Opinion
Written by Liling Magtolis Briones / Boiled Green Bananas
Business Mirror, Sunday, 11 July 2010 20:03
Finally, interest in wang-wang is fading after two weeks of intense media focus and public attention. Debates (including in Facebook!) on whether wang-wangs are in the national interest have simmered down.
People have stopped getting curious about the President’s promptness or lack of it when he goes to Malacañang or visits different offices. What a relief it is to move on to other issues! Wang-wang does not mean anything to most Filipinos who are in the countryside. It was largely a debate among Metro Manilans, while the rest of the country is disinterested, bored and excluded.
Inventory of public finances
The new financial-management team is doing the right thing. It is conducting an inventory of the state of public finances, both on the revenue and expenditure side. Judging from partial reports announced in the press, revenue collections continue to fall short of projections while certain budget balances are perilously low. This can only mean that the deficit is escalating. The findings confirm earlier suspicions.
While periodic reports on revenue collections always mention the shortfalls, those on public expenditures do not necessarily give details. Thus, it is difficult for interested citizens to determine whether the government is spending beyond the budget. They have to wait until the full year audit is out. The public is now asking, “May pera pa ba?” and “Magkano na ang utang”?
The state of GOCC and GFI finance
The Saturday papers have come out with worrisome news about two government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs). Finance officials were aghast to learn that the National Food Authority (NFA) has accumulated P171 billion in debt, compared to P28 billion six years ago.
One of the late Armand Fabella’s sayings is that the NFA is “born to lose.” It is among the GOCCs which were created precisely to lose. This is because it has to buy rice from farmers at subsidized costs and sell this to the public, also with a subsidy. It is not in the business of making profit. Nonetheless, an inordinately huge debt like this is a source of concern.
The multilaterals have been recommending the abolition of NFA several administrations ago.
Another GOCC which has purportedly amassed a mountain of debt is the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor). If true, this is certainly surprising. Pagcor bills itself as the “third-largest revenue earner of government.” There is no reason for it to lose, since its income stream is steady. People gamble in times of crisis and prosperity.
Pagcor is a major source for the President’s Social Fund. Oftentimes, its contributions are not coursed through the national budget but go directly to the Office of the President.
It will be useful to trace all its expenditures, especially during and immediately after the election period, when large withdrawals were reportedly made from Pagcor funds.
The public has already some idea as to revenues and expenditures in the national budget. What they are not aware of is that the public-corporate sector is larger than the national government in terms of assets, and financial position. The dimensions of total government corporate debt are usually larger than that of the national government.
An immodest proposal
Government financial reports are usually prepared at the end of a fiscal period. Since a new administration has taken over, it might be good to have an official, semiannual report on the financial status of the government. Perhaps, it can be done by Commission on Audit and consolidated by, say, the Department of Finance. It need not be as comprehensive as the annual audit report. What is needed is the state of balances in public finance—balances in the budget, actual viz programmed expenditures, status of revenue collections, and the magnitude of public borrowing.
Course for new legislators opens July 12
The Center for Policy and Executive Development of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) is offering a special course for new legislators starting July 12, and ending on June 16. The course director is Prof. Leonor Magtolis Briones, senior faculty and former treasurer of the Philippines.
The course is designed to give party-list and district legislators a broad overview of their role as members of Congress. Subjects include policy formulation, the appropriation and budget process, dialogues with marginalized sectors and sharing of experiences with successful legislators. The faculty roster includes practitioners, as well as experts from academe.
Those interested can get directly in touch with Prof. Briones at 0917-5359884 or go to Room 307 of UP/NCPAG Building at UP Diliman, Quezon City.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
LEGISLATORS’ COURSE STARTS JULY 12 AT U.P. NCPAG
New legislators will not be coming in from the cold when they join the 15th Congress starting July 26, 2010. They can avail of a course for new legislators offered by the Center for Policy and Executive Development (CPED) of the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) of the University of the Philippines. This was announced by Prof. Leonor Magtolis Briones, Course Director.
Briones stated that the course gives attention to the similarities, as well as the distinct requirements of both district and party list legislators. Subjects cover general as well as specific national issues.
Focus of the course will be on the appropriations process which is the main responsibility of Congress. Legislators will be briefed on new trends in budgeting like participatory budgeting and climate change finance. They will also be given an overview of the Alternative Budget Initiative by civil society organizations who are proposing additional allocations for education, health, agriculture and the environment.
The array of faculty include leading faculty members from U.P. NCPAG: policy experts Drs. Prospero de Vera, Danilo Reyes and Fe Mendoza. Legal luminary Atty. Teodoro Kalaw IV will elucidate on the constitutional provisions on party list as well as district legislators. Social Watch Philippines and other civil society organizations will engage the legislators on the alternative budget as well as pressing concerns of marginalized sectors.
“The course will surely be useful for new legislators. How come this course wasn’t offered when we were neophytes in Congress?” remarked Cong. Joel Villanueva who will share his experience in legislative work as a party list congressman. Another distinguished personality, former Cong. Etta Rosales will also clarify the special role of party list legislators viz district congressmen.
