A three-and-one-half-star Senate president
Today the 15th President of the Philippines will deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the Joint Congress. There is genuine anticipation and engagement from the people because P-Noy is a popularly elected leader, a foil to his predecessor whose legitimacy was always in question. The other reason is that this address is based on reality as opposed to the fantasy spun for the past nine years.
After this maiden speech, the senators and congressmen will proceed with their legislative agenda, the first item of which is presumably the election of the Senate president and the Speaker of the House. Of these two contests, it looks like Representative Sonny Belmonte has sewn up the Speakership of the Lower House. He is seen to be the most qualified as well as the most liked, a rare combination. Even the “newbie” from Pampanga, Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo, shied away as Lakas nominee, a miracle unto itself! She says she wants to be like Sonia Gandhi of India. (Quick, someone tell her that Mrs. Gandhi declined to be the Prime Minister!)
It’s the Senate presidency that is anybody’s guess at this point. It looks like none of the three candidates aspiring to be SP can garner the magic 13 votes required to win. The contenders are Manny Villar (NP), Kiko Pangilinan (LP) and the current SP Juan Ponce Enrile (PMP?). Who is best suited for the job? Or does that matter at all? Have you ever wondered why the important position of Senate President seems to be determined by numbers rather than by qualifications, vision, or leadership capability? Should the one with the best “negotiations skills” and/or “social skills” be the default leader of the pack?
Legislators often teach their constituents to vote wisely, to study the qualifications and track records of the candidates, and above all, not to sell their ballot. And yet, the same doesn’t seem to apply when they are the ones choosing their President. Is this a case of “do as I preach, but don’t do as I do?” Why should the third highest office of the land be decided by horse trading, backslapping and backroom deals? The credibility of the Upper House depends to a large extent on the perceived conduct and performance of the chamber as personified by their leader. Senators have the same boss as P-Noy: the Filipino people who put them where they are. The constituents must demand to know why they chose this SP over the others.
What credentials should an SP have? For one, he must be capable enough to take over the country in the event that both the president and the vice president are incapacitated or unable to perform their duties for any reason. He presides at the opening of the sessions (but might disappear right after the roll call or delegate someone else to preside); he bangs the gavel to make a point; he gives the floor to a senator for a privilege speech and hopes that he will not use up all the hours to filibuster. Is the Senate President all “sound and fury signifying nothing”?
He has as much chance of taking over the country’s reins as the second runner-up of Bb. Pilipinas representing the Philippines in the Ms. Universe tilt. So if it’s a no-brainer job, can any of the senators be the prexy? If the post does not require more than the song-and-dance routine that it took to get him elected into office in the first place, then let the numbers make the call.
What is the real job description of the Senate president? To summarize the duties and powers listed in their website: He presides over sessions; decides points of order; signs measures, memorials, resolutions; issues warrants and subpoenas; makes sure resolutions are complied with; controls the session hall, antechambers, corridors and senate offices; maintains order in the session hall, quells any disorder; designates the Acting Sergeant-at-Arms if the incumbent resigns; appoints the subordinate senate personnel; dismisses any employee for cause; increases or reduces the number of personnel when authorized by the General Appropriations Act. The job is for real after all!
Let’s rate the three aspirants against the demands of the post. Enrile, Villar or Kiko for SP? ESP? VSP? Or KSP? Let’s assume that we can cast our vote because we are The Boss. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What will they add to the Senate? Who among them will restore the public’s trust in the institution? Though not as badly rated as the Lower House, the Upper House is not entirely undamaged. Lack of resolution on the critical cases of NBN-ZTE and the Fertilizer Scam, and too much time wasted on the titillating case of Katrina Halili vs Hayden Kho. This conduct does not deserve high marks for performance satisfaction. Who will put back the luster to the faded glory of the Senate? ESP, VSP, or KSP? What do we know about them?
JPE: Wily, slippery, a pioneer and veteran of coups, a crusty political survivor. He has changed parties and allegiances so many times, it’s hard to remember which one he’s with. Supposedly brilliant, one of the architects of martial law, he was also the one who helped dismantle the dictatorship. One of his favorite tenets is: “There are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.” And he has demonstrated this amply throughout his very durable career. On the plus side, this long-in-the-tooth silvery fox has his eye on history by now. He would most likely want a legacy that would judge him kindly. In a nutshell, Enrile as Senate President? ESP: Extra-Senior Politico! On a scale of one to five (with five as best for SP), two-and-one-half stars.
MBV: Fresh from the presidential debacle, this tycoon is nothing if not a turnaround guy. Licking his wounds and learning from mistakes, he has proven to be quick to recover his poise, wealth and self-confidence. Best known for impeaching President Estrada, this did not prevent him from running in Erap’s slate in the 2007 Senatorial elections. Recently accused as “Pekeng Mahirap,” “Villarroyo,” “C5 at Taga” etc, these scathing allegations seem to be water off a duck’s back. His personal quote: “ Politics is addition.” He reportedly “added” a lot to his allies. On the positive side, Manny is a very cool negotiator and knows his RoI’s. After a painful lesson in subtraction, it’s possible that he now believes in the double bottom line. VSP: Very Sorry Presidentiable, two stars.
FNP: A great rebounder, this elastic, self-proclaimed maverick was expelled from and reinstated in his UP fraternity Upsilon; was on leave from and reinstated in the Liberal Party; and most likely will be expelled and reinstated in the Wednesday Club. He tested the waters for president and vice president in the last election, but found it tepid. Reading the signs of the times correctly, he threw his support behind Aquino then “gave way” for Mar’s VP bid. He was rewarded the post of campaign manager for the LP senatorial slate. Three out of twelve candidates won, a rather pathetic showing. For someone with the obvious gift of gab, he is best remembered for one word: “Noted.” KSP: definitely KSP, one-half star.
The principles of Mahatma Gandhi, the fortitude of Mandela, the wisdom of Solomon and the goodness of Mother Theresa in one SP package. Yeah, right, that’s an impossible dream. But surely, 23 capable senators do not live in the Land of the Blind. Why settle for the man with one eye? Is that really the best you can do?
For heaven’s sake find the DSP: Dream Senate President. Someone who rates at least three- and-one-half stars! The Boss has so ordered, for your immediate guidance and compliance!
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