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.
Monday, June 28, 2010
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
+(Large).bmp)
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
Saturday, April 3, 2010
My Speech during the Lugawan for Liling, March 11, 2010
RUNNING AGAINST TIME
By Prof. Leonor”Liling” Magtolis Briones
KAAKBAY Partylist Nominee
This is a gathering of people I love and who love me in turn—my family as represented by my daughter in law Babes Javier Briones and my eldest brother, Engr. Isagani M. Magtolis, my other family, the National College of Public Administration and Governance, my former colleagues in the Commission on Audit and the Bureau of the Treasury, Social Watch and Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI) colleagues led by Marivic Raquiza, Rene Raya, Jec Reyes Cantos and Janet Carandang, our friend and gallant champion, Cong. TG Guingona, my fellow singers in the Manila Concert Choir under the baton of Dr. Romy Pizana, my beloved students who support me without reservation, and my co-KAAKBAYS led by Alain B. Pascua.
I stand before you, surrounded by your love, support, and patience even as I announce that I have accepted the invitation of KAAKBAY to be a Party-List nominee in the coming 2010 elections.
From the purely personal point of view, there is no reason why I should join the electoral process. I have had a long and full career which will reach a peak when I turn 70 on October 2010. I have done many of the things I have always wanted to do: excel as an academician, join the revolution, go underground, fall in love with a look alike of Che Guevara, have two wonderful sons, a loyal daughter-in-law and a precious, precocious grandchild, lead two civil society organizations with national, regional and international renown, gain the loyalty and love of my students, write a book and two columns, and sing in countless concerts with the Manila Concert Choir. Lately, I have gone “birding” or watching birds—the kind that fly up to dizzying heights in the sky and zoom down with equal grace to the swamps of Candaba.
Yes, I have everything but money. Money does not matter. But then, why am I running?
I am running because the work of Social Watch/ABI, of which KAAKBAY is a part of, needs to be expanded and enhanced. For the past four years, ABI has chalked up an impressive record of increasing allocations for education, health, agriculture, and the environment. It is already going into budget tracking, mobilization of indigenous peoples into the budget process, local governments, and people’s participation in public finance.
Nevertheless, the effectiveness of its work is hampered by problems in the budget process—impoundment of funds, transfer of allocations, use of savings, and non-accountability in the use of Special Purpose Funds, to name a few. A strong voice is needed in Congress, especially since our budget reforms champion, Cong. TG Guingona is moving on to the Senate.
I am running because questions need to be asked and answers need to be sought in the halls of Congress. When the new President assumes office, how much will be left of the Ph 1.5 trillion budget for 2010 after the orgy of spending and electioneering? How much will the deficit be? Let us not forget that the 2010 budget deficit is projected at more than Ph300 billion. How much will the total debt be? Only in January, 2010 the Department of Finance borrowed $1.1 billion in bonds. In February, it borrowed $1.5 billion more. This already amounts to $2.6 billion borrowing in bonds for just two months. It does not include borrowing from other countries, the multilateral banks, as well as domestic borrowing.
How will the new president fund the expected deficit? From where will he get his expected revenues—from the high income groups who should be paying their taxes properly, or from the very poor who have to pay taxes for food, clothing and shelter?
I am running because Congress needs to review government expenditures, especially during the election period. Who are the beneficiaries of government expenditures? Whose poverty are we going to alleviate? The poverty of more than 29 million people, or the “poverty” of government officials? Only last Saturday, I went to a barrio in Antique and visited its elementary school. In that elementary school, there was not a single computer, whether for the use of the teachers or for instruction of pupils. Drawings of computer parts and keyboards were made on manila paper. In other schools, six year old kids lug expensive laptops to school while the children in this school have to be content with “pretend” laptops on manila paper! Where have the billions budgeted for information technology gone?
I am running because abuses in the budget process are rampant. In 2008, Ph140 billion in so-called savings were transferred to preferred areas of government, thus distorting budget priorities. Actual expenditures exceeded allocations in the appropriations
I am running because the President has vetoed the limitations on the powers of impoundment which Congress sought to put in place in the 2010 budget. I am running because the present president has vetoed the efforts of Congress to limit her nonstop borrowing activities.
