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The last six months of 2007 were perhaps the most challenging for the Tupas administration as it confronted the unrelenting efforts of his nephew, Vice Governor Rolex Suplico, to destabilize and undermine his leadership. Suplico’s group constituted the majority of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and wasted no time in trying to dismantle the major programs and projects of the governor.

In doing so, however, Suplico overstepped the boundaries of decency and decorum in employing bullying tactics against career officials of the Iloilo provincial government as he went on a rampage to sow fear and terror in their hearts. Apparently, Suplico wanted everybody to be immobilized by fear, so that his agenda of paralyzing the provincial government can better be achieved.

At every opportunity, Suplico harassed, intimidated, humiliated, harangued and embarrassed officials, causing undue injury to their emotions and dignity. What’s bad about it is that Suplico was just grandstanding. He also didn’t allow these officials to explain their side or defend their honor. He played the role of prosecutor, judge and executioner. He insinuated about wrongdoings that were never proven. He didn’t care that their good names and reputation were being destroyed.

Because of this, Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel “Boy” Mejorada took up the cudgels for the hapless career officials who were apparently being chopped into pieces just to satisfy his ego and show that he is powerful. He sent the following letter to members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on December 27, 2007:

 ”TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN:

“With the year coming to a close, I feel this is a most appropriate time to bring up certain issues affecting the relationship between provincial government officials and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. As Provincial Administrator, I consider it my obligation to remove any obstacles to a smooth and harmonious working relationship between the Executive Branch, on the one hand, and the Legislative Branch, on the other.

“A thorny issue that has cropped up is the undignified and humiliating treatment accorded several officials, including chiefs of hospitals, during committee hearings of that august body.  These officials have complained about being harangued, harassed, intimidated, insulted or humiliated in the hands of certain members of the legislative body. Worse, they are treated like common criminals, tried and convicted without an opportunity to rebut allegations.

“I wish to remind the Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen of this august body that these provincial government officials are career professionals, committed to public service, and apolitical. Governors, Vice Governors and Board Members come and go every three years, but these officials remain with the institution, tirelessly pursuing their mission to uplift the people’s lives and contribute to the development of the province. At the very least, they are entitled to respect, courtesy and decent treatment.

“When these officials appear before the Sanggunian, they do so to give respect and courtesy to the invitation extended to them. Their intention is to share their knowledge and experience on matters concerning the programs, projects and activities of the Iloilo Provincial Government. Politics is farthest from their minds. Thus, they are badly demoralized and hurt when they are treated like prisoners being interrogated and forced to confess to crimes they haven’t committed.

“I believe I don’t have to elaborate on this.

“As we prepare to welcome the New Year, I am hoping that the august body can properly address this concern and adopt necessary measures to avoid similar episodes. I assure the Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen that the entire bureaucracy of the Iloilo Provincial Government is ready and willing to work with you in shaping vital legislation for the good of the province. I trust that we can also keep the door open for a continuing dialogue and resolve differences that may hinder our ability to work together.

“There is no room for “grandstanding” in the task for economic development. Both the Executive and Legislative branches have to work as a team to achieve success in our common goals and aspirations. That can only happen in a healthy atmosphere of cooperation, mutual respect and friendship. We don’t have to agree on every issue. But, to borrow a familiar phrase, we can disagree without being disagreeable.

“Happy New Year!

                                                                                    Very truly yours,

                                                                                    MANUEL P. MEJORADA

                                                                                    Provincial Administrator”

House majority floor leader Arthur Defensor, Sr. has expressed support for a proposal snowballing in the Commission on Appointments that would consider nominees for Cabinet positions “rejected” once they are by-passed by this constitutional body twice.

Defensor, a key ally of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the House of Representatives, also used a strong term to describe nominees who cling to their posts even after being by-passed a number of times. “Tig-a ulo (hardheaded),” he said in Hiligaynon during an interview over Bombo Radyo on Thursday, December 27.

These by-passed nominees should take it upon themselves to ask the President not to submit their names to the Commission anymore after failing to hurdle the screening process twice “out of delicadeza” to spare her the embarrassment of  replacing them with somebody else.

This is a sound advice coming from Defensor, and should be seriously placed under consideration by another Ilonggo top official in the Arroyo government, Justice acting secretary Raul Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has achieved notoriety as the longest sitting Cabinet official in the Arroyo government who has not been confirmed. By latest count, he has been by-passed for the 15th time after President Arroyo rewarded him with this powerful position in 2004.

Gonzalez is perhaps the most despised Cabinet member because of his oppressive and abusive behavior, a man known for sarcasm and disrespect even for the person who gave him his first break in government, former President Corazon Aquino.

