The Manila Times Government as sideline, ‘Legends and Adventures’


of anything, an excuse for congres- sional absence. He should have run for Mayor or Guv, with a Vice to pinch-hit in his absence. Too many lawmakers do not take lawmaking/ policymaking seriously, viewing it as but a mere hobby/sideline to promote their real jobs. One may call some lawmakers as NPAs, Non- Performing Assets; from where I sit, more accurate would be NPLs, Non-Performing Liabilities. Their kin in government they may


M


put down as Assets or Liabilities in the obligatory filings. In the U.S., I know of no lawmaker/policymaker in the Manly Art of Modified Mur- der or show-biz. (True cager Bill Bradley and pitcher Jim Bunning became US Senators but only after leaving sports. Arnie Schwarzenegger left the movies once he became Guv, respecting the post).


I remain hopeful of getting a copy


of UP Law’s Explanation signed by Diliman law teachers, the Malcolm 37/36—less than a majority of its 81 faculty members, either because the


ANNY PACQUIAO should not be made an ambassador


non-signers don’t agree, don’t care, or don’t belong to respected Dean Leonen’s faction. My source: talka- tive UP alums in MABINI, now geri- atric, meeting occasionally, with members taking pills before dinner. In any case, our top leaders come


from UP, dominative in our country’s life, along with UST, Ateneo and La Salle. I am from San Beda; not a uni- versity, we have fewer prominent alums, like Ninoy Aquino, Monching Mitra, FPJ, Raul Roco (all Prez wannabes), Manny Pangilinan, et al.. So don’t look at us, we are less to blame for our mess. The Big Four are mortal sinners; we, venial. In today’s Cabinet, we have only one rep, Sec. Leila de Lima, assisted by fellow Bedan Usec Toti Baraan. In the Senate, maybe only Gringo, who spent some years in San Beda but moved on to UP, and later the PMA. (When he denies involvement in re- cent coups, see if Kuya winks, winks; he may resent being left out.) In the Bigger House, well, Bedan Sonny Belmonte heads it (in a City now headed by Bedan Bistek Bautista); we may have only Gringo in the Better


RENE SAGUISAG


One. Hey, I suppose we have to in- clude among the Elite the Philippine Military Academy which, with mar- tial law, sadly helped destroy our past, when rich men entered public life and left it poor. Look at the top brass in their mansions today. Martial law caused values transmogrification. Big Five alums have done very, very


well—for themselves, or their cliques, but not as well for their fellowmen. Of course exceptions who proved the rule were Ateneo’s Rizal, UP’s Tañada, La Salle’s Diokno, UST’s Concepcion (also a Bedan) and the PMA’s Ileto. UP dominates the Supreme Court (SC). The SC has asked my staff to call again on December 17 for a copy of UP’s plagiarism case Compliance. Inci- dentally, I consistently wrote here and


told my studes, the Truth Commission is unconstitutional; no false proph- ecy this time, but why is the public denied copies of the ruling? You can- not persecute with an evil eye and an unequal hand (J. Matthews), a fate reserved for Ninoy (and Erap), but not Marcoses, Arroyos or their cronies. Last Monday, I was with a UP alum who went there for AB and Law after getting a good Benedictine foundation. Jito Arreza could not get over our rousing win over Vietnam in soccer the night before. We had dinner in a resto where we saw Maribel Ongpin (and Chito Loyzaga’s Bosswoman), who lost her husband, Jimmy, on December 7, 1987. I would wonder whether the cause of his death was the Better House. Congress asks resource per- sons to attend, but would not honor their rights to remain silent and to counsel—who are treated as part of the furniture—and not warn them ei- ther that anything they say may be used against them. These inquiries in aid of legislation are often in aid of reelection and misused in pros- ecution! A suspect in a police