Finally, I am running because Congress will be the center of national debates which will determine the continued survival of our country and people. With the entry of a Chief Executive and a former First Lady as members of Congress, the House will be the eye of many political storms and conflicts.
Running Against Time
I am not only running against presidential abuse of the budget, the murky negotiations in the Bicameral Committee, the surreptitious insertions in the expenditure programs and the impunity with which public funds are stolen, wasted and pocketed; I am also running against time.
With your help and with God’s blessings, I will win, not only against entrenched powers in Congress. but against time itself!
By Prof. Leonor”Liling” Magtolis Briones
KAAKBAY Partylist Nominee
This is a gathering of people I love and who love me in turn—my family as represented by my daughter in law Babes Javier Briones and my eldest brother, Engr. Isagani M. Magtolis, my other family, the National College of Public Administration and Governance, my former colleagues in the Commission on Audit and the Bureau of the Treasury, Social Watch and Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI) colleagues led by Marivic Raquiza, Rene Raya, Jec Reyes Cantos and Janet Carandang, our friend and gallant champion, Cong. TG Guingona, my fellow singers in the Manila Concert Choir under the baton of Dr. Romy Pizana, my beloved students who support me without reservation, and my co-KAAKBAYS led by Alain B. Pascua.
I stand before you, surrounded by your love, support, and patience even as I announce that I have accepted the invitation of KAAKBAY to be a Party-List nominee in the coming 2010 elections.
From the purely personal point of view, there is no reason why I should join the electoral process. I have had a long and full career which will reach a peak when I turn 70 on October 2010. I have done many of the things I have always wanted to do: excel as an academician, join the revolution, go underground, fall in love with a look alike of Che Guevara, have two wonderful sons, a loyal daughter-in-law and a precious, precocious grandchild, lead two civil society organizations with national, regional and international renown, gain the loyalty and love of my students, write a book and two columns, and sing in countless concerts with the Manila Concert Choir. Lately, I have gone “birding” or watching birds—the kind that fly up to dizzying heights in the sky and zoom down with equal grace to the swamps of Candaba.
Yes, I have everything but money. Money does not matter. But then, why am I running?
I am running because the work of Social Watch/ABI, of which KAAKBAY is a part of, needs to be expanded and enhanced. For the past four years, ABI has chalked up an impressive record of increasing allocations for education, health, agriculture, and the environment. It is already going into budget tracking, mobilization of indigenous peoples into the budget process, local governments, and people’s participation in public finance.
Nevertheless, the effectiveness of its work is hampered by problems in the budget process—impoundment of funds, transfer of allocations, use of savings, and non-accountability in the use of Special Purpose Funds, to name a few. A strong voice is needed in Congress, especially since our budget reforms champion, Cong. TG Guingona is moving on to the Senate.
I am running because questions need to be asked and answers need to be sought in the halls of Congress. When the new President assumes office, how much will be left of the Ph 1.5 trillion budget for 2010 after the orgy of spending and electioneering? How much will the deficit be? Let us not forget that the 2010 budget deficit is projected at more than Ph300 billion. How much will the total debt be? Only in January, 2010 the Department of Finance borrowed $1.1 billion in bonds. In February, it borrowed $1.5 billion more. This already amounts to $2.6 billion borrowing in bonds for just two months. It does not include borrowing from other countries, the multilateral banks, as well as domestic borrowing.
How will the new president fund the expected deficit? From where will he get his expected revenues—from the high income groups who should be paying their taxes properly, or from the very poor who have to pay taxes for food, clothing and shelter?
I am running because Congress needs to review government expenditures, especially during the election period. Who are the beneficiaries of government expenditures? Whose poverty are we going to alleviate? The poverty of more than 29 million people, or the “poverty” of government officials? Only last Saturday, I went to a barrio in Antique and visited its elementary school. In that elementary school, there was not a single computer, whether for the use of the teachers or for instruction of pupils. Drawings of computer parts and keyboards were made on manila paper. In other schools, six year old kids lug expensive laptops to school while the children in this school have to be content with “pretend” laptops on manila paper! Where have the billions budgeted for information technology gone?
