People and the law and also published by The Manila Times on 22 March 2023. When people own their issues, they also own the law that aims to address those issues. This ideal state arises when conditions for people participation have been developed. It promotes a political system that enables government to respond more effectively…
The morning after
The morning after was also published by The Manila Times on 15 February 2023. Yesterday was Valentine’s day. It’s not as if people need to be reminded about it. It’s more about reflecting on the facts of life, especially those we keep as part of romantic experiences. We are all indebted to romantic love. We…
Monetizing Rizal: How would an elevated Luneta look like?
Monetizing Rizal: How would an elevated Luneta look like? was also published by The Manila Times on 8 February 2023. Touching the Luneta, or Rizal Park, in a manner that defiles it is unthinkable. It is an affront to national pride and mocks, if not violate, several laws. But that is what I have in…
The economy is alive, but…
The economy is alive, but… was also published by The Manila Times on 1 February 2023. The economy comes back to life but leaves the farmers dead. The Philippine economy grew by 7.6 percent, in terms of Gross Domestic Product (total value of local goods and services) in 2022. After being battered the previous year…
Back to my dreams
Back to my dreams was also published by the Manila Times on 25 January 2023. I stopped and smelled some roses, so to speak. While I was away from the keyboards this past several months, there was plenty of time to get busy by walking around, doing nothing. However, this was not necessarily an occasion…
PPP Ideas for LGUs
PPP Ideas for LGUs was published by The Manila Times on 10 August 2022. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has advised local government units (LGUs) to engage the private sector for possible funding of their investments, such as for infrastructures, through public-private partnerships (PPPs). I wish to introduce here unsolicited ideas that can be developed further…
Taxation and Social Protection
Taxation and Social Protection was also published by The Manila Times on 3 August 2022. CAN anything good come out of a tax? We know that taxes are a fact of life and, like death, are a certainty in an otherwise uncertain world. Some say a government can use tax systems to reduce inequality, aware…
A governance approach to rightsizing
A governance approach to rightsizing was also published in The Manila Times on 20 July 2022. I WAS a personnel specialist at the Civil Service Commission when the Marcos dictatorship ended in 1986. Several months after the Cory Aquino-led opposition wrested political power, I resigned. The Cory government took bold steps to govern. It abolished…
A slap in the face
This article “A slap in the face” was also published by The Manila Times on 6 June 2022. For fun (to spectators) and money (for competitors) there is a sports competition in Russia called “Slap Championships,” and another one in Arizona, USA, called “Rage in The Cage Face Slapping Championships.” Competitors stand across each other…
Climate Change and Transitions
Climate Change and Transitions, titled “Transitions,” was also published by The Manila Times on 29 June 2022. Tomorrow the national government and many local governments will transition to possibly new ways of conducting public affairs. A fresh mandate from the electorate is known to more than inspire those who are tasked to govern. Unfortunately, however,…
Blood of Arsenio Balisacan
Blood of Arsenio Balisacan (Arsenio’s blood) was also published by The Manila Times on 8 June 2022. When I read from media reports that quoted incoming Economic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan about not having politics in his blood, I felt tempted to ask what is it in politics that some people would wish not to be…