What’s the plan for the SUCs? (2) Conclusion B


ESIDES businesses, successful, well-run and financially strong


HEIs, both public and private, can be tapped to provide guidance and expertise to institutions under strain. Fund raising, asset manage- ment, operational efficiency, fac- ulty and facilities development are among areas of advice and assist- ance. Notably, Catholic universi- ties like Ateneo, Assumption, La Salle and San Beda, have been set- ting up new campuses and affili- ates. Lending their knowhow to SUCs will also advance their mis- sion of education for the least of our brethren, maybe even more than expanding their elite schools. Collaboration among HEIs may


also involve the sharing of facilities, faculty and course offerings, with better economies of scale, wider spread of overhead expenses and productive assets, not to mention prodding partner institutions to raise their standards to the level of superior academes. The same part- nering can be done between SUCs and voctech institutes, particularly in ladderized courses offering credit in both university and vo- cational curricula.


The tough question in SUC re- form, of course, is whether certain in- stitutions should downsize, merge, or even close down, given their per- formance and the actual demand for higher education in their areas. Pri- vatization is another option. Nota- bly, at least two mega-tycoons have invested in leading universities: Lucio Tan in the University of the East and recently the Sy family in National University. They and others may be interested in some SUCs.


RICARDO SALUDO


The first step in considering these and other options is to do an objec- tive, expert and factual evaluation of every university’s performance, needs and costs, and the demand for its instruction and other activities in its area and in the country. Given the vested interest of every college or university to justify its existence perhaps with little change, the evalu- ation is best done by, or with an outside body, like CHED or a pro- fessional consultant with a mandate to tell it like it is.


The report will look at the institu-


tion’s academic and material re- sources, its student enrollment and results, including grades and placings in professional licensing exams; plus the ratio of students to faculty and facilities, and its research output, in- cluding work for outside entities. Low rates of use may suggest limited demand for certain offered courses or activities. The various ratings should then be benchmarked with institutions of similar size, location and capabilities. HEIs that have ratios and results


below the average or minimum standard for their particular class of SUCs would need to factor that real- ity into their reform planning. They should consider perhaps sharing fac- ulty, facilities and courses, or merg- ing with other institutions, while


maintaining certain identities to mollify politicians and local govern- ments keen to keep the school in existence for prestige reasons. But whatever is done or planned, the comprehensive and objective assess- ment of the institution is imperative, and must be fully considered by those deciding its fate. Government incentives should be offered for cost management and revenue generation, including out- side donations. There could be state grants amounting to 50 percent of non-tuition earnings or of cost sav- ings based on average annual expen- ditures in the past three years. Major restructuring like mergers or depart- ment and campus closures could also be rewarded, assuming the plans are sound and do not compromise aca- demic quality or service.


Business scholarships and other assistance may be granted full or par- tial tax deductions for the funding provided. And there could be tax breaks to lure investors into taking over some SUCs. But more impor- tant for academic reform is to revi- talize and utilize the industry-aca- deme linkages. They would not only help align higher education with the needs and job offerings of industry. The regular dialogues could also har- ness ideas and, whenever available, resources of the corporate sector for academic reform and enhancement. One failing of the government in proposing the SUCs budget adjust- ments in the 2011 GAA is the absence of a comprehensive and doable re- form plan done in close consultation with SUCs and other stakeholders. It is perhaps understandable that this five-month old administration has not yet come up with such plan. But now that all sides know how conten-


tious the financial issues can be, the President or CHED should create a version of the PTFE with the man- date of conducting studies and dia- logues to draw up and recommend reform programs for government HEIs, including incentives. If that is done, then this time next


year, the SUCs budget proposal would be supported even by the SUCs themselves. And those that don’t would have to justify their op- position with hard facts and data about their performance and needs, not just to legislators but also to fac- ulty, students and parents. Plainly, education is too crucial to both na- tional development and personal lives for its institutions and policies to be decided based on protest num- bers and partisan politics. So CHED and SUCs, that’s your assignment for the coming year. It’s okay to copy good ideas from one another and even from outside sec- tors and overseas institutions. The implementation of the plan can be staggered, starting with a few pilot universities as quick wins to en- courage others to follow. But there must be a plan, not just sums bur- ied in the thick national budget. For those numbers, like most figures in the GAA, represent not just pesos and centavos, but the lives, liveli- hoods, dreams and futures of mil- lions of Filipinos. Let’s not cut them out just to make the government’s bottom line look good.


