On the Edge of a Chasm Sub-urban reflections on the limits of liberty

I want to be in a myth. I would be the mythical mistress who freed Bernardo Carpio. Because recently, I learned that freedom does have a threshold. Every freewheeling spirit arrives at a linear fast lane; even diversity becomes incessantly monotonous.

Everyone needs a break.

Along the gorge at the foothills of the Sierra Madre in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal flows the Wawa River. In the early 1900s, the Americans built the Wawa Dam to serve as the primary water source of Metro Manila. Pollution due to rampant quarrying and dredging impelled the now defunct NAWASA to halt its operations there sometime in the 1950s.

Traces of Wawa’s lively past are seen all over the place: empty tunnels left by the decommissioned pipes, a bygone intake station with deep holes kept precariously gaping by dwellers who made a livelihood out of the bars of steel that used to cover them.

Wawa is a sanctuary for the free spirit. There, one can defy gravity by climbing the gigantic rocks surrounding the dam or one can let loose by uniting with the force – rappelling and free falling to the river like the local children who skip classes for a thrill.

Yet, on the other hand, Wawa reminds its visitors the limits of liberty. The steep pathways around the mountain that overlook the boulder-strewn gully; the wide open old aqueducts – they call for caution. This paradise has its own realities. Understanding this subdues one’s urban restlessness. One false move may lead into something irreparable.

Somewhere near is the Pamitinan Cave--the very cave where the Supremo Andres Bonifacio, together with seven (or eight) other Katipuneros first declared their independence from Spain.* Up to this day, it is said that the wall bears Bonifacio’s inscription: Viva la Independencia Filipina!

On the edge, in a standstill, we become one with Andres Bonifacio and Bernardo Carpio in their struggle for freedom. The Montalban gorge offers inviting options. However, at the end of the day, everyone retreats from the edge.

Wawa is worth the quick experience.



* Before the 12 June 1898 declaration

Originally written and posted on 5 March 2010



Sources:

1. Environmental Science for Social Change. (2010, February 5). Historical Mapping for Marikina Flooding: learning from the past – land, people and science. Retrieved 06 March 2010, from ESSC website: http://essc.org.ph/content/view/273/1/
2. National Historical Institute (n.d.). Andres Bonifacio (1863-1897): Great Plebian and Patriot. Retrieved 06 March 2010, from NHI website: http://www.nhi.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=199
3. Quizon, Mona Lisa H. (2009, June 12). Filipinos declared independence 6x. Retrieved 06 March 2010, from the Inquirer website: http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/independenceday/view.php?db=1&article=20090612-210052

MAR Para Sa Mahirap

"Naniniwala akong maka-mahirap si Mar Roxas! Naniniwala ako sa Daang Matuwid!"

I met Tirso during Quezon City United's Palengke Run at Murphy Market in Cubao several Sundays ago. He was busy setting up a new store just outside of the market yet, he didn't hesitate to affirm our call to vote for Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo.

Tirso personally witnessed how Mar Roxas as DILG Secretary intervened during a demolition work in Sta. Mesa which was eventually halted. He quoted Roxas: "Bakit tuwing may demolisyon laging sa mahihirap ang bawas? Hindi ba dapat 50-50?"

I tried to search for any press release or soundbite online that would back Tirso's account of Mar Roxas. I have found nothing that quoted Roxas or trumped his leadership in the negotiation but I found some news that coincide with the details that were provided by Tirso.

This is Mar Roxas: a quiet worker who is unafraid to displease the rich, not for personal reasons, but for the common good.

It is unfortunate that he is often misconstrued and unfairly portrayed. I am swayed to believe in this good side of Mar as this has been a characteristic of his that has been consistently coming out in unsolicited stories such as this, the encounters of those who know him best personally and professionally, and most importantly, in the way that he conducts himself.

A Comment on Yolanda

I guess I am one of the persons who you still do not understand as your post says. I do not know the depth of your conviction about the matter but I take your posting of sentiments about the handling of Yolanda as a way of opening yourself to both affirmations and alternative ways of looking at the issue. Allow me to do the latter on the presumption that your wall is a free democratic space.

