidance.

Many of us are already at “pre-departure” because of age, circumstance or disease and still wondering about the unfinished business, whether we will arrive at the desired destination, etc. Given all the deaths and losses during the COVID pandemic, we have all become desensitized and familiar with death and unscheduled departures. Instead of justifying ourselves with work and seeking significance in the public arena, we should focus on what matters most: family, peace and knowing God in a very personal way.

*      *      *

E-mail: [email protected]