“I will share practical tips on how one can be an effective legislator even if one is in the opposition and has no pork barrel,” promised another speaker, Cong. Erin Tanada. Recently, he proposed the reduction of congressional pork barrel by P10 million for each representative.
Those who are interested in the course can still join on Monday, July 12, announced Prof. Briones. The course is open not only to legislators but also to their immediate staff.
Briones stated that the course gives attention to the similarities, as well as the distinct requirements of both district and party list legislators. Subjects cover general as well as specific national issues.
Focus of the course will be on the appropriations process which is the main responsibility of Congress. Legislators will be briefed on new trends in budgeting like participatory budgeting and climate change finance. They will also be given an overview of the Alternative Budget Initiative by civil society organizations who are proposing additional allocations for education, health, agriculture and the environment.
The array of faculty include leading faculty members from U.P. NCPAG: policy experts Drs. Prospero de Vera, Danilo Reyes and Fe Mendoza. Legal luminary Atty. Teodoro Kalaw IV will elucidate on the constitutional provisions on party list as well as district legislators. Social Watch Philippines and other civil society organizations will engage the legislators on the alternative budget as well as pressing concerns of marginalized sectors.
“The course will surely be useful for new legislators. How come this course wasn’t offered when we were neophytes in Congress?” remarked Cong. Joel Villanueva who will share his experience in legislative work as a party list congressman. Another distinguished personality, former Cong. Etta Rosales will also clarify the special role of party list legislators viz district congressmen.
“I will share practical tips on how one can be an effective legislator even if one is in the opposition and has no pork barrel,” promised another speaker, Cong. Erin Tanada. Recently, he proposed the reduction of congressional pork barrel by P10 million for each representative.
Those who are interested in the course can still join on Monday, July 12, announced Prof. Briones. The course is open not only to legislators but also to their immediate staff.
Monday, June 28, 2010
UP offers special course for party-list legislators
Opinion
Written by Liling Magtolis Briones / Boiled Green Bananas
BUSINESS MIRROR, Sunday, 27 June 2010 20:50
On June 30 the oath-taking ceremonies for President-elect Noynoy C. Aquino and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay will usher in a new administration. A new Congress will also be convened. There will be 55 congressmen and women representing party lists when the House of Representatives starts its sessions. This is in fulfillment of the constitutional provision which requires representation for marginalized sectors in lawmaking.
Ely Manalansan, in his study on the party-list system, quotes former Supreme Court Justice Artemio Panganiban thus: “the system is intended as a social-justice tool designed not only to give more law to the great masses of our people who have less in life, but also to enable them to become veritable lawmakers themselves, empowered to participate directly in the enactment of laws designed to benefit them.”
Has the constitutional intention been complied with? It has been 12 years since the party-list system was implemented in 1998. While the number of party-lists running for office has increased, doubts have been increasingly expressed about their effectiveness. Studies on party-list performance have shown that many party lists do not necessarily represent marginalized sectors. The definition of marginalized sectors has been much abused. Further, the party-list record of performance in terms of bills filed and laws passed has been perceived as woefully inadequate.
Certain quarters have been calling for the abolition of the party-list system. Throwing out the baby along with the bath water may not be the solution. Even with all the abuses associated with it, the party-list system nevertheless provides a window of opportunity for the truly marginalized to be represented. The challenge is to continue engaging the system and be part of initiatives to fulfill the intentions of the Constitutions.
One way is to enhance the capacities of the party-list legislators to make them more effective in legislative work and better serve their constituents in the marginalized sectors.
A special course for party-list legislators
Last week the public was titillated with the news that celebrities and national personalities were undergoing special training as district congressmen and women, and local government officials. The trainings were conducted by the Center for Leadership, Citizenship and Democracy and the Center for Regional and Local Governance, both of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG).
From July 5 to 10, another NCPAG unit, the Center for Policy and Executive Development, will conduct a capacity enhancement course specifically for party-list legislators. The course director is yours truly.
What is special about party lists?
While all members of the House of Representatives are apparently “the same,” party lists do have special requirements. First, their constituents are national in scope and are not limited to geographical districts. Second, they are expected to represent, protect and serve the interests of a very specific sector—the marginalized and the excluded. Thus, unlike district congressmen, they are not expected to file bills and pass laws for the business sector. They are expected to sponsor resolutions, file bills and pass laws which directly benefit the marginalized, particularly the agricultural sector, landless rural poor, urban poor, fisherfolk and indigenous peoples.
Third, it is likely that more civil-society organizations and voluntary service organizations will engage them on alternative solutions to national problems. For example, the Alternative Budget Initiative convened by Social Watch Philippines will be of special interest to them since the main beneficiaries will be the marginalized.
Proposed subjects
Subjects to be discussed include the basics of good governance. Governance includes public participation, transparency, predictability, level playing field and accountability. The intention of the Constitution in setting up the party-list system will also be discussed.
Public financial management will be a major topic, with the course director herself handling the subject. The passage of the General Appropriation Act is the most important output of the legislature. It is, therefore, imperative for party-list legislators to have a full grasp of the public-finance cycle, the budget process and the Alternative Budget Initiative.