Ricardo Saludo heads the Center for Strategy, Enterprise and Intelligence (ric.saludo@censeisolutions.com). He is completing postgraduate stud- ies in strategy and innovation at Ox- ford’s Said Business School.


Pampanga: The long trip home


HAVE started doing Facebook recently not to look for new and old friends but to locate long- missed relatives. I have hundreds of relatives scattered overseas, Pampanga, Tarlac, and elsewhere, most of whom I have not seen in decades or met in my life.


I


Of great interest are the uncles and aunts on both sides of the family. I know little about my grandparents and great grandpar- ents. My father was reticent about his family. Mother died when I was eight. My older siblings, two brothers and a sister, had memo- ries of childhood in Pampanga and Tarlac, but not much more. Of course I have met and known


many kin until adolescence, but World War II, relocations, growing a family, work, deaths and migra- tions have dispersed our families and cut off communication. To reconstruct the family tree, I planned on trips to San Fernando, Pampanga, (my father’s birth- place) and Tarlac, Tarlac (moth- er’s), Capas and Apalit where I know many relatives reside. Willie B. Villarama suggested I visit the Church of Latter-Day Saints (popularly known as the Mormon Church) in Quezon City which of- fers a family history service using sophisticated software and Span- ish-time church and civil govern- ment documents. Willie did re- search there and was happy with his findings.


The folks at the church were friendly and helpful but they couldn’t do much if your informa- tion on your family is scant. I wasn’t ready with complete names, dates and places. I was ad- vised to return with more informa- tion on family history. I could at least have brought my certificate of birth, issued on Au-


FRED DE LA ROSA


gust 19, 1935, by the Manila City civil registrar which said I was born at No. 35, Sevilla St., San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila, to Alipio de la Rosa, 40, of San Fernando, Pampanga, and Maria Manabat, 35, of Tarlac, Tarlac. The certificado de nacimiento noted that I was “born alive” at 5 a.m. on May 19. It was signed by Alipio de la Rosa, a pharmacy clerk. Three relatives thus far have vis-


ited my Facebook: an aunt who re- sides in Queens, New York, and cous- ins in Las Vegas and Houston, Texas. They were happy to know about my whereabouts and responded to my questions about long-lost relatives. I learned that the Manlapazes, Taguiams and Mamangons have en- riched the family blood. We prom- ised to write each other regularly and to look up other relatives to join the conversation. I was pleased with my search as I looked forward to more discover- ies. I was beginning to know more about myself and my parents. The networking brought back memo- ries about family visits and reun- ions with relatives, the conversa- tion done in cheerful Capam- pangan with its terms of endear- ment and playful cusswords, the “H” sound disappearing and pop- ping up unexpectedly. But as little as I know about my


relatives, I also realized that I know less about my regional roots, about Pampanga. While I have al-


ways considered myself a Capampangan, a sense of isolation from my parents’ birthplace blurs my identity and keeps me from proclaiming I have fully lived the Cabalen experience. I know Capampangan but I


don’t speak it fluently. When two Mekeni brothers converse, I know what they are talking about. I grew up in a neighborhood of Tagalog and non-Pampango speakers. Playmates stared each time I re- cited the whimsical Pampanga poems relatives had taught me. At our home in Binondo, Tagalog and Capampangan exchanged places of honor but I was happy with the conversational tongue I knew. The neighborhood and the school shaped your culture. I am honored to have known outstanding cabalens: the journal- ists Joe Luna Castro and Emilio Aguilar “Abe” Cruz, restaurant pio- neer Larry J. Cruz, the writer-critic Juan T. Gatbonton, the economist and thinker Gonzalo Jurado, pub- lic servant and educator Jose “Ping” de Jesus, among others. Joining and helping organize a group of Capampangan newsmen and writers in 2005 was a big step in my self-education. The found- ers—which initially included Cris Icban Jr., Federico “Dik” Pascual, Nonie Pelayo, Al Pedroche, Ernie Tolentino and Joe Cortez—be- came a second family. Our forums took me to cities and towns in Pampanga I’ve never been to be- fore. We engaged Cabalen law- makers and Cabinet members. We met with provincial executives and city/town mayors. We worked with the lively Pampanga Press Club. Membership has grown to 50 writ- ers and newsmen. In small steps, I am retracing my roots in Pampanga, walking my journey home, rediscovering my


