POLICY ISSUES: From Gloria to Noynoy

POLICY ISSUES: From Gloria to Noynoy
A Reader on CenPEG Issue Analyses from 2009-2013

P 275.00 / 260 pages
ISBN: 978-971-95488-2-9

Excerpts from the issue analyses:

The presidency embodies the highest sense of patriotism with an oath to serve only the people. The aspirant must be change-oriented, in all its ramifications. Have we forgotten that self-sacrifice, nationalism, and integrity are what make a true political leader? (The Presidential Race and Accountability, Sept. 2, 2009)

Elections in the Philippines are not decided by electoral systems per se – whether manual or automated. The powerful political forces and fraud machinery decide the outcome. Who controls the technology will control the votes on May 10. (Comelec's UnyieldingStance Spells Trouble, March 29, 2010)

Wherever there are powerful dynasties and warlords one can be sure these coexist – nay, perpetuate - deeply-entrenched poverty and social injustice. (The Maguindanao Massacre and Politics of Violence, Nov.28, 2009)

(Aquino III) can always claim he's his own man but realpolitik dictates he not only needs the support of powerful endorsers but must dance with the music of traditional politics of tradeoffs and compromises if he aims to complete his six-year term. (What's New and What's Old in Philippine Politics, July 1, 2010)

Without social consciousness and the will to change, transformational leadership will remain elusive. From the way he has shown his “leadership” so far, the country has already seen the rest of his presidency. Without even being understood by the people, “transformational presidency” has lost its appeal. (Aquino's “Transformational Presidency”: What Change? July 19, 2012)

Sweeping reform is possible the moment people begin to struggle against personality-oriented leadership, myths, and illusions. It can be done when people begin to act as a collective force. (People's Initiative vs Pork Barrel and the Imperative of State Reform, Oct. 10, 2013)

Hiding information makes a government unworthy of public trust. Fear of public scrutiny and criticism only means a government unsure of itself. (FOI and the State's Hegemony of Information, Oct. 19, 2011)

Grassroots communities are always eager to play a leading role in a truly “inclusive,” democratic governance system. When people are mobilized for common interests – not for the narrow, vested interests of the clans – the barangay begins to breathe life. (Reclaiming the Lost Potential of the Barangay, Oct. 18, 2013)

Crisis brings out the worst from those who see rebuilding in terms of monetary gain. But it also brings out the best in people. The millions of displaced families hold the future in their own hands. Reconstruction is a time for organizing people to rebuild lives. Time for people to take charge. (Taking Charge: Rebuilding Lives, Building the Future, Nov. 30, 2013)

No country in the developing world has ever reached progress and equal treatment without fighting for self-determination and choosing an independent foreign policy. (The Ties That Dependency Binds, Feb. 20, 2009)