(Continued from Oct 13, 2022 issue)
“Getting appointed does not mean in the first place that one simply will be paid for doing nothing and just strutting around telling everyone of one’s important position or worst currying favor for anyone.”
By Prof. Edmund S. Tayao
What appear from the outside as intramurals within the administration actually have their catalyst outside.
The cause of the many issues we now see in politics, from appointments to sudden resignations, can all be explained only by spoils.
If we are to carefully pore over recent developments, for example, one might be appalled to know that it was in the main orchestrated by a particular group wanting to gain back previous positions.
This has become a compelling combination that led to sudden changes in the roster of officials close to the President.
Spoils are no doubt integral to politics, regardless where you are.
The difference in our case though is that giving spoils itself does not have a system, as our political system can hardly be called one.
Unfortunately, when we speak of spoils in politics, it is always something much more as it always entails the use of the government.
Spoils are in the form of positions in government, and/or a contract or even a policy or project pushed by a sector or group that sadly oftentimes tend to favor that group.
These then translate to something that affect the day-to-day lives of the people: could be livelihood, security, or any opportunity.
The giving of spoils no doubt follows existing laws, but sadly, it seems the paramount consideration for a good time now has become “who one knows.”
If we are to focus on appointments, for example, one may have all the right qualifications; but even then,
it will not be that much of a value if there is no personal link to the decision-makers, ultimately to the appointing power or anyone and anywhere near that.
You may have an impressive educational background and professional experience, but if you are not personally known to the appointing power, and whoever is part of the group involved in the appointing process, then you don’t stand a chance.
You can complain all you want that you are a lot more qualified than the one considered for a position you’re interested in, but at the end of the day, “trust” is one important factor in appointments that, without it, no qualification would be enough.
If qualifications and experience are not enough, certainly it is a mistake to assume that “trust” trumps everything, especially qualifications.
Both factors should be considered as a candidate or nominee to a position should have both to be considered.
Getting appointed does not mean that one simply will be paid for doing nothing and just strutting around telling everyone about one’s important position or, worse, currying favor for anyone.
A position entails responsibilities that have to be performed to serve the people.
Being able to perform is paramount, not only because the lives of the people are affected, but equally important is that it translates to sustaining or even solidifying support to the principal political leader.
Unsound and or unbalanced appointments, made mainly on the basis of “trust,” can be the undoing of a leader.
This is problematic as oftentimes the principal is not made entirely aware of the circumstances of an appointment and or position and how it impinges on public opinion.
This brings us back to our consideration of a systemic problem, the intramurals that simultaneously and constantly are happening within and without the administration.
Ultimately, it’s quite unusual for some to say that this administration is slow and/or not
So, is it right to say that the administration has been failing? After 100 days, so many have been quick to judge the government’s performance without even probably knowing what the 100 days were for.
Considering the breadth and depth of a whole government with its different and countless offices and agencies, the first 100 days is more for organizing and preparing for the six years ahead in office.
It has not been perfect, no doubt.
There remain important appointments that have not been made. Those already appointed, however, are veritable who’s who in their own industries and or sectors.
The choices were really carefully made and the background of each suggests the key consideration is not one’s political fealty.
Much more can and should be done, starting with the finalizing of the Philippine Development Plan.
Fortunately, time remains on the side of the President.
Prof. Tayao was a member of the Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution convened by former President Rodrigo Duterte that drafted the ‘Bayanihan Federal Constitution of the Philippines.’