Other subjects include policy analyses and dialogues with grassroots organizations.
The faculty is a mix of experts as well as professionals who have direct experience in congressional work.
Yes, the participation of party-list legislators can be enhanced further. They do matter, especially to the marginalized.
Please address inquiries to Ms. Bernardia Briones and Clarisa Sia at Tels. 920-1353 and 925-4030.
Written by Liling Magtolis Briones / Boiled Green Bananas
BUSINESS MIRROR, Sunday, 27 June 2010 20:50
On June 30 the oath-taking ceremonies for President-elect Noynoy C. Aquino and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay will usher in a new administration. A new Congress will also be convened. There will be 55 congressmen and women representing party lists when the House of Representatives starts its sessions. This is in fulfillment of the constitutional provision which requires representation for marginalized sectors in lawmaking.
Ely Manalansan, in his study on the party-list system, quotes former Supreme Court Justice Artemio Panganiban thus: “the system is intended as a social-justice tool designed not only to give more law to the great masses of our people who have less in life, but also to enable them to become veritable lawmakers themselves, empowered to participate directly in the enactment of laws designed to benefit them.”
Has the constitutional intention been complied with? It has been 12 years since the party-list system was implemented in 1998. While the number of party-lists running for office has increased, doubts have been increasingly expressed about their effectiveness. Studies on party-list performance have shown that many party lists do not necessarily represent marginalized sectors. The definition of marginalized sectors has been much abused. Further, the party-list record of performance in terms of bills filed and laws passed has been perceived as woefully inadequate.
Certain quarters have been calling for the abolition of the party-list system. Throwing out the baby along with the bath water may not be the solution. Even with all the abuses associated with it, the party-list system nevertheless provides a window of opportunity for the truly marginalized to be represented. The challenge is to continue engaging the system and be part of initiatives to fulfill the intentions of the Constitutions.
One way is to enhance the capacities of the party-list legislators to make them more effective in legislative work and better serve their constituents in the marginalized sectors.
A special course for party-list legislators
Last week the public was titillated with the news that celebrities and national personalities were undergoing special training as district congressmen and women, and local government officials. The trainings were conducted by the Center for Leadership, Citizenship and Democracy and the Center for Regional and Local Governance, both of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG).
From July 5 to 10, another NCPAG unit, the Center for Policy and Executive Development, will conduct a capacity enhancement course specifically for party-list legislators. The course director is yours truly.
What is special about party lists?
While all members of the House of Representatives are apparently “the same,” party lists do have special requirements. First, their constituents are national in scope and are not limited to geographical districts. Second, they are expected to represent, protect and serve the interests of a very specific sector—the marginalized and the excluded. Thus, unlike district congressmen, they are not expected to file bills and pass laws for the business sector. They are expected to sponsor resolutions, file bills and pass laws which directly benefit the marginalized, particularly the agricultural sector, landless rural poor, urban poor, fisherfolk and indigenous peoples.
Third, it is likely that more civil-society organizations and voluntary service organizations will engage them on alternative solutions to national problems. For example, the Alternative Budget Initiative convened by Social Watch Philippines will be of special interest to them since the main beneficiaries will be the marginalized.
Proposed subjects
Subjects to be discussed include the basics of good governance. Governance includes public participation, transparency, predictability, level playing field and accountability. The intention of the Constitution in setting up the party-list system will also be discussed.
Public financial management will be a major topic, with the course director herself handling the subject. The passage of the General Appropriation Act is the most important output of the legislature. It is, therefore, imperative for party-list legislators to have a full grasp of the public-finance cycle, the budget process and the Alternative Budget Initiative.
Other subjects include policy analyses and dialogues with grassroots organizations.
The faculty is a mix of experts as well as professionals who have direct experience in congressional work.
Yes, the participation of party-list legislators can be enhanced further. They do matter, especially to the marginalized.
Please address inquiries to Ms. Bernardia Briones and Clarisa Sia at Tels. 920-1353 and 925-4030.
Monday, June 14, 2010
So long, Dodo
So long, Dodo
Opinion
Written by Liling Magtolis Briones / Boiled Green Bananas
Business mirror, Sunday, 13 June 2010 22:49
The country has just lost one of its best governors: Emilio “Dodo” C. Macias II, newly reelected governor of Negros Oriental. The loss of Dodo will be keenly felt not only in the province and the rest of the Visayas but the entire country, as well. Dodo is recognized also in international circles as one of the most innovative local officials in the Philippines.
The role of local government units (LGUs) in national development has been recognized since the ’50s. Outstanding LGUs and local executives have been awarded and recognized nationally and internationally. The Galing Pook Award is one of the leading institutions which publicly recognizes and rewards outstanding LGU performance. The United Nations Development Program has also given recognition to outstanding LGUs.
These LGUs and their executives serve as role models to fellow LGUs. They give hope to those who despair that local governments are also infected with the malaise, cynicism and dirty politics which typifies national governance. These LGUs have proven that with dynamic leadership and support from their communities, development can happen even with minimal resource assistance from the national government.
