October 30, 2005 · Posted in: Governance, In the News
A post-Arroyo reform agenda
IN an attempt to present in more concrete terms its proposed reform agenda in the post-Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo period, the Black and White Movement last Friday laid down the specifics of what it has identified as the eight urgent tasks of the next government and its priorities for the first 100 days.
It will be recalled that the Black and White Movement gathered leaders of organized groups from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao on October 22 to forge a consensus on their desired post-Arroyo leadership, immediate reform agenda, and action plans and programs. The group also agreed to uphold the constitutional succession process and called on Vice President Noli de Castro to assume the presidency and lead in implementing the reform agenda.
On Electoral Reforms
Acknowledging that there will be no credible elections without electoral reforms, the group calls for the adoption of the following measures:
- Appointment of new Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioners who are competent and fair
- Adoption of modern and transparent systems with meaningful citizen participation in voter registration, vote casting, counting, and canvassing
- Convening of a truth commission to uncover electoral fraud in the 2004 elections
On Reforms in the Justice System
In order to hasten judicial processes and make these more transparent and accessible to all citizens, the group proposes to:
- Enhance alternative dispute settlement and develop paralegal systems
- Strengthen Court of Tax Appeals and the Office of the Ombudsman
- Set up special courts for settling business disputes
- Ensure their adequate independent budget
On Financial and Economic Reforms
- Restore government revenues to 1990s level in proportion to national income
- Run after tax cheats (especially those who owe the government P25 billion)
- Collect proper income taxes from businesses, professionals (doctors, lawyers, entertainers and others)
- Legislate and collect higher sin taxes
- Exercise fiscal restraint
- Reduce debt by creative non-arbitrary means
- Ensure a level playing field and curb rent-seeking
On Pro-Poor Reform Programs
- Agrarian reform and sustainable agriculture for marginal farmers
- Marine sanctuaries and coastal delineation for municipal fishers
- Ancestral domain for indigenous peoples
- Socialized housing for the urban poor
- Job generation and fair wages for the labor sector
On Peace Efforts
- Stop discredited purely military tactics that have not worked and will not work, and only create new enemies for our system
- Step up negotiations with MILF, NDF-CPP-NPA, RPMP-PRA, and RPMM-RPA
- Respect peace agreements
On Environmental Concerns
The group calls on the transitional leadership to prioritize action on the following key areas:
- Clean air
- Coastal, riverine, and lagoonal resource management
- Forest protection and reforestation
- Soil fertility
- Solid waste management
On Bureaucratic and Military Reforms
- Uphold transparency, accountability, citizen participation, responsiveness, efficiency, and predictability as key elements of good governance
- Use competence, integrity, and commitment to good governance as basic values in setting criteria for recruitment and promotion
- Restore promotions and rewards systems in the AFP and PNP
- Develop effective strategies for defeating state enemies, preventing the rise of international terrorism in the country, and winning the peace
On Constitutional Reforms
Adopting the slogan “Cha cha pag wala na si Gloria (pursue charter change when Arroyo is no longer in power),” the group advocates for:
- The more acceptable, more participatory mechanism of a constitutional convention rather than the proposed constituent assembly
- Constitutional convention delegates to represent districts and interests (party list groups)
A constitutional convention, it believes, offers the best opportunity to reunite the country as every citizen and idea will have an equal chance through open campaigns, fair elections, transparent convention discussions, active media coverage, and an honest plebiscite.
Its proposed agenda for the new government’s first 100 days also outlines the following course of action:
Stabilizing the Political Situation
- Neutralizing forces against change
- Securing/sustaining support of military and police by restoring promotions and reward systems in the AFP and PNP, and declaring commitment to improve welfare of the rank and file
- Consolidating broad anti-GMA forces behind new leadership and "First 100 Days Agenda"
- Reconstituting peace panels and jumpstarting peace negotiations with CPP-NPA-NDF, MILF, RPMP-PRA, and RPMM-RPA
Reform elements, it says, must seize the initiative in the new government and hold opportunistic politicians and rent-seeking economic interests at bay.