identity and learning more about my parents’ birthplace. Pampanga celebrates its 439th


birthday on December 11 in a cli- mate of high optimism and confi- dence. The province elected former governor and town mayor Lilia G. Pineda six months ago, and she has begun to rebuild Pampanga’s economy, infrastructure, its social institutions and regional pride. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., in a commemorative message, called Pampanga “a national land- mark of heroism and among Luzon’s most important prov- inces,” forecasting “greater pros- perity as it leads the region to greater glory for the collective progress of the Filipino nation.” Pampanga once stood as a mega-


province stretching from northern Bulacan to the Cagayan Valley. It was among the first eight provinces to revolt against colonial Spain. For a long time, it fed and supplied Manila most of its food. Two towns have served as national capital. For decades, the region was the social conscience against agrarian injus- tice and cacique excesses. The prov- ince has contributed two presi- dents—Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo—to the nation. Two Capampangan speak- ing chief executives—Cory Aquino and Benigno Aquino 3rd—come from neighboring Tarlac. To this birthing place for great journalists, writers, artists, artisans, craftsmen, builders, heroes and martyrs, I owe a debt I have nei- ther recognized nor acknowledged for almost a lifetime. I do so now in the light of my parents, grand- parents and all the relatives dwell- ing out there on the Internet. I ’m almost home. Dacal pung salamat.


opinion@manilatimes.net


stationhouse has more rights, checked at the door of Congress, where human rights are ignored. The SC, just coming off a month- long break, will again go on a three- week respite for Christmas. Susmaryosep! With 6,000 cases? The Morong 43 case issues are legal, for the judiciary to address, all the way to the SC, with its 6,000 cases. Prez Aquino has 6,000 prob- lems. Just let the political depart- ments say that Oakwood and Pe- ninsula are “amnesia-ed.” Morong 43? Press the Regional Trial Court to rule. That failing, go to the higher courts, to preserve the institutional arrangement. P-Noy cannot do everything. Morong 43 may be granted bail and we all look the other way. Recognizance may work. I have been a guarantor or bondsman myself.


The AFP as an institution should be reformed and strengthened, not disrespected and spat upon, if only in memory of Rocky Ileto and yes, my father-in-law, a Death March survivor, in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, who soldiered at a time


when well-off people entered gov- ernment, and left it poor. If all who have to take a budget cut because of P-Noy’s inherited humongous budget deficit would stop working, what happens? Judges should ask for a detailed accounting by the Chief Justice(s) of the Judiciary Development Fund billions instead of “striking” for more pay—delaying justice, such as an accused’s release—for money. In Chitang Nakpil’s 2007 Leg- ends & Adventures, she said EDSA 1 began on August 21, 1983 (when Ninoy was salvaged). For me it began on September 23, 1972, when he and others were arrested; human rights advocacy was on its way. Today we mark the 62nd an- niversary of the Universal Decla- ration of Human Rights, trampled upon by Marcos, aided by Good Filipinos, including Judges. Like Hitler’s Good Germans, not want- ing themselves or kin in trouble, the excuse of centuries of our lahing alipin.


