The party is over, get back to work

That was quite a long break for all of us as two weekends sandwiched the SK elections, All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day. Remember the SK elections? I am sure many failed to vote. In fact, I am pretty sure that they did not even know there was one that took place. As for me, the Comelec is still inefficient and the more we have the manu-manu system – we will always be cheated. This foolishness of not implementing a good computerized system for the electoral process better stop or else we might as well stop having elections. I am so irritated because to this day, my dad is still in the list of voters. How can this be when last election I already made a brawl over this issue? I remember it was in the front page of the Philippine Star, I was interviewed by ABS-CBN and the ANC channel, media men commented about it and it is still there! That spells out how manhid the Comelec can be. Shouldn’t have the Comelec checked the voter’s list before the elections? Is this a painful lesson Filipinos will have to swallow and accept? Like the myriads of issues in this country that do not see the dawn of a new day? Golly gee!

The twist of “fate” that was of Erap just goes to show how politics is indeed a circus of acts. Do you remember when the whole Ejercito-Estrada clan was cursing GMA? Now you can clearly see what has become of it? Tough words used, but very weak actions resulted. This will be a good case study for Politics 101.

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For the first time in five years, I was able to peacefully pray in my matriarchal family gravesite in South Cemetery. It used to be very congested, smelly and noisy as if there was a fiesta. There would be banners and advertisements hanging all over the place with loudspeakers playing very distracting music while welcoming the crowds. I dreaded going to that cemetery every year, in fact, I thought it would be the same this year but thanks to the city officials, Mayor Binay of Makati and Mayor Lim of Manila – I was able to pray in deep solace to the high heavens. Although, I am pretty sure other cemeteries are still in the party mode, I hope they catch on next year. The management of these cemeteries should have more respect for the dead.

As I approached South Cemetery, the vendors selling flowers, candles and food are in one side of the road while the public service groups are on the other side of the street. The sidewalks are clear for pedestrians to walk without zigzagging through any obstacles. As you enter the gates of the cemetery, the big round edifice in the center was removed (yup! demolished) creating a feeling of calmness. There were no food vendors crowding the entrance, only a public information mobile van was around. As you go to the gravesites, you will still see food vendors but they seemed to have been limited. As usual no cars were allowed to enter which should be the case for other small to medium-sized cemeteries. The street signs were clearly posted with big letters. This made the road leading to the graves very visible.

I hate to compare the governance styles of the mayors in the past and now during the present but I can’t help but wonder why today we have achieved more solemnity during these days whereas before, it felt like a flea market full of businesses ONLY to benefit the government (or the city government for that matter). Somehow, there is a strong feeling that during Mayor Lito Atienza’s reign, business was the focus instead of service as it was in the Bay Walk area where food stalls covered the beautiful Manila Bay sunset. I hope I am wrong and I hope that other mayors will realize what TRUE and DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE is.

The Filipinos thirst for public service. If only our government officials can wake up. Being voted into office should not be a popularity contest. Public officials must have the brains and common sense to lead as well. We must remind ourselves that what we need are sincere, honest, hardworking men and women who will eventually help us come out of this abyss. Our country is very beautiful, the people are wonderful but we lack direction.

I believe that the Presidency is still the fount of leadership. If only GMA can get all the governors and mayors together to redirect them to develop better services and infrastructures, following a professional trend, then her legacy will be achieved. Planning should not be left solely to these public officials. Everyone should follow a standard. There must be a blueprint for this country.

As you focus on the economic aspect, you must also strengthen the social and environmental concerns. You must lead the government toward a tomorrow or else each one will take his or her own path. Having no clear direction from the President produces scattered energies just wasted away.

We hunger for good governance. Many government officials travel and see how countries work. Why can’t they follow suit? Up to now, we have seen the same attitude, characters in government. Shouldn’t the President call for a change of spirit? Even if you try to improve and build things, if you do not attack the root of the problem, you will still fail. The root of the problem will always be how the people are led and managed to work. It all boils down to management style, implementing policies, making decisions and making sure that each person is accountable for his/ her work.

The word governance has its Latin origins that suggest the notion of “steering”. The concept of “governance” is not new. It is as old as human civilization. Simply put “governance” means: the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented.

In countries like ours, powerful families especially those family dynasties in government influence decision-making. This is precisely why a law must be passed to restrict family dynasties in government service. Such set-up including inefficient decision-making is often the result of corrupt practices. And this is also why a better criteria must be set in order for people to run for public service. This is no joke. If we do not qualify the people who are voted into office our country will surely have no future. This is important in all levels of government including the Barangay.

According to UNESCA (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), good governance has 8 major characteristics: It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. Are any of these 8 characteristics present in this country?