Negros Oriental is one such province. Under the leadership of Governor Macias II, followed by George Arnaiz, and later back to Dodo, the province and its municipalities have won a vast array of awards for innovative development projects. No year passes without a city, municipality or the province itself receiving recognition and reward. Because it has been recognized as “Outstanding Province” by Galing Pook many times over, Negros Oriental has been elevated to the Hall of Fame.
Dodo’s final journey
Early this morning, text messages announced the passing away of Dodo at 3 a.m. yesterday. He succumbed to multiple complications from cancer after surviving a bruising provincial electoral campaign and winning another term as governor of Negros Oriental.
Dodo is a product of two of the leading educational institutions in the country—Silliman University and University of the Philippines (UP). He completed his high school and pre-medical course at Silliman and his medical studies at the University of the Philippines. In Silliman, he learned the Christian values of community work and caring for the poor. In UP he acquired the passion for professional excellence. He applied his learnings from these two universities in his work as a public servant of the province on which he poured all his affection and dedicated service.
Dodo’s greatest legacy
Irma Faith Pal of Dumaguete Metropost asked me what I believe is the greatest legacy of Dodo. His greatest legacy is his strategy of uniting communities in activities and projects which rely on traditional cultural values like alayon or bayanihan, kurambos or cost-sharing and burden sharing, and “sweat equity” or contributions in the form of labor.
Negros Oriental and its municipalities have reaped many awards for projects based on community participation, and not on external funding. I know all of them, having written a number of case studies on the province for the United Nations Development Program.
I am familiar with his Community Hospital program which he started in 1988, long before awards became fashionable. Dodo did not wait for budget allocations from the national government and international organizations. He mobilized the local host barangay, and municipality and asked them to give financial and material support while the local community provided labor, food for the patients and tended vegetable gardens. This concept has been replicated by many other provinces.
I wrote another case study about the “Tabo sa Provincial Agriculturist’s Office” which created a market for farmers’ produce without going through middlemen. This project won a special citation from the United Nations Development Program.
During my last interview with him, he was waxing eloquent over his Government Agricultural Development Center (Gadcent) which pilots the growing of vegetables and other crops, and the development of fishponds—all based on organic agriculture. He was developing a health-insurance scheme for the province which already caught the eye of national officials. A few days before election, he was working out a scheme for providing the province with advanced medical equipment and services.
I cannot forget our long conversation at Gadcent, “I have always loved agriculture. Food is basic. Failure is not an option. I like competing. I want to start something new all the time and take the road less traveled. People are interested in my projects because I give them the support they need.”
So long, Dodo.
Opinion
Written by Liling Magtolis Briones / Boiled Green Bananas
Business mirror, Sunday, 13 June 2010 22:49
The country has just lost one of its best governors: Emilio “Dodo” C. Macias II, newly reelected governor of Negros Oriental. The loss of Dodo will be keenly felt not only in the province and the rest of the Visayas but the entire country, as well. Dodo is recognized also in international circles as one of the most innovative local officials in the Philippines.
The role of local government units (LGUs) in national development has been recognized since the ’50s. Outstanding LGUs and local executives have been awarded and recognized nationally and internationally. The Galing Pook Award is one of the leading institutions which publicly recognizes and rewards outstanding LGU performance. The United Nations Development Program has also given recognition to outstanding LGUs.
These LGUs and their executives serve as role models to fellow LGUs. They give hope to those who despair that local governments are also infected with the malaise, cynicism and dirty politics which typifies national governance. These LGUs have proven that with dynamic leadership and support from their communities, development can happen even with minimal resource assistance from the national government.
Negros Oriental is one such province. Under the leadership of Governor Macias II, followed by George Arnaiz, and later back to Dodo, the province and its municipalities have won a vast array of awards for innovative development projects. No year passes without a city, municipality or the province itself receiving recognition and reward. Because it has been recognized as “Outstanding Province” by Galing Pook many times over, Negros Oriental has been elevated to the Hall of Fame.
Dodo’s final journey
Early this morning, text messages announced the passing away of Dodo at 3 a.m. yesterday. He succumbed to multiple complications from cancer after surviving a bruising provincial electoral campaign and winning another term as governor of Negros Oriental.
Dodo is a product of two of the leading educational institutions in the country—Silliman University and University of the Philippines (UP). He completed his high school and pre-medical course at Silliman and his medical studies at the University of the Philippines. In Silliman, he learned the Christian values of community work and caring for the poor. In UP he acquired the passion for professional excellence. He applied his learnings from these two universities in his work as a public servant of the province on which he poured all his affection and dedicated service.
Dodo’s greatest legacy
Irma Faith Pal of Dumaguete Metropost asked me what I believe is the greatest legacy of Dodo. His greatest legacy is his strategy of uniting communities in activities and projects which rely on traditional cultural values like alayon or bayanihan, kurambos or cost-sharing and burden sharing, and “sweat equity” or contributions in the form of labor.
Negros Oriental and its municipalities have reaped many awards for projects based on community participation, and not on external funding. I know all of them, having written a number of case studies on the province for the United Nations Development Program.