opinion@manilatimes.net wonderful for everybody? Will this Christmas be


this year. Movie reviews: Delilah Dilemma—seems like


S


it’s just tease for Ping Samson as his lover Delilah is suffering from a di- lemma, where she is adamantly try- ing to capture him in the pursuit of so-called justice, when many indi- viduals aver that the real culprit, the one who ordered the mighty Ping Samson, is actually sitting pretty somewhere. But this is the price you have to pay today for not saying “no” yesterday when you still could—you may not be the master- mind but you can always refuse to carry out certain things that do not carry out the spirit of Christmas. Lampa-tuan—OK, so they have recently figured into a gun battle, an- other display of atrocity again. What’s new? And it isn’t enough that the fa- ther and son are now in the biggest legal quandary but even the grand- son joined in the grand party held in the bar . . . er, bars! This is a very lame move, or in Filipino, “lampa,” and I think this clan has sunk lower than any victim’s corpse they can bury. Because of them, many fami- lies would be mourning this Christ- mas—let us face it; even if these peo- ple would finally rot behind bars af- ter numerous court proceedings, nothing would ever give them a bright and happy Christmas, as they can never bring back the lost lives of their loved ones. Even if some peo- ple do not commemorate Christmas, much less know what it is about, let us never forget its true essence, what it stands for especially for those seek- ing justice in vain. 13th-month feign—still, a lot of individuals have not received their 13th month pay and neither can they ever wish for receiving bonuses. It would be quite a sad Christmas for the employees-slash-victims of capi- talists who feign that they do not have earnings and use this as a way to coax their employees to remain being okay without getting what they are entitled to, according to the law. I hope that we give people what they deserve and know that paying things forward can lead to having more room for the blessings we can receive. Gloria, in excelsis Deo—she seems to be the shining star on top of the invisible list set by our Truth Con- sumisyon. I only hope that they truly work out for truth and justice alone, and not for vendetta or other very personal interests. We have seen turn- coats and shady personalities putting their hands in this and so I hope that Christmas won’t be so terrible for those who are on their payback-time list. And another thing that I have to point out is that there is obviously no end to her Glory, charges she would be facing will always be dismissed anyway, so why waste time and effort? For the sake of the cameras? ❋ ❋ ❋


I know many of us are already on LOUISE VIERNES MARYLAINE


holiday mode, but do not forget that there are so many who cannot even afford anything new or edible this Christmas, much less know what Christmas truly is. May we all re- member that Christmas is none of the commercialized campaigns are depicting, from the dancing Santa Clauses dressed in red, telling us that we should look forward to tons of material presents, or the nice, colorful ways that old toys or clothes are presented to make us want to buy them. Instead, let us all hope to give and receive the things that money cannot buy. Like how my favorite song by Peter, Paul and Mary goes, “silver threads and golden needles cannot mend a broken heart.” This time, try to rekindle ties with people we have hurt, deliberately or not. Try to reach out even when you think that it would hurt you. Even when you already got your thirteenth month pay plus a two and a half months bonus, try to get something that money cannot buy; something that will last forever and will never be forgotten. God is always true to his promise that whatever He had started in you, He will take to completion because of the perfect love that He has for us. Nothing is impossible when the heart understands, and nothing is ever heavy when God is in our hearts. This season is all about being thankful for the many blessings that you have received and will continu- ously receive. It is the best time to appreciate the kind of life journey you are in, to relax and appreciate the many magical things that are happening, no matter how many struggles and pains try to conceal them from our midst. There are times when our pockets have be- come empty, and our energies drained, but remember that if our hearts are always full, we can still do many things for others, starting with prayer and service.


Christmas is all about commemo- rating the birth of our salvation. Feel this spirit by learning more about His Love, as well as our loving Blessed Mother’s great love for Mankind. Start by watching the movie, The Thirteenth day: The story of our Lady of Fatima. Catch the final leg of showing at SM Clark in Pampanga until December 14, 2010. Please wit- ness and relive the story of faith and salvation. Do not miss it.


marylaine_viernes@manilatimes.net/ apotheosis.multiply.com


Global view


ADLY, not everybody will get to truly feel the spirit of Christmas


FRIDAY


December 10, 2010


A 5


opinion


OBSERVER


REPUBLIC SERVICE


T.G.I.F


YOUTHOPIA


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18