A few months ago, there was rejoicing when Gonzalez was forced to step down from his post after undergoing kidney transplant. At 78, he was considered too weak and fragile to continue serving as justice secretary following the surgery. He was advised to retire.

And just when things seemed to have stabilized at the justice deparment, Gonzalez surprised everybody by showing up at the DOJ and reclaiming his position. The guy can’t seem to stand a moment when he couldn’t cause misery to the nation. Now, the office of the DOJ secretary is like an isolation ward, with everybody coming to see him required to wash their hands of disinfectant.

The nation can’t wait to see the “two-strikes-and-you’re-out” policy put in place. This will go down in history as one of the best achievements of the Commission on Appointments.

Perhaps Cong. Defensor can also whisper into the ears of Gonzalez: “Ask the President to withdraw your name for the sake of delicadeza.”

Iloilo vice governor Rolex T. Suplico seems so desperate to gain publicity mileage at every opportunity that he won’t even hesitate to take the credit for the accomplishments of others. He doesn’t really care if he steals the credit from his own uncle, Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr.

Just before the Christmas break, Suplico appeared before the TV cameras to announce that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan had approved the P23.318 million supplemental budget requested by Governor Tupas to pay the honorarium of 11,659 barangay-based volunteers in the entire province.

This honorarium has been a yearly Christmas present of the Tupas administration to these volunteers since 2002 as a small and yet meaningful appreciation for the important work they are doing to deliver basic services to the people in the barangays.

In short, it’s been there even before Suplico became vice governor.

But Suplico wants to make it appear that the grant of the honorarium became possible only through his efforts.

In his TV statement, Suplico proudly announced the passage of the appropriation ordinance and declared that “this is MY Christmas gift” to the province’s barangay-based volunteers.

Wala huya!

That was the expression that leapt to the minds of many TV viewers in reaction to Suplico’s boastful statement.

He was claiming credit for something that his uncle had started.

He didn’t even bother to include the rest of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as equally responsible for passage of the ordinance.

“This is MY gift to you….”

That’s credit grabbing in pure and simple terms, and Suplico should be ashamed of himself for doing so.

Madam President:

There is no escaping the reality that your popularity has plummeted to the lowest level a sitting president of the Republic has ever registered. No amount of denials made by Tuting Bunye can change that fact. All you have to do is go out of Malacanang and ask the ordinary man on the street. There is no one to blame but you. And only you can right the wrongs that the public perceives with your administration.  If you will allow me, I would like to dwell on a few key issues affecting your leadership style.

Face the truth, Madam President. Corruption has reached worst levels since the Marcos regime. It is openly being committed by people around you, starting with the First Gentleman and people close to him. I don’t mean to mess with your married life, but this man has always been trouble to your administration. Talk about corruption, and the first name that instantly comes to mind is Mike Arroyo. Talk about greed, and Mike Arroyo’s wide girth comes into the picture. Only you can stop somebody like Mike Arroyo. By tolerating his activities, you are giving your stamp of approval.

The others in your official family are no different. Perhaps they have seen that you are soft on corruption committed by people close to you, and they feel they can get away with highway robbery for as long as they are able to whisper nice words into your ears. In a manner of speaking, they even resort to antics of court jesters to keep you happy while they steal millions of public funds.

A good example is Boboy Syjuco. No less than the Commission on Audit has uncovered numerous cases of anomalous transactions committed at the TESDA which he heads. The Presidential Anti Graft Commission (PAGC) has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative cases against him. But Boboy Syjuco is not worried. He discovered that all he needs to do is publish full-page ads in national newspapers praising you, and he is amply protected from the law. He isn’t worried about his tattered image as perhaps the most corrupt Cabinet official in the Arroyo administration.

It is time to kick ass, Mrs. President.

Show the people that you mean business when it comes to corruption. Send Mike back to exile. Let him run around the world to places where he can’t cause you trouble. Shackle his cohorts in chains so they can’t touch the government’s public works projects. Drop the axe on corrupt officials like Boboy Syjuco to send a strong signal that this government does not tolerate corruption. Don’t allow their sweet words to melt your strong will.

Secondly, your record in the delivery and administration of justice is one of the worst, perhaps second only to the martial law years under Marcos. That’s because your personal pick as secretary of Justice is the number one persecutor in the country. Instead of wielding the sword of justice to protect the rights and welfare of the people, he swings it hard to attack his enemies and those he perceives as threats to your office. Raul Gonzalez is a heavy, rusty anchor that is dragging your administration down, Mrs. President.