I am familiar with his Community Hospital program which he started in 1988, long before awards became fashionable. Dodo did not wait for budget allocations from the national government and international organizations. He mobilized the local host barangay, and municipality and asked them to give financial and material support while the local community provided labor, food for the patients and tended vegetable gardens. This concept has been replicated by many other provinces.
I wrote another case study about the “Tabo sa Provincial Agriculturist’s Office” which created a market for farmers’ produce without going through middlemen. This project won a special citation from the United Nations Development Program.
During my last interview with him, he was waxing eloquent over his Government Agricultural Development Center (Gadcent) which pilots the growing of vegetables and other crops, and the development of fishponds—all based on organic agriculture. He was developing a health-insurance scheme for the province which already caught the eye of national officials. A few days before election, he was working out a scheme for providing the province with advanced medical equipment and services.
I cannot forget our long conversation at Gadcent, “I have always loved agriculture. Food is basic. Failure is not an option. I like competing. I want to start something new all the time and take the road less traveled. People are interested in my projects because I give them the support they need.”
So long, Dodo.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Inquirer News, May 31, 2010
Palace dares Aquino to sustain economic growth
By Christian V. Esguerra, Alex PalPhilippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: May 31, 2010
MANILA, Philippines—The next administration will have no one to blame but itself should the country’s economic growth sputter after growing 7.3 percent during the first quarter of the year, Malacañang said Sunday.
“The wind is at their back. The Arroyo administration has given them momentum. They shouldn’t waste this,” said Gary Olivar, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s deputy spokesperson.
Olivar said that if the economic growth slowed down—despite the momentum given to the next administration—it would be held accountable.
At the weekly Malacañang media forum on Radyo ng Bayan, he challenged presumptive president-elect Benigno Aquino III to focus on sustaining the growth the Palace credited to Ms Arroyo’s economic policies.
Aquino, along with other lawmakers and militant groups, downplayed the economic growth, saying it was but the result of the huge spending during the election campaign.
“If Senator Aquino thinks our economic growth only came from campaign spending, all I can say is this, ‘That’s a lot of tarpaulins, Senator,’” Olivar said sarcastically.
He said that so many campaign paraphernalia should have been produced to affect the manufacturing sector, which registered a 20-percent growth.
“We’d mentioned that campaign spending in the recent elections would have less effect than in the previous elections because ways of campaigning were now more modern,” Olivar said.
Officials to explain growth
He said details of the economic growth—particularly the supposedly minimal effect of campaign spending—would be made public on Wednesday in a Malacañang press conference.
Tapped to do the explaining were officials from the National Economic and Development Authority, National Statistics Office (NSO), and the National Statistical Coordination Board.
Olivar said Aquino should give Ms Arroyo, the senator’s economics professor at Ateneo de Manila University, some credit for the economic growth.
“These are the numbers,” he said. “The problem is he’s shooting from the hip again. He doesn’t set his target. He just shoots and shoots. I don’t think this (approach) is proper because he will now become the president of our country,” he said.
Olivar added: “He’s no longer a candidate. He’s now a president-in-waiting.”
He said Aquino should “appreciate” Ms Arroyo’s efforts, noting that “he will see in due course the burdens of the presidency.”
But, of course, we continue to wish him the best and we appeal to all to give him their full support,” he said.
No poverty reduction
Former National Treasurer Leonor Briones agreed that the positive predictions of economic growth for 2010 were premised on the holding of successful elections, which had been welcomed by international and local business communities.
The Philippine experience, however, shows that economic growth has not resulted in poverty reduction because there are more poor people now than there were 10 years ago, Briones said at the ninth UCCP Quadrennial General Assembly in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental on Thursday.
She presented government figures showing that the country’s 20 poorest provinces come mostly from the Visayas and Mindanao, while the country’s richest provinces are in Luzon.
Briones noted that the underemployment rate had been going up. NSO data showed that in January 2010, underemployment rose to 19.7 percent from 18.2 percent in January 2009.
“When the government says that the economy is growing, you have to ask where the growth is coming from, who is benefiting from the growth,” she said.
Briones is the lead convenor of Social Watch Philippines, a nongovernment organization monitoring government programs aimed at meeting targets of the Millennium Development Goals.
Poor revenue collection
Briones also noted that deficit spending had increased from P12.4 billion in 2007 and P67.1 billion in 2008 to P298.5 billion in 2009.
The situation was aggravated by the government’s poor revenue collection, she said.
The figures for 2009 showed P115.9 billion in uncollected revenues from tax and non-tax sources.
Briones said the Philippines would have to spend P207.8 billion for recovery and reconstruction in the next three years.
“The challenge for the elected officials would be if they are willing to spend a big part of the budget for education, health and agriculture,” she said
Cut wastage
Briones called on the new administration to reduce the debt burden by improving revenue generation, plugging leakages in tax administration and cutting of wastage from corruption and frivolous spending of discretionary funds.
“This year, we are spending P5 billion to 10 billion to give money to the poor but that is not the solution; the solution is to give the poor people jobs. Relevant education and a healthy population are the key to addressing poverty,” Briones said.