Adopting Zero Tolerance for Graft and Corruption and Restore Good and Effective Governance
- Replacing GMA subalterns in key revenue, security, and service agencies immediately
- Constituting a credible search committee and appointing and/or promotign competent, honest, and committed individuals in these offices
- Upholding transparency, accountability, efficiency, responsiveness, citizen participation, and predictability as standards for good governance by instituting a system of performance contracts in the Cabinet
- Fast-tracking the prosecution of celebrated graft cases (e.g., Gen. Garcia’s case, US$2M Perez bribery case, P723M fertilizer scam)
- Suspending and reviewing questionable contracts (e.g., North Rail Project)
- Ensuring delivery of priority services for the poor in health, education, housing, livelihood, social welfare, employment generation, and asset reform
Demonstrating Pro-Poor Commitment and Address Needs of Middle Class
- Implementing focused subsidies (e.g., food, medicines and energy) for urban and rural poor to mitigate effects of E-VAT
- Exempting minimum wage earners from income tax
- Lowering withholding taxes for fixed income earners
- Implementing development programs for marginal farmers, municipal fishers, indigenous people, urban poor, and labor
Restoring Fiscal Health and Keep Economic House in Order
- Appointing an experienced, competent, and credible economic management team
- Leading by example — implementing genuine austerity measures starting with the Office of the President and Executive Branch
- Renewing tax administration and collection improvement campaign by pursuing computerization and implementing the lateral attrition law
- Plugging leakages in tax collection by the relentless prosecution of high-profile tax-evaders and smugglers through “Run After Tax Evaders” (RATE) campaign, and subjecting all government officials to lifestyle checks
- Formulating a new debt management policy emphasizing write-off of odious debts through creative negotiations/debt swaps
Laying the Basis for Sustained Reform
- Appointing competent, trustworthy and reform-oriented personalities and sectoral leaders to key government posts
- Establishing institutional mechanisms (e.g., expanded LEDAC and DBCC) to allow sectoral, business and civil society leaders and groups to participate meaningfully in government decision-making
- Preparing for orderly, peaceful, and meaningful elections by a) prosecuting Kilosbayan case vs. COMELEC commissioners in the Ombudsman immediately; b) revamping the Comelec and appointing competent, honest, and non-partisan commissioners; c) cleaning up voters’ list; d) beginning automation/modernization of electoral process; and e) investigating wiretapping and 2004 presidential election cheating, including the involvement of the military
- Declaring commitment to charter change through a constitutional convention
18 Responses to A post-Arroyo reform agenda
oscar
October 30th, 2005 at 7:04 pm
let`s pray to almighty God for the success of this plan. our country rally need this kind of change in leadership. pls let us all good filipino men women unite so that evil GMA and her subaltern,do not triumph in their evil way. God Bless Philippines..
we filipinos espcecially the poor,have suffered enough. by November 1,2005,because of e-vat implementation,
we filipinos,will suffer again,for all the wrong doing of hobit GMA and his evil adviser`s. maraming salamat po!!
mabuhay po tayong mga pilipino.
jr_lad
October 30th, 2005 at 7:27 pm
amen to that oscar.
johnmarzan
October 31st, 2005 at 12:38 am
looks good.
johnmarzan
October 31st, 2005 at 12:40 am
btw, props to pcij blog. mabilis na siyang i-download, unlike before.
ryebosco
October 31st, 2005 at 1:38 am
As soon as I see a plunderer be put to death, I will believe it.
Chabeli
October 31st, 2005 at 2:22 am
The reforms set by the BWM seem to be a ray of hope amid all the confusion. There may be strong resistance, however, on the Noli succession; it doesn’t seem too attractive–recall that many compromised on Gloria taking over the reigns from Erap, and today many have expressed their REGRET on that compromise. Nonetheless, given the situation the Philippines is in, the country’s survival is at stake. PRAYERS should be made BEFORE pushing for this alternative; we must FIRST PRAY that taking the “constitutional succession process” route, and calling “on Vice President Noli de Castro to assume the presidency and lead in implementing the reform agenda”, is the RIGHT PATH to take.
Toro
October 31st, 2005 at 9:18 am
” … recall that many compromised on Gloria taking over the reigns from Erap, and today many have expressed their REGRET on that compromise. ..”
The trouble with regrets, Chabeli, is that it’s too late to realize we have committed a mistake until it happens. As regards Gloria, we did not compromise on her, she followed the line of succession as VP when Erap was removed. The regrets may be for those who voted for her in 2004. And it looks like Noli is repeating history too.
It warms the heart reading through the reform agenda of the BWM. It covers a wide spectrum of what society needs for reformation. Looks good on paper. It is an improved version, but much better than the platforms of government that presidential candidates propose but never do.
I have no intention to water down the proposed reforms, but I’d like to be practical and realistic about it. The BW proposes an absolute reformation of our society. The idea is good on paper but the reforms will not happen overnight. For these to take roots will take even longer time. All I’m saying is that whoever believes in it should not be disappointed if not much is accomplished in say two, even five years because it is trying to reform an entire society that has been mired in corruption and complacency for decades and, as everybody knows, bad habits are hard to break.