First, let’s put some context on the issue: Yolanda is one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded in history. Even a first world country like the US had a significant death toll for Katrina, which had less intensity as Yolanda. I speak on the matter with some background, being a co-lead of a corporate response initiative that benefited close to 50,000 families in seven provinces through our people's joint efforts. As part of that role, I met local chief executives, national government representatives, and international and local disaster response NGOs, and most importantly, the survivors of Yolanda. I also volunteered to go to Tacloban City and Guiuan, Eastern Samar three weeks after Yolanda for several relief operations (without special accommodations, meals and cellphone signals) and a year and a half later for the inauguration of health stations and school buildings.

The devastation that I witnessed was beyond words; I found the heart to post the complete photos only a year after Yolanda. I saw how the government could have done better with this and that but that would be overlooking what I could have done better in my small role.

 Did Mar Roxas miserably fail and cause the estimated 7,000 deaths and widespread devastation? I do not think so. Going back to the context, there is no way for any human being or institution to stop the damage caused by both the strong winds and the storm surge of Yolanda. As DILG head, Mar Roxas fulfilled his role – and event went beyond his call of duty – which was to alert and enable the local chief executives of the areas that would be affected by Yolanda. After all, it is written in black and white that these LCEs are the frontliners or first responders to disasters. In spite of this, Mar Roxas, as evidences show, was in the scenes of the disaster before, during and after Yolanda. And as I have personally validated, AFP troops and police officers were deployed prior to Yolanda and resources were made available to the LGUs.

Blaming is a tricky exercise: Do we blame Mar Roxas, President Aquino, Sec. Soliman, Sec. Gazmin… or the mayors and the other local leaders, and the citizens who refused to heed the warnings? I do not have any answer to that. But what I know is that we all have a stake in disaster prevention and we have to acknowledge that everyone, not just the government, is doing their best to cooperate this time and make disaster preparedness and prevention a priority.

There is more to be said about the matter but I run the risk of boring you in this long yet factual post. So I suggest that you go through the following links if you are still open to consider alternative perceptions about Yolanda:

FAQs on Government’s Immediate Response to Yolanda: http://bit.ly/1LZGJu6

Benchmarking Our Yolanda Response with Other Countries: http://www.rappler.com/nation/74370-comparing-yolanda-nargis-katrina-aceh

RAY (Recovery Assistance on Yolanda) - Specific Projects of DILG: http://ray.dilg.gov.ph/beneficiaries.php 

FAiTH (Foreign Aid Transparency Hub):
http://www.gov.ph/faith/

Women and Mar Roxas

Women come up to Mar Roxas for hugs and selfies which Mar welcomes with respect

As I studied the life and work of Mar Roxas in the last few months, I uncovered a side of him that I find no other word to describe but endearing. In every photo, article, interview, and candid moment or recollection of one who has encountered Mar Roxas, Mar's deference for women, as well as for children and the elderly, manifests.

Mar shared a peculiar moment with one of the elderly attendees of the Makati City's International Women's Day Celebration yesterday. The old lady approached him and stroked his nape - as one would do on a Buddha, Mar jokingly said - when he met with the huge crowd that gathered in the Makati Coliseum. The woman then held his gaze as she implored, "Huwag mo kaming pababayaan."

These four words touched Mar's heart. People close to him have repeatedly described Mar as someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. There are also these little stories that explain the reasons that prompted Mar to courageously, in his own distinct way, take measures to protect the rights of the "little ones". In his initiatives such as the legislation of the Cheaper Medicines Bill and the imposition of tighter regulation for preened companies, there is a face behind them: an ordinary person; a marginalized member of the society; a woman.

Mar anchors his plans for the advancement of women's rights and welfare on inclusivity, which is aligned with this year's National Women's Month theme, "Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda!"