By Christian V. Esguerra, Alex PalPhilippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: May 31, 2010
MANILA, Philippines—The next administration will have no one to blame but itself should the country’s economic growth sputter after growing 7.3 percent during the first quarter of the year, Malacañang said Sunday.
“The wind is at their back. The Arroyo administration has given them momentum. They shouldn’t waste this,” said Gary Olivar, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s deputy spokesperson.
Olivar said that if the economic growth slowed down—despite the momentum given to the next administration—it would be held accountable.
At the weekly Malacañang media forum on Radyo ng Bayan, he challenged presumptive president-elect Benigno Aquino III to focus on sustaining the growth the Palace credited to Ms Arroyo’s economic policies.
Aquino, along with other lawmakers and militant groups, downplayed the economic growth, saying it was but the result of the huge spending during the election campaign.
“If Senator Aquino thinks our economic growth only came from campaign spending, all I can say is this, ‘That’s a lot of tarpaulins, Senator,’” Olivar said sarcastically.
He said that so many campaign paraphernalia should have been produced to affect the manufacturing sector, which registered a 20-percent growth.
“We’d mentioned that campaign spending in the recent elections would have less effect than in the previous elections because ways of campaigning were now more modern,” Olivar said.
Officials to explain growth
He said details of the economic growth—particularly the supposedly minimal effect of campaign spending—would be made public on Wednesday in a Malacañang press conference.
Tapped to do the explaining were officials from the National Economic and Development Authority, National Statistics Office (NSO), and the National Statistical Coordination Board.
Olivar said Aquino should give Ms Arroyo, the senator’s economics professor at Ateneo de Manila University, some credit for the economic growth.
“These are the numbers,” he said. “The problem is he’s shooting from the hip again. He doesn’t set his target. He just shoots and shoots. I don’t think this (approach) is proper because he will now become the president of our country,” he said.
Olivar added: “He’s no longer a candidate. He’s now a president-in-waiting.”
He said Aquino should “appreciate” Ms Arroyo’s efforts, noting that “he will see in due course the burdens of the presidency.”
But, of course, we continue to wish him the best and we appeal to all to give him their full support,” he said.
No poverty reduction
Former National Treasurer Leonor Briones agreed that the positive predictions of economic growth for 2010 were premised on the holding of successful elections, which had been welcomed by international and local business communities.
The Philippine experience, however, shows that economic growth has not resulted in poverty reduction because there are more poor people now than there were 10 years ago, Briones said at the ninth UCCP Quadrennial General Assembly in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental on Thursday.
She presented government figures showing that the country’s 20 poorest provinces come mostly from the Visayas and Mindanao, while the country’s richest provinces are in Luzon.
Briones noted that the underemployment rate had been going up. NSO data showed that in January 2010, underemployment rose to 19.7 percent from 18.2 percent in January 2009.
“When the government says that the economy is growing, you have to ask where the growth is coming from, who is benefiting from the growth,” she said.
Briones is the lead convenor of Social Watch Philippines, a nongovernment organization monitoring government programs aimed at meeting targets of the Millennium Development Goals.
Poor revenue collection
Briones also noted that deficit spending had increased from P12.4 billion in 2007 and P67.1 billion in 2008 to P298.5 billion in 2009.
The situation was aggravated by the government’s poor revenue collection, she said.
The figures for 2009 showed P115.9 billion in uncollected revenues from tax and non-tax sources.
Briones said the Philippines would have to spend P207.8 billion for recovery and reconstruction in the next three years.
“The challenge for the elected officials would be if they are willing to spend a big part of the budget for education, health and agriculture,” she said
Cut wastage
Briones called on the new administration to reduce the debt burden by improving revenue generation, plugging leakages in tax administration and cutting of wastage from corruption and frivolous spending of discretionary funds.
“This year, we are spending P5 billion to 10 billion to give money to the poor but that is not the solution; the solution is to give the poor people jobs. Relevant education and a healthy population are the key to addressing poverty,” Briones said.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
On the Campaign Trail
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ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
By: Leonor “Liling” Magtolis Briones
KAAKBAY Party List Nominee No. 151
SIGHTS, FLAVORS, SCENTS
Campaign sorties are often described as physically demanding, stressful , and nerve-wracking. The candidate has to put up with all sorts of challenging conditions—ranging from accommodations, transportation , food and health problems.
My own experience with-out-of-Manila sorties has been very enriching even as these were very exhausting. Aside from associating sorties with Team Liling, family and friends, I associate sorties with sights, flavors and scents.
I have been to Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, two provinces in Leyte, Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Davao and Cotabato. Each destination has given me a special, unforgettable experience. They are similar and yet different in sights, flavors and scents.
Sights
The sights in the places I visited ranged from stunning to overwhelming. I associate the drive from Caticlan to Antique with intense, blinding light. Everything seemed to be bathed in gold as we whizzed through coastal towns lined with coconut trees, golden shores and shimmering seas. I remember also the cracked ricefields and the dried up river beds.
The quality of light in Antique, as compared to the wintry scenes in Europe was totally different. I love the pictures taken in Antique. The brilliant sunshine had a special effect on the fotos.