I am running because abuses in the budget process are rampant. In 2008, Ph140 billion in so-called savings were transferred to preferred areas of government, thus distorting budget priorities. Actual expenditures exceeded allocations in the appropriations
I am running because the President has vetoed the limitations on the powers of impoundment which Congress sought to put in place in the 2010 budget. I am running because the present president has vetoed the efforts of Congress to limit her nonstop borrowing activities.
Finally, I am running because Congress will be the center of national debates which will determine the continued survival of our country and people. With the entry of a Chief Executive and a former First Lady as members of Congress, the House will be the eye of many political storms and conflicts.
Running Against Time
I am not only running against presidential abuse of the budget, the murky negotiations in the Bicameral Committee, the surreptitious insertions in the expenditure programs and the impunity with which public funds are stolen, wasted and pocketed; I am also running against time.
With your help and with God’s blessings, I will win, not only against entrenched powers in Congress. but against time itself!
Letter to my Friends
Dear Friends,
I am writing to seek your support for my candidacy as party-list nominee of KAAKBAY in the coming 2010 elections. KAAKBAY is part of the Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI) convened by Social Watch Philippines. The latter has a documented track record of increasing budgetary allocations for education, health, agriculture and environment for the past four years.
The platform of KAAKBAY is anchored on budgetary reforms and increased spending for these four sectors. These are consistent with the Millennium Development Goals.
A long life; many journeys
I have embarked on a number of journeys. My longest journey is that of an activist, which started during the Marcos days and continues up to the present with my advocacy of social development and public finance reforms, as Co-Convenor of Social Watch Philippines and the Alternative Budget Initiative.
My career in public service is another long journey. I have been Secretary to the Commission on Audit, Vice President for Finance of the University of the Philippines and Treasurer of the Philippines.
My journey as academic is equally long . I have been teaching in the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines since 1970. I have written a book and several monographs on public fiscal administration.
Furthermore, I have rendered public service as Secretary to the Commission on Audit, Vice President for Finance of the University of the Philippines, and Treasurer of the Philippines.
I have made a decision to embark on another journey: the journey of politics. The Philippines is undergoing multiple crises: economic and financial crisis; environment and climate change; political and social crisis; and governance and moral crisis. Governance is linked to all these crises. If we want reforms in the political process, we have to participate actively in the process of reform. I look forward to your vote!
LEONOR “LILING” MAGTOLIS BRIONES
Nominee, KAAKBAY Party list
(Number 151 in COMELEC ballot)
I am writing to seek your support for my candidacy as party-list nominee of KAAKBAY in the coming 2010 elections. KAAKBAY is part of the Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI) convened by Social Watch Philippines. The latter has a documented track record of increasing budgetary allocations for education, health, agriculture and environment for the past four years.
The platform of KAAKBAY is anchored on budgetary reforms and increased spending for these four sectors. These are consistent with the Millennium Development Goals.
A long life; many journeys
I have embarked on a number of journeys. My longest journey is that of an activist, which started during the Marcos days and continues up to the present with my advocacy of social development and public finance reforms, as Co-Convenor of Social Watch Philippines and the Alternative Budget Initiative.
My career in public service is another long journey. I have been Secretary to the Commission on Audit, Vice President for Finance of the University of the Philippines and Treasurer of the Philippines.
My journey as academic is equally long . I have been teaching in the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines since 1970. I have written a book and several monographs on public fiscal administration.
Furthermore, I have rendered public service as Secretary to the Commission on Audit, Vice President for Finance of the University of the Philippines, and Treasurer of the Philippines.
I have made a decision to embark on another journey: the journey of politics. The Philippines is undergoing multiple crises: economic and financial crisis; environment and climate change; political and social crisis; and governance and moral crisis. Governance is linked to all these crises. If we want reforms in the political process, we have to participate actively in the process of reform. I look forward to your vote!
LEONOR “LILING” MAGTOLIS BRIONES
Nominee, KAAKBAY Party list
(Number 151 in COMELEC ballot)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