The planned reforms are so broad and encompassing that it needs not just a strong but an exceptionally iron-willed leader, short of an authoritarian, to make all these reforms happen because he will have to demolish all obstacles that have been deeply entrenched for so long, protected by corrupt political leaders, govt people, the oligarchs and super rich individuals with vested interests. They have been there solid and immovable as a rock for political and material reasons. He also needs to weed out the degenerates from the govt bureaucracy and restore morality into the service. He must be strong enough to compel the people to discard degeneracy. Do we have such a leader?
Be glad if half of the reforms are achieved in our lifetime. Do I sound pessimistic? No, just being realistic.
benign0
October 31st, 2005 at 9:48 am
Pinoy nga naman.
Wala nang inatupag
Kundi bangayan ng bangayan
Sa ngalan ng pulitika
Pilit ay pinadadama
Ang walang katuturang pakikisama
Sa walang resultang sinama.
Kawawang mga kabayan
Habang patuloy ang pyesta
Sikmura’y walang laman
Utang ay tuluyang lumalala.
My first stab at “getrealist” poetry! 😀
I might start a new section on my brilliant site: http://www.getrealphilippines.com dedicated to my poetic genius.
Stay tuned folks!
kavenishi
October 31st, 2005 at 1:49 pm
Black and White Movement did a great plan for reforms. Hope if ever arroyo will be removed from office they will succeed in their plans. Problem is they are not the only group that wants arroyo out. Will the other groups like the united opposition, abat groups etc… will agree with them? United opposition don’t like Noli to be the successor kaya pag siya ang pumalit, baka babalik na naman tayo sa bangayan sa politika. Sana para maniwala ang mga tao na wala talagang personal na interes ang mga lider ng iba’t ibang movement na to, kung pwede pumirma sila ng kasulatan na ipagbabawal nila ang sarili nila na umupo sa anomang position na mababakante sa gov’t. pag napaalis na si GMA. Pababayaan nilang mga bagong mukha muna ang magpapalakad sa gov’t. Pag ginawa nila yun, 100% maniniwala na ako na kapakanan ng bansa ang talagang pinaglalaban nila.
Chabeli
October 31st, 2005 at 3:35 pm
“The trouble with regrets, Chabeli, is that it’s too late to realize we have committed a mistake until it happens. As regards Gloria, we did not compromise on her, she followed the line of succession as VP when Erap was removed. The regrets may be for those who voted for her in 2004. And it looks like Noli is repeating history too…”
———————
So true, Toro. Appreciate your comments.
Chabeli
October 31st, 2005 at 3:47 pm
Toro asks, “Do we have such a leader?”–meaning, someone “strong but an exceptionally iron-willed leader” who can carry out the reforms.
If one were to be hopeful–and I would want to think that there are still many who are–the leader will emerge amidst all the chaos EVENTUALLY. That due time will probably be when the nation hits rock bottom–as it is usally at this point when we may embrace change and come together as one for the good of the nation. Until then…we continue this way, I guess.
airnel
November 2nd, 2005 at 5:34 am
“Madaling Sabihin, Mahirap Gawin” I am not that skeptic really towards the reforms that the Black and White Movement will start when Pres. Arroyo is out of her office. Still we must take other considerations when instituting these reforms:
1. public awareneness and instill the value of confidence towards the government.
2. having independent body that will ensure and evaluate the task being done.
At least to conclude it is our conscience will dictate when they are sincere on these efforts. Also the restructuring of filipino values that hinders development must be addressed also.
Sa atin nagsismula ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan pagkat tayo ang gumagawa ng sarili nating kapalaran. Kahit pakanin at subuan tayo ng masarap ng pagkain pero kung ayaw naman nating lunukin ay wala itong silbi. Kung ayaw nating uminom ng mapait na gamot para sa matinding sakit ay dahil sa lasa ng gamot ay di tayo gagaling.
benign0
November 2nd, 2005 at 5:48 am
Chabeli said,
October 31, 2005 @ 3:47 pm
===================
Toro asks, “Do we have such a leader?”–meaning, someone “strong but an exceptionally iron-willed leader” who can carry out the reforms.
If one were to be hopeful–and I would want to think that there are still many who are–the leader will emerge amidst all the chaos EVENTUALLY.
===================
Ah! The age-old question of whether a “benevolent dictator” is a possibility or nothing more than a fantasy.
Here is my take on this issue, excerpted from an article I wrote back in 2003:
“The viability of a democractic system therefore is characterised by a balance between the Cost of Democracy and the Cost of Potential Corruption of a Governing Entity. This means that the more benevolent a leader, the less democracy we need and the less benevolent a leader, the more democracy we need. In effect, we can, on one end, be comfortable sacrificing individual liberties in exchange for expeditiousness and decisiveness in governance if and only if we can trust leaders to act purely in the interests of the greater community. At the other end of the continuum we can be willing to shoulder the relative costs and complex bureacracy of an ultra-representative “democracy” (such as the Philippines’) when we absolutely cannot expect our leaders to act beyond their selfish interests.