1. POVERTY REDUCTION - Further expand 4Ps, which offers beneficiaries cash grants so long as they meet requirements (family development sessions, pre- and post-natal care for pregnant women, check-ups and vaccines for children, school enrolment, and at least 85% class attendance per month for school-age beneficiaries). Widen its coverage to cover near-poor families to prevent downward slide to poverty. Recalibrate program to allow families to transition to decent jobs and to extend investment in health and education. (Source: @AskMar)

2. WOMEN'S HEALTH - Universal healthcare. Continue the establishment of PhilHealth-accredited women and child centers in isolated barangays. Proper implementation of RH Law.  (Source: @AskMar)

3. BOTTOM-UP BUDGETING - Local women’s groups may partner up with local government to choose projects, development programs they want implement in their area.  (Source: @AskMar)

Mar Roxas' inclusive approach to women empowerment traces back to his immediate environment, being surrounded by strong women and raised in a family where women are treated as equals. Consistent with Mar's reason for being a public servant, Mar intends to level the field of opportunities for women in recognition of their capabilities.

They say that we can judge a man's character with the way he treats women. Consistently, Mar Roxas has been unafraid to break alpha male or macho stereotypes that Filipino politicians commonly employ. Mar Roxas won't use women for soundbites or publicity. He accords women with respect and great importance--whether it is to grant his beloved some moral advantage or to uplift a woman from her disadvantaged status.

"Half the sky is held up by women."
- Paraphrased by Mar Roxas from a popular quote

* * *

This Women's Month, I shall feature some of the strong women who I have met as a volunteer in the campaign of Mar Roxas. Among them are Leni Robredo, Leila de Lima, and Risa Hontiveros who joined the International Women's Day Celebration with Mar Roxas.

* * *

More updates and information at:

Bayang Matuwid’s site: www.bayangmatuwid.org/
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BayangMatuwid/
Twitter: @BayangMatuwid
Instagram: @BayangMatuwid

Lugaw for Leni: Fund Raising for Leni Robredo for Vice President

Unlimited bowls of Lugaw for Leni

Volunteering for Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo has so far been a challenging yet enriching experience. I get to learn a lot from every volunteer activity, as well as meet fellow volunteers who are also willing to give their time, talents, and material resources for the campaign as an expression of patriotism.

Last February 21, Chef Adrian Cuenca of Elbert's Steak Room and Elbert's Sandwiches organized Lugaw for Leni, a fund raising initiative for Leni Robredo for Vice President, at Elbert's Steak Room in Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Beyond common references to Leni as the widow of the late Jesse Robredo, serving the poor has been always at the heart of Leni Robredo's life mission as a human rights lawyer and legislator, an essential characteristic of someone who deserves to lead our country as vice president.

Leni Robredo was at the time working for SALIGAN, which is an organization for alternative lawyering, offering her legal services and expertise to the poor and the marginalized sectors, especially in far-flung communities in the provinces.  

... became the representative of the Third District of Camarines Sur in 2013 after she was persuaded to consider the political life, with a continuing commitment to her three daughters to remain the caring mother she set out to be at the start of her married life. Her record in Congress demonstrates a consistent focus on rural development, women empowerment, and improving governance. She has worked on a wide range of concerns, from systematizing citizen’s participation in local governance, to delivery of basic services to the poor, and addressing structural inequality.  

Some of the bills she filed in the House of Representatives are: National Food Security Bill of 2015, Anti-discrimination Bill of 2013, People’s Participation in Budget Deliberation Bill, People Empowerment Bill of 2014, Full Disclosure Bill and the Freedom of Information Bill. (Source: http://lenirobredo.com/about-leni/)

All eyes on Mar Roxas! (Photo Credit: Alma)

Together with other supporters, we gathered at Elbert's bar to watch the 2016 Presidential Debates kick off where we Leni's running mate, Mar Roxas, besting all the other candidates according to the Movement for Good Governance's scorecard. (Other opinions are valid. Peace!)

