I have worked with 11 Secretaries of Finance. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I needed to be a sycophant whenever there was a change in administration. It seemed normal for every new Boss to have his own ways and protocols, and the underlings had to adjust. What is more difficult is tolerating...
They were a study in contrast. One spoke with a soothing and calm voice of a bard and a poet. The other one was fiery and spirited. But they had two things in common. Both were trained by the Jesuits on how to be a man for others. Both trod along the same path on how to...
The excitement in the air was palpable. CSOs (civil society organizations) gathered at the Ateneo Auditorium to proclaim the candidate whom we thought would be our best President. After years of bad governance, the country needed a fresh start. We chose a man who was greatly respected not...
My early morning walks have been truly beneficial. I feel stronger, lighter and healthier. Studies provide credence to how walking boosts one’s immunity and health. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day promotes stronger bones, better balance and reduces the risk of heart disease and...
I am dumfounded by the number of individuals who are interested to become the Mayor of our small town. These include barangay captains, relatives of the current Mayor, the nouveau riche, councilors, and pretenders to the throne. A town’s Mayor is ultimately its CEO. He/she will be...
It was sad to see a Head of a State use a single and narrow lens to explain development-it is a drug problem. It was sadder to realize how a national leader has managed to influence a nation to believe that we were fighting a war! The drug problem became the focus of government’s agenda...
It was with joy that I looked at the assessment results of the children from Marawi. They were able to answer six out of 10 questions correctly in English and Mathematics. I had such unrealistic expectations that the children will perform much poorly in an assessment exercise that evaluated...
These are days when we do not feel okay. I never thought that I would miss going to work. Now, our calendars are filled with zoom meetings that we have to attend and email to answer and compose. Talking to our friends and partners over the phone, facetime or messenger will never be the...
Senator Win Gatchalian and I do not agree on politics. This is quite understandable. My views have been narrowed by idealism and lack of pragmatism. I am not an elected official and do not have to navigate the difficulties of winning elections, passing legislation, requesting for budgets, and...
Like most Filipinos, I did not have the privilege of knowing President Noynoy Aquino “up, close and personal.” I only listened to his speeches and watched him in action from newspapers and television. The only opportunity I had to meet him was when he conferred Mr. Washington SyCip the...
Time was when June 19, the birth date of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was widely remembered. The people in our small town congregated in our plaza and offered flowers to honor his memory. Then, we had a full morning full of “kundiman” (Filipino ballads) and “balagtasan”...
Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who was chairman of the Senate ways and means committee, was a tough cookie to crack. He was known for his piercing questions and acerbic remarks. Defending the Ramos Tax Reform Program before him was like facing a grand jury. He peppered us with questions,...