Successful democracies are somewhere in the middle of this equation. They have reasonably trustworthy leaders and reasonably bureacratic governance.”
Read the full article here:
http://www.geocities.com/benign0/agr-disagr/12-6-dictator.html
Happy reading! 😀
Cool&Easy
November 2nd, 2005 at 2:36 pm
All problems [political, economic, cultural] problems we are facing since the day this republic was born are due to the defect inherent in the system we love to call Democracy where everybody can vote including morons, ignorants… and everybody can run for office including again morons, or people who have no vision whatsoever for as long as they can buy votes from moronic voters! Same people who voted GMA first as senator based solely on name recall Macapagal being our past president.
“Pure Democracy can’t take the intelligence of its electors into account; which means that the voice of an Einstein is given no greater weight than that of an Idiot, and since we have far more Idiots than there are Einteins, we are virtually under a dictatorship of Idiocy.”
“Geniocracy, on the other hand, uses selective democracy to place in power those whose inteeligence is above average, rather than appointing those who studied a lot in flashy schools, as is the case at present. Geniuses can be found just as much among the working or peasant class as they can among the educated. It is these natural geniuses that should take the destiny of humanity in hand before it is too late.”
“Isn’t it the most natural of things to wish that the world be governed by people with above average intelligence?”
“We must replace leadership by knowledge with leadership by genius. None of our great academic institutions create geniuses; all they produce are well-polished memories. Common sense and intelligence have nothing to do with whether one has been to school or not.”
“Into every generation are born inventors who, each time, are used by those in power to put humanity into danger. And each time these betrayed and exploited inventors lament to see their inventions used to kill innocent people.”
“Everyone has had their chance to govern humanity, from muscle-bound brutes, to the hoarders of riches, and possessors of knowledge [both politician and military], but all have failed miserably. The ones who have not yet been given a chance to show what they can do are the ones who have truly helped humanity progress, and that is the Geniuses. It is time to give them their chance.” – Geniocracy, http://www.rael.org
baycas
November 2nd, 2005 at 5:32 pm
a working plan to put us into utopia (or even just into the outskirts of utopia) is what this post-arroyo reform agenda is all about. one may be optimistic, pessimistic or even realistic with regard to the setup of perfect government laid down by the BWM. as for me, it’s “first things first.” until gloria relinquishes power, this agenda is just a dream…
i appeal to the “divided few” to pull your acts together now. with regard to your leader, i don’t know yet who among you is the deliverer (as some here are also asking). among the would-be presidents, fr. bernas likewise doesn’t know who can command unified support to oppose gloria. noli is the closest, i think, constitutionally speaking.
i believe in looking for a leader, we must look to the Lord http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-03-02-02.shtml …
i also read somewhere that two options come with leadership: the temptation to serve yourself, and the opportunity to serve the people you lead. we all know which of the two gloria has chosen and see now what she has become…the ever-present peril on her reign will persist until the last of her ghosts will be put to rest.
“to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). in the same token, uncle ben told peter parker: “with great power comes great responsibility.” gloria is remiss in her duties. i pray that a true leader will come out in her stead…
Rizalist
November 3rd, 2005 at 1:21 am
Blessed are the meek, for they do not agree to disagree.
MitaMS
November 3rd, 2005 at 5:35 am
Any reforms to be made should be coursed thru the proper venue. If you put it out there for the whole world to see but no action will be taken – wala din. What will they do to get this all done aside from calling for GMA to resign? Hindi naman kumagat si Noli. So where will this get us? Don’t get me wrong – it will be nothing short of Utopia – IF.
Advocacy groups are useless if they are unwilling to work with people of different persuasions and cannot or will not recognize the right way to turn lofty ideals to something concrete. That is REALITY. What is that way? Hard work, building credibility, the willingness to stand up and be recognized, associated, vilified and crucified for your cause. I don’t see anyone in that mold in our midst today.
Sheen Ochavez
November 4th, 2005 at 8:20 am
It is apparent that the main sin of the chosen leader is Theft. Then lies to cover up the theft committed by them or someone else within their group/families. Aside from that, they are ok in the sense that at least they are not killing their opponents. We have soft core criminals as leaders.
But are we ready to embrace radical change? Look at the rise of China. Deng Xiaoping had made a tremendously inspiring job after Mao. Are we ready to have a leader that we can both Love and Fear? Are we ready to face the consequences of having a strong and effective leader? Maybe we should start learning from China.
Or maybe not. Philippine future is not too dim. But at least we have a better life style and freedom that our neighbours amidst the corruption. Progress is very slow, but we will get it right eventually.