Creative and infinite toppings on Chef Adrian's special lugaw recipe

Afterwards, we transferred to the Steak Room to enjoy Chef Adrian's special unlimited bowls of lugaw with creative and infinite toppings. With a full house, we were able to raise funds that were immediately turned over by Chef Adrian to Leni Robredo's official campaign staff. He subsequently provided us his accounting report along with the receipts in the spirit of transparency which the Daang Matuwid espouses.

Liberation from Time Poverty

Spot the yellow in this gypsy

Recently, Melinda Gates posted a short Instagram clip about women and time poverty. This somehow resonates with me as a working solo parent who has been single-handedly raising a child with her own unique needs and gifts that have to be nurtured.

I came to a big decision, after a long and careful thought: Effective on March 1, 2016, I have resigned from my full-time duties as the Head of Programs of the family foundation of one of the country's wealthiest persons.

Being someone who often feels deeply about many things, it has been a great effort to keep my emotions in check in the past seven months, knowing that I have to continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to my colleagues. I have been blessed with good people, as well as supportive bosses who have mentored me well in the last four and a half years. I am grateful too that they gave me enough time to make a proper discernment, which then allowed us to agree on a suitable consultancy arrangement that is fair to both parties.

I will be resting and making myself more present -- physically, mentally and emotionally -- to my daughter, Krissy, until the middle of March. After which, I shall resume my engagement with the foundation as a Thought Leadership Consultant while devoting more time to Krissy's present situation and her future by dedicating my free time and whatever talents I have as a volunteer in the campaign of two people whose integrity and capability to lead our country, I strongly believe in. 

Please pray with me as I navigate God's plan for Krissy and me in the coming months.

Byahe Tungong Liwanag: An EDSA 30 Experience

I am a millennial---born just two years before the People Power Revolution.

By the time that I became aware of the world outside home and my school, I was already free to say and write about anything. My parents and teachers never had to censure my personal views for safety. I was an opinionated student council officer in the latter years of grade school and a feisty school paper editor back in high school. From college up to the present, I would either start or take part in small advocacies unperturbed by Internet and real-life trolls.

Given these circumstances, it is hard for me to imagine a life under Martial Law.

On the 30th anniversary of EDSA, I went to Camp Aguinaldo to visit the EDSA 30 experiential museum along with my sister and daughter. Aptly called, "Byahe Tungong Liwanag (Journey Towards the Light)," we were able to walk in the footsteps of those who lived through the dark years of the Martial Law, peeking through cracks of poverty and watching the elite [Marcos circles] live royal lives while the rest of the country plunged into debt and destitution.

When fellow millennials quote vice presidential candidate and Marcos' son, Bongbong Marcos, saying that the country was in a better position during his father's time, I ask: If the country was indeed as prosperous then as Bongbong would want us to believe now, then how come there was so much unrest? Apologists conveniently downplay the activism that pervaded during those times and justify thousands of deaths and disappearances then as military initiatives to bring down communism and rebellion. But I contest.

Identities of Martial Law victims line the walls of the room

Children with missing parents

We passed through hallways and entered rooms that were lined with faces and names of real people who have died, survived or gone missing during the Martial Law. We saw children crying, reminding us of those who have been orphaned because their parents were taken away by the government that was supposed to protect them. Most painfully, we witnessed torture as how the abusive military officers would carry them out for entertainment and were later moved by the stories told by our forgotten martyrs. Tears swelled from my eyes as an actress re-told the story of Maria Lorena Barros and by the time that Ninoy Aquino's last video was played, I was already sobbing. (It still moves me up to this day.)

Despite all this darkness, I was comforted to come into an awakening. We looked back to our brief experience from the lens of Jose Rizal, our national hero, and his writings. Yes, we could be doomed to commit the same mistakes again as the revolution of 1898 where we were internally divided because of intrigues and mudslinging. Sino nga ba ang talagang nagmahal at nanilbihan sa ating bayan na hindi lamang naging pulitiko?