I cannot forget the visit to the Magtulis Elementary School in Barbaza, Antique, the birthplace of my paternal grandfather. The sight of children in their pink uniforms listening intently as I told them the story of a Magtolis who left Antique and settled in Negros. Imagine discovering not only a town but an entire barrio named Magtulis! And six hundred wide-eyed kids probably related to the Magtulises!
In Tacloban, the sight of my very dear friend, Dali Sevilla, her husband Oscar and her children and grandchildren was well worth the trip. Of course, the sight of U.P. Tacloban was like a homecoming. And San Juanico bridge never fails to take my breath away.
I love being surprised by joy. Joy at the sight of Southern Leyte which is probably one of the most beautiful provinces in the country. Coastal towns straight out of a postcard. A Ph2 billion bridge across a deep chasm. Well-built roads lined with trees and lush vegetation. And of course the sight of friends Lilies Mercado Kapili and her husband Arsenio, and Mike Udtohan and his wife Ann. The sight of Lilies’ house beside the sea. The sight of an unforgettable seafood dinner and unique breakfast.
The road to Kidapawan City in Cotabato is likewise very scenic. The highway is paved with fruit trees. I am told that during their fruit festival, the road is lined with fruit stands where you can eat all the fruit you want.
Flavors
Dinner at Don Julio with Dali, Oscar and the Liling Team in Tacloban. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Alejandro’s also in Tacloban, in a period house transformed into a hotel.
Arroz a la valenciana, Sipalay style prepared by Manang Lina Magtolis. Fragrant langka from the trees in Valencia. Mangosteen and lanzones from Kidapawan. Varieties of suman from Leyte and Negros. And yes, soup of all kinds—sinigang, dinengdeng, tinola and even sotanghon! It is obvious I am a soup person.
I can resist lechon and humba any where else except Dumaguete! It is not only flavors. It is also memories, people and love.
Scents
So many scents to remember! The heady scent of flowers at Barbara’s in the orchidarium at Luneta. The restaurant was the setting for a dinner concert sponsored by Tony Tiu and performed with verve and gusto by the Manila Concert Choir.
The scent of durian
I will always associate the campaign period with the scent of durian. We had durian for breakfast in far off Maasin Leyte in Lilies’ house. The best way to eat durian is to use one’s hands and wash them later in a durian shell filled with water. I should have taken a foto of Nonnie of Team Liling feasting on durian ! A week later, I had durian with coke for merienda in Kidapawan. The next day, I breakfasted on two varieties of durian at the Kaakbay Mindanao headquarters with Ogie and his wife, Alice. Aahh, it is paradise to eat durian!
The scent of civet coffee
In Cavite it is called alamid coffee. In Kidapawan it is called civet coffee. After two radio interviews and two lectures, Joey brought me, Becky and Rachel to meet other NGO’S and have a taste of civet coffee. If you must know, it is coffee beans processed after being extracted from the “popo” or droppings of civet cats who feed on ripe coffee fruit.
I don’t know if the taste and aroma of civet coffee had something to do with it but certainly, we had a grand evening not just laughing but literally guffawing and roaring with laughter as we exchanged jokes and stories.
The scent of Cheyanna’s hair
My grandchild Cheyanna sits on my lap whenever she has something to tel l me. I always kiss her head and inhale the fragrance of her long, black hair. At the end of a long wait for me to finish interviews and meetings, she sleepily sat on my lap and whispered, “Lola hwag ka na mag congressman. Care giver of Cheyann ka na lang.” Choices. Choices.
By: Leonor “Liling” Magtolis Briones
KAAKBAY Party List Nominee No. 151
SIGHTS, FLAVORS, SCENTS
Campaign sorties are often described as physically demanding, stressful , and nerve-wracking. The candidate has to put up with all sorts of challenging conditions—ranging from accommodations, transportation , food and health problems.
My own experience with-out-of-Manila sorties has been very enriching even as these were very exhausting. Aside from associating sorties with Team Liling, family and friends, I associate sorties with sights, flavors and scents.
I have been to Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, two provinces in Leyte, Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Davao and Cotabato. Each destination has given me a special, unforgettable experience. They are similar and yet different in sights, flavors and scents.
Sights
The sights in the places I visited ranged from stunning to overwhelming. I associate the drive from Caticlan to Antique with intense, blinding light. Everything seemed to be bathed in gold as we whizzed through coastal towns lined with coconut trees, golden shores and shimmering seas. I remember also the cracked ricefields and the dried up river beds.
The quality of light in Antique, as compared to the wintry scenes in Europe was totally different. I love the pictures taken in Antique. The brilliant sunshine had a special effect on the fotos.
I cannot forget the visit to the Magtulis Elementary School in Barbaza, Antique, the birthplace of my paternal grandfather. The sight of children in their pink uniforms listening intently as I told them the story of a Magtolis who left Antique and settled in Negros. Imagine discovering not only a town but an entire barrio named Magtulis! And six hundred wide-eyed kids probably related to the Magtulises!
