Quality of P-Noy's appointees

Many people looking at the quality of several appointees of P-Noy to important government positions are disappointed. They say the quality of several appointees betray his commitment to give the people good governance upon becoming president. A respected public administration expert says that the quality of presidential appointees is reflective of his “Barkada” and “Ka-Klase” culture.

Of course, it’s natural to choose people the appointing power knows and with whom he has ties of camaraderie. But should “Ka-Barkada” and “Ka-Klase” be the main criteria for appointment, especially to vital positions? President Marcos appointed six of his 1939 law school classmates to the Supreme Court. But not one of them was a mediocre. All of them were legal scholars.

In his column, Senator Ernesto Maceda said that already thirty-one of the batchmates of a high-ranking palace official have been appointed to various government posts. If true, it’s not only the “Ka-Klase” and “Barkada” of the appointing authority who are appointed, but even the batchmates of palace officials.

I recall that when Senator Noynoy’s election to the presidency was indubitable, I expressed in this column on May 17: “Senator Noynoy owes it to the people to whom he promised good governance ‘the best and the brightest’ – the phrase descriptive of the appointees to the cabinet of President John F. Kennedy.” I added in the same column that: “Senator Noynoy Aquino can now show his seriousness of purpose and sincerity in giving the people good governance by appointing in his administration, especially to his cabinet – honest, competent and dedicated men and women with good reputation, untainted by misconduct in public or private life.” It is evident, that, like previous presidents assuming power, the inimical policy of “to the victors belong the spoils” has not been resisted.

No one is disputing the President’s constitutional authority to appoint all “those whom he may be authorized by law to appoint” and “all other officers of the government whose appointments are not otherwise provided by law.” For these appointments, the President has complete discretion – unchecked, except by strong public opinion, except those appointees requiring confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.

Appointments to offices in the vast executive department, not requiring CA confirmation run to thousands. The appointees to these government commissions, boards (especially franchising, regulatory and licensing agencies) and other entities run their offices which Malacañang by their sheer number, cannot oversee and monitor. Thus, as shown in the quality of their work, the need to look into the reputations, track-records and competence of these appointees has apparently not been done.

There is an important post in the Judicial and Bar Council vacated last July by former UST Law Dean Amado Dimayuga, the longest serving Law Dean of the Pontifical University and the holder of a Doctor of Civil Law degree. There are several aspirants for the vacant position. Among them a highly-respected law professor and Dean, previously on the FEU Institute of Law and presently in the Adamson University law school. He is endorsed for appointment by the Philippine Association of Law Schools. I do not know him personally, nor am I lobbying for his appointment. All that I am asking, voicing out the sentiment in the legal academe and the judiciary, is for P-Noy to rigidly examine the credentials of the candidates and appoint the “best and the brightest” for the good of the judiciary as it is the JBC that screens nominees for the judiciary for presidential appointment.

I understand, many in the legal academe, legal community and the judiciary are watching with keen interest who will be P-Noy’s appointee to replace the eminent Dean Amado Dimayuga. On the stature in the legal academe of the appointee will be tested, P-Noy’s sincerity in improving the quality of members of the judiciary.

The twin side for good governance after appointing honest, competent and trustworthy people to the government is dealing firmly with those who betray public trust. The trite excuse of those who do not want to sanction and dismiss appointees (especially long-time friends) is – there is no hard evidence against them. But presidential appointees who serve at the President’s pleasure are disposable anytime they appear to have betrayed public trust. There is absolutely no need for evidence against them that would stand in a court of law.

Perhaps, refusal to discard appointees who appear to have betrayed public trust is that, anyway public “hulabaloo” against them will fade away in due time. Media headlines and comments soon evaporate. But the stigma of coddling remains, which together with the abuse of the presidential power of appointment, especially when the appointed misfits start committing graft and corruption will erode presidential public acceptability and respect.

Its about time P-Noy look within himself and reassess his work, responsibilities and the tasks he has achieved. It may take a lot of his time and perhaps may end up losing a lot of sleep. He should even go as far as going to the different offices and inspecting them – making sure they have re-aligned their work with his vision for the country’s sake.

He should remember that a president does not work alone. It is always a team effort. P-Noy must see to it that his team shares a common goal. The roles of each member must be clearly defined. Everyone must master the game plan. His people should have genuine respect for him and obedience to authority. They should be honest, hardworking, maintain high standards and should never compromise his commitment toward good governance.

He must whip those who cannot abide by the rules of the land — friends or foe alike, undermining his authority and destroying whatever chance is left for the citizens to live a better life. And only then can he be able to eliminate the cloud of doubt on the quality of his appointees.

Dismissing inefficient friends and close associates may be a difficult and painful task. But like it or not – it is part of the president’s job!