Presidential aspirant Grace Poe prays as Marcos' daughter,
Imee, watches (Photo Credit: Inquirer)

As I stepped out of the dark museum and back into the light, I cannot help but relate the experience with the current political climate. Thirty years since EDSA, our country is still in need of healing. Can we learn to finally forgive even if the Marcoses remain indifferent to those who continue to suffer from the abuses of Martial Law? How can we get to the point of healing when the very people who seek to represent and guard our freedom are the same people who would defend the Marcoses instead of the country's long-aching people and grant old Ferdinand the favor of a hero's burial despite the unwillingness of his bereaved family to give an apology that is long overdue? 

True leadership is not all about charm and charisma and sounding good to please everyone. We need leaders who will be bold and firm to stand for the grieving majority where justice is called into question. We need leaders who would be unafraid to call out the wrongs even if it is at the expense of losing their votes.

Allow me to introduce once again, Mar Roxas, one who never turned his back on the Filipinos despite the comfortable life that he has always been capable to live, and Leni Robredo, who openly expressed her disapproval of Bongbong Marcos' lack of remorse even if she has been trailing behind Bongbong in the surveys.

Let us choose wisely this 2016.

Everything that is in the light is beautiful

Learn more about how Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo will protect and enable our freedoms from these social media accounts:

Bayang Matuwid’s site: bayangmatuwid.org

Facebook page: facebook.com/BayangMatuwid

Twitter: @BayangMatuwid

IG: @BayangMatuwid

"Mar of the People" - Real Life Stories from Real Life People

Rappler's presidential profiles series kicked-off with "Mar of the People," a personality sketch of Mar Roxas based on the characteristics that best embody Roxas' ideal self.

"His team has highlighted improvements he led in aviation and transportation, the economy and information technology, as well as tax reform and cheaper medicines – painting a picture of a man focused on building practical, day-to-day solutions that quietly improve lives." - Patricia Evangelista &  Nicole Curato

Mar is often perceived as an elitist, being a scion of illustrious families -- the Roxases and the Aranetas -- who had the privilege of being educated in an Ivy League school and perhaps, who never had to worry about tomorrow's meals like most of us do. Yet, in spite of the comforts of Mar Roxas' life, Mar always strives to relate with the people:

• Once, I rode in an Uber car that was owned and driven by a retired professional who used to be Mar's neighbor in Cubao. He shared that when he was growing up, Mar and his cousins used to play basketball with him, which is contrary to the person who we perceive as an aloof elitist.
• Mar Roxas also used to ride the MRT back in his stint as DTI Chief in 2000, way before several politicians thought of getting on the train . Without the cameras and all the fanfare, Mar rode the train with the people from the Araneta-Cubao station (a few steps away from his residence) to the Buendia station (also just walking distance to the DTI office in Makati).
• A relative of Mar Roxas also shared that Mar enjoys driving so much that he would rather drive by himself than be chauffeured around Metro Manila. I heard this story a few days after I came across an old Philippine Star article where Mar talked about what he considers a simple date: buying fries from a drive-thru and just driving along EDSA.

Photo Credit: Rappler, as used in Mar Roxas and a Matter of Trust

Unfortunately, Mar's privileged background does not always work for his advantage. Many have unfairly criticised and taunted him for his efforts to be "of the people" to the point that pictures have been gravely manipulated, distorted and misinterpreted just to destroy the image of a man who is sincere with his intentions. These black propaganda are drowned by the facts surrounding the pictures and more importantly, the real, concrete results that Mar Roxas has accomplished for his country.

For every misinterpreted or misrendered photo of Mar Roxas, we may counter this with what Mar Roxas has done out of the experience. Mar Roxas always steps out of his comfort zone so he may get to know the people well and what their problems are... And when Mar learns these things, the wheels of his mind works. Coupled with levelheadedness and a deep resolve to help, Mar Roxas creates solutions so that he can be "with the people" when he is needed (read: Yolanda, Finding Jesse Robredo, and Leading the Arrival Honors for the SAF44 Fallen Heroes) and so he can be "for the people" all the time.

