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THE results of the latest survey by the Social
Weather Station (SWS) has disturbing implications for the ruling
coalition. It showed that public satisfaction in the performance of
President Arroyo’s Cabinet has dropped from a net of +1 to
–9—which is negative once more. It had a positive rating in
February 2006.
It’s not clear if that rating
is based on the average for each Cabinet member. But in the
public’s mind, if the Cabinet rating is low, then that reflects on
the overall performance of the President’s team. And since the
Cabinet member is an alter-ego of the President, his moves reflect
the President’s prestige.
As a forum host, I was told that
the policy is to encourage all Cabinet members and line agency heads
to be aggressive in the information campaign. This policy is
invariably ignored by Cabinet members. Most of the time, I get
rejection slips from potential guests, saying they are somewhere
else on weekends. What happens is that the critics of government
dominate the kapihans and, hence, the news the following day.
The President should realize that
she needs credible and eloquent defenders of her policies, if only
to equalize the propaganda war. (Right now, it’s former President
Erap who dominates the front pages.) If her intention is to come up
with a good legacy, or be a factor in the choice of candidates for
the 2010 elections, she should beef up her information team.
After all, a shortcoming in the
propaganda front hits her where it hurts most—her effectiveness as
a leader, specially in the next two and half years of her tenure.
One example of clear weakness is
the failure of the propaganda team to defend the recent sale of the
National Transmission Company to the private sector. In the public
mind, that sale appears dubious, as if it was awarded to a crony and
as a surrender to Beijing.
In truth, the bidding process and
eventual sale of the Transco to the private sector was legitimate
and fair and was truly in line with the direction set by the EPIRA
law. But because of the lack of planning by the Transco information
team, the whole exercise is being questioned. In the process, the
weakness is seen as a weakness by President Arroyo.
Nothing was wrong with the sale.
As a matter of fact, nobody is complaining from the bidders. It was
considered a notable privatization activity as it involved a
“crown jewel” because this asset is debt-free and has a
lucrative and captive market. What was wrong was the inadequate
information campaign.
PSALM failed to aggressively
defend itself when brickbats were thrown its way after the
concession was awarded to Monte Oro Grid resources. Allegations were
raised concerning the involvement of a crony and a relative of the
President. And there was an angle about the presence of Beijing
interest in the winning firm, a line that seeks to revive the ZTE
spin.
PSALM boss Nono Ibazeta should
have taken the high ground and explain the issues unmindful of his
previous corporate alliances. After all, the process could speak for
itself. He could say that the bidding and award process was as
transparent and honest as the bidding that accompanied the awarding
of PNOC EDC.
Fortunately, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago
was there to take the cudgels for Ibazeta and PSALM. Using the
English language, she demolished the allegations of cronyism. But
still, damage has been done. The Palace and PSALM should realize
that the next time a weakness like this happens, Senator Defensor
won’t be around anymore. By all indications, she would already be
comfortable sitting in the World Court as judge.
In the meantime, President Arroyo
would be left holding the bag with a propaganda team that is laid
back and lacking in imagination and energy. If that weakness
persists, then we should expect more slide in her popularity rating.
Boracay construction
What happens when the
strong-willed mayor of Boracay meets the three-time mayor of Manila?
Well, last week, Mayor Ciceron Cawaling of Boracay went to the main
office of the DENR to consult Secretary Lito Atienza on policies to
cover the popular beach resort and tourist destination.
Speaking the language that only
mayors understand, Secretary Atienza asked Mayor Cawaling to stop
the construction of new buildings and houses in Boracay. Cawaling
said he would freeze the construction while the DENR consults with
all stakeholders in the area on how to protect the environment.
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