In Tacloban, the sight of my very dear friend, Dali Sevilla, her husband Oscar and her children and grandchildren was well worth the trip. Of course, the sight of U.P. Tacloban was like a homecoming. And San Juanico bridge never fails to take my breath away.
I love being surprised by joy. Joy at the sight of Southern Leyte which is probably one of the most beautiful provinces in the country. Coastal towns straight out of a postcard. A Ph2 billion bridge across a deep chasm. Well-built roads lined with trees and lush vegetation. And of course the sight of friends Lilies Mercado Kapili and her husband Arsenio, and Mike Udtohan and his wife Ann. The sight of Lilies’ house beside the sea. The sight of an unforgettable seafood dinner and unique breakfast.
The road to Kidapawan City in Cotabato is likewise very scenic. The highway is paved with fruit trees. I am told that during their fruit festival, the road is lined with fruit stands where you can eat all the fruit you want.
Flavors
Dinner at Don Julio with Dali, Oscar and the Liling Team in Tacloban. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Alejandro’s also in Tacloban, in a period house transformed into a hotel.
Arroz a la valenciana, Sipalay style prepared by Manang Lina Magtolis. Fragrant langka from the trees in Valencia. Mangosteen and lanzones from Kidapawan. Varieties of suman from Leyte and Negros. And yes, soup of all kinds—sinigang, dinengdeng, tinola and even sotanghon! It is obvious I am a soup person.
I can resist lechon and humba any where else except Dumaguete! It is not only flavors. It is also memories, people and love.
Scents
So many scents to remember! The heady scent of flowers at Barbara’s in the orchidarium at Luneta. The restaurant was the setting for a dinner concert sponsored by Tony Tiu and performed with verve and gusto by the Manila Concert Choir.
The scent of durian
I will always associate the campaign period with the scent of durian. We had durian for breakfast in far off Maasin Leyte in Lilies’ house. The best way to eat durian is to use one’s hands and wash them later in a durian shell filled with water. I should have taken a foto of Nonnie of Team Liling feasting on durian ! A week later, I had durian with coke for merienda in Kidapawan. The next day, I breakfasted on two varieties of durian at the Kaakbay Mindanao headquarters with Ogie and his wife, Alice. Aahh, it is paradise to eat durian!
The scent of civet coffee
In Cavite it is called alamid coffee. In Kidapawan it is called civet coffee. After two radio interviews and two lectures, Joey brought me, Becky and Rachel to meet other NGO’S and have a taste of civet coffee. If you must know, it is coffee beans processed after being extracted from the “popo” or droppings of civet cats who feed on ripe coffee fruit.
I don’t know if the taste and aroma of civet coffee had something to do with it but certainly, we had a grand evening not just laughing but literally guffawing and roaring with laughter as we exchanged jokes and stories.
The scent of Cheyanna’s hair
My grandchild Cheyanna sits on my lap whenever she has something to tel l me. I always kiss her head and inhale the fragrance of her long, black hair. At the end of a long wait for me to finish interviews and meetings, she sleepily sat on my lap and whispered, “Lola hwag ka na mag congressman. Care giver of Cheyann ka na lang.” Choices. Choices.
Jun Quicho's Note re:MCC Concert at Barbara's in Orchidarium, Luneta Park, Apr 18
Dear All,
I was fortunate to have enjoyed the concert of Manila Concert Choir tonight at Barbara's Restaurant at The Orchidarium in Rizal Park. It was a benefit to support Mam LMB's candidacy under the KAAKBAY Partylist. What a night! LMB was singing her heart out as she had been for the past 48 years with the MCC! I wonder where she gets her energy when she sings! Must be the oxygen - the same oxygen that lifts us up whenever we sing on a bad day.Mam Liling - the singer - is La Diva no doubt - hitting the highs and the lows of such pieces as Rosas Pandan, Lupang Hinirang (by Dr. Navaro, not the national anthem), What a Wonderful World, As Time Goes By, and my favorite -
I'll be Seeing You!It's a pity you weren't there (nang-iinggit, hehehe). But am sure there will be more concerts in the future. Hopefully, one will be held in the House of Representatives, courtesy of CONG. Leonor Magtolis Briones.
have a great summer!
Jun!Quicho
I was fortunate to have enjoyed the concert of Manila Concert Choir tonight at Barbara's Restaurant at The Orchidarium in Rizal Park. It was a benefit to support Mam LMB's candidacy under the KAAKBAY Partylist. What a night! LMB was singing her heart out as she had been for the past 48 years with the MCC! I wonder where she gets her energy when she sings! Must be the oxygen - the same oxygen that lifts us up whenever we sing on a bad day.Mam Liling - the singer - is La Diva no doubt - hitting the highs and the lows of such pieces as Rosas Pandan, Lupang Hinirang (by Dr. Navaro, not the national anthem), What a Wonderful World, As Time Goes By, and my favorite -
I'll be Seeing You!It's a pity you weren't there (nang-iinggit, hehehe). But am sure there will be more concerts in the future. Hopefully, one will be held in the House of Representatives, courtesy of CONG. Leonor Magtolis Briones.
have a great summer!
Jun!Quicho
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