Here are some videos that explain how Mar Roxas is for the people:

1. Reynante Ramos, a security guard, now enjoys the benefits of tax exemption for minimum wage workers through RA9504 authored by Roxas



2. Rom Miramos, a call centre employee, who does not have to leave the country anymore to support her family, thanks to Mar Roxas' efforts to expand the BPO industry



3. Gina Lastrado, a former informal settler, who now lives in a decent house at a safe location as part of DILG's resettlement program under Mar Roxas' leadership

Finally, a Bukid Revolution

Photo Credit: The Philippine Star

I am eager about the Daang Matuwid Bukid Revolution, which will boost the country's agricultural sector by increasing opportunities for farmers and fishermen to access the market with loans and more farm-to-market roads.

We all know how Mar Roxas tipped the turning point of the BPO industry that is now an 18-20 Billion-Dollar industry, employing over 1.2M Filipinos from Luzon to Mindanao.

This foresight, coupled with Roxas' systematic approach to solution-finding, levelheadedness, and strong political will to get things done, plus Leni Robredo's deep solidarity with farmers and fisherfolks, makes me very hopeful and inspired to see our farmers finally at the top of our economy, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and fulfilling Jose Rizal's dream for our country.

Tatalon women spend Valentine's for Roxas-Robredo

Over 300 women from Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City celebrated Valentine's Day at the Women's Caucus organized by Malayang Tinig ng Kababaihan sa Komunidad, Inc. (MATINIK) in partnership with Akbayan and Quezon City United.

Aptly themed, "Pakikilahok ng Kababaihan: Pagsulong Reporma sa Hamon ng Eleksiyon 2016 Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan*," the Caucus emphasized the power of women's vote in ensuring the advancement of their rights, as well as the improvement of their health.

Quezon City United's women volunteers pose with Risa Hontiveros
who arrived fresh-faced despite a very busy campaign

LP senatorial bet and known champion of women's rights and health Risa Hontiveros served as the key speaker of the event, which was also attended by several pro-women candidates from Quezon City's fourth district.

Over 300 women say YES! to Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo

It comes as no surprise that these women will go for Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo in the coming elections. Roxas is known to show respect towards women while Robredo heralds women's rights in her work as an alternative lawyer for the grassroots.

Osang Palma leads the new officers of MATINIK

Another highlight of the event was the oath-taking of the new set of officers of MATINIK, consisting of women who live up to the organization's name. Tatalon is home to feminists and activists, I learned from the story of MATINIK President Osang Palma who witnessed the torture of her mother and five brothers as a child during the Martial Law.

"Nakita ko noong ginawang ash tray  ang dibdib ng nanay ko. Lima sa mga kapatid kong lalaki ang nakita kong pinag-squat at binugbog ng mga sundalo. Ang mga talampakan nila ay plinantsa. Dalawa sa kanila ay missing hanggang ngayon**," Ate Osang recalled.

It has been 30 years since we overcame Martial Law through the People Power Revolution of EDSA. While we reap the benefits of this peaceful revolution, Martial Law survivors, victims, and their families still clamor for justice. I am alarmed that our view of EDSA and the Martial Law are being challenged by forces that are slowly rising up to power once again.

I call on everyone who reads this blog to be vigilant by making the right choices on May 9, as well as by helping mothers take a more active role in raising children who will safeguard our democracy and the freedom that we regained through EDSA.

Quezon City United flash the Laban sign in support of women's rights

*   Women's Participation: Advancing Reforms to 2016 Elections towards the Straight Path
** "I saw how my mother's breasts were used as an ash tray. I saw my five brothers who were made to squat as they were punched and kicked by soldiers; the soles of their feet were pressed by a hot iron. Two of them are missing until now."

The Roxas-Robredo Platform of Governance: More than a commitment, a concrete plan for Filipino families

“Mga kalaban niya nangangako lang, 
si Mar Roxas nagtatrabaho na”

President Aquino spoke the truth when he made this statement during the Liberal Party (LP) kick-off rally in Capiz last February 9: On the same day, the Roxas-Robredo Platform of Good Governance was launched, a comprehensive policy document with specific sectoral statements for the environment, senior citizens, and indigenous peoples, among others.

Click to view the Platform infographic

The document is pretty much a shortened version of a Medium-Term Development Plan, which incorporates the headways and the areas that need improvement from the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 of the Aquino administration with the forthcoming challenges and priorities of the next administration. Needless to say, the Platform is a strong testament of continuity whereby our government will finally have the chance to build on its own successes, as well as learn from its own errors. 

The Platform tags itself as Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo's commitment to the Filipino family; to me, it looks like a concrete plan that is almost ready for take off and adoption by key government agencies, thereby ensuring a smooth transition from this administration to the next.

I will try to break the Platform in bite-sizes in the days to come. In the meantime, here are the links for your reading pleasure:

1. The Roxas-Robredo Platform of Governance (General Summary)
2. The Roxas-Robredo Platform of Governance (Comprehensive Policy Document)
3. Specific Sectoral Statements (to follow)

On the SSS Pension Hike

"In the past five and a half years, the Aquino administration has continuously promoted the enhancement of senior citizen benefits." Click here to learn more about these benefits.

I always strive to keep an open mind that will allow me to be constantly curious and critical when needed. When PNoy vetoed the SSS pension hike, I had to view the issues from two perspectives: 1. as a future pension recipient with years of compulsory contributions; and 2. from a fund management standpoint. The latter required learning as much as I can on the issue, which included reading the views and listening to those who dissent the veto.

My takeaway is that it seems imprudent for the government (on behalf of SSS) to commit to a pension increase that will be immediately applied when the current revenue sources (and collection efficiencies) are insufficient, thereby compromising the future of some 33M active contributors. IMO, pension increases have to be programmed and UNDERTAKEN IN PHASES using a rather simplistic two-pronged approach: INCREASE THE REVENUES and REDUCE OPERATING EXPENSES (OpEx).

To increase revenues, SSS *does* have to *further* increase collection efficiency and interest income from all its investments. SSS has to exercise the strictest prudence in investing its funds because of the nature of its purpose and also because of its size; SSS’ movements can “warp any market.” However, this is not to say that the SSS has been remiss on the above-mentioned items for action. The gains and the initiatives presented in the 2014 SSS Annual Report accessible online attest to this.

On reducing OpEx, we question the compensation and bonuses of SSS executives, forgetting that PNOY CASTIGATED government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in his 1st SONA and took a hard stance against granting executive bonuses for about five years. We have to note that SSS executives are probably earning significantly less than their counterparts in private companies and that the government has repeatedly issued disallowance memos to SSS. We cannot expect all these SSS problems that have accumulated over the years to be solved by people paid with ‘peanuts.’ We need the best fund management and insurance experts who can manage the BIGGEST INSURANCE COMPANY IN THE COUNTRY—-and sadly, they are all in the private sector where the compensation is attractive.Please note as well that per its charter (RA8282), the SSS must not exceed 15.5B on OpEx in 2014. The SSS only spent HALF of it.

So, in summary, there is a middle ground to the SSS issue. Pension increases have to be carefully studied and programmed, and the government was right on track when it granted a 5% across-the-board pension hike in 2014, notwithstanding ALL the other PRO-SENIOR CITIZENS PROGRAMS that the Daang Matuwid has made possible.

In 2009, Mar Roxas successfully passed Senate Bill 3061, exempting senior citizens from paying 12% EVAT on purchases of medicines so it won’t anymore diminish their 20% discount privilege, while granting greater incentives for drugstore owners who would faithfully comply. I get the sense that this is the kind of level-headed thinking that must prevail in every decision that affects the Filipinos and that would have its own compromises and consequences.


Originally posted on Facebook on 17 January 2016
and on mssyj's blog