Why don’t you commission a survey on the popularity and acceptability rating of Gonzalez? I can bet my one-month’s salary he would land in the lowest rung among Cabinet officials. He would rate in the same level as Syjuco. He might appear to you as a knight in shining armor, charging into the fray whenever you are in trouble and slaying the dragons you are out to eat you. Unfortunately, the public sees things differently. They regard Gonzalez as a bad boy who bullies people who disagree with you.

You had a very convenient excuse to unload Gonzalez when he underwent a kidney transplant. But Gonzalez can’t stay put without power. He needs power and influence to fuel his bloated ego. That’s why, against the advice of his doctors, he went back to the Department of Justice to take back his position. Do you ever believe a sick man can serve you well at DOJ? Think, Mrs. President. Gonzalez is a big liability, and the best course of action is unload him. He is your worst PR nightmare. Get rid of him.

I know that you have been under a lot of stress this Christmas, what with the surveys showing how badly you have performed in terms of popularity and image. Giving out rice and canned goods to poor people in San Juan or granting the demands of Sumilao farmers or issuing clemency for the release of old prisoners from Bilibid won’t change the public perception about you. This is all about you as a person.

The Philippines needs a strong leader, one who can inspire the people, one who can gain respect, one with a true vision for a progressive nation. The surveys say you don’t measure up to the standards of the people. Time is running out on you. If you don’t change course, you will go down in history as the worst and most hated President of the Republic. And it’s not because you are “pandak”.

Your humble servant,

Manuel Mejorada

The Christmas break is usually a quiet and peaceful season as far as the Philippine Senate is concerned. The senators usually grab the early flight to destinations abroad to spend a few days with family. But that’s not the case this Christmas, because a group of minority senators are reportedly plotting moves to unseat Senate president Manny Villar. They don’t like his leadership style, that’s why.

What’s wrong with it, anyway? According to one senator, Villar has given too much emphasis on consensus building to gather support for legislation that he wants passed. That means more time is spent in backroom negotiations and horse trading than debating the measures on the floor. This deprives the senators the opportunity to fully scrutinize every legislative measure and make sure it truly merits passage.

I am surprised why it took so long for these senators to complain about Villar’s style. That has always been his style. Manny Villar is only for Manny Villar.  This man who wants to be president of the Republic didn’t become the richest politician if that weren’t so. Just look at how he built his fortune on real estate. Do you know that Villar’s pork barrels often go to the building of first class roads leading to his subdivisions? That’s how he is able to make his subdivisions attractive. Good roads. His brand of development is focused on making Villar richer and richer, not on helping the poor overcome poverty.

I hope these senators behind the ouster move push ahead with the plan. It’s time we had a real leader in the Senate.

When Justice acting secretary Raul Gonzalez returned to work last month after a four-month medical leave to recuperate from a kidney transplant, he declared that he had a near-death experience and made a comment that “I have been to hell and back.”

That statement became the material for a text joke that circulated immediately afterwards that reinforced the image of the man as a detestable and unacceptable individual. “Gonzalez is so much disliked that even Satan refused to grant him entry to hell,” said the text message.

Yesterday, I read in the newspapers that Gonzalez was by-passed once again in the Commission on Appointments.

That must have been a big let-down for him.

Gonzalez was almost certain the word “acting” would finally be removed as prefix to his title as Justice Secretary.

He can’t claim to be “king” if he is holding his position in acting capacity after all.

There were already preparations for a big celebration in anticipation of his eventual confirmation after more than three years. But again, the huge, heavy doors of the Commission on Appointments fell on him before he could go through. This is a sad Christmas for “King” Raul and his supporters. President Arroyo would be hard-put to justify his continued stay in office, most especially that his health is fragile, and he can’t possibly perform at maximum levels.

Too bad for Gonzalez. He gave the commission more reason to reject him when he indicated that even hell wouldn’t have anything of him. So he wears the distinction of being the longest “unconfirmed” Cabinet member in the Arroyo administration.

It is no secret that Iloilo vice governor Rolex T. Suplico hates the guts of provincial administrator Manuel “Boy” Mejorada.

Even before Suplico assumed office on June 30, he had already made public declarations that he would torment and harass the provincial administrator in retaliation for the latter’s key role in the successful re-election bid of Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. in the May 14, 2007 elections.

Suplico cannot stomach the idea that Mejorada, who was once a close friend, could openly unleash a barrage of negative commentaries over his radio program against the prodigal nephew.

But Suplico must understand that as vice governor, he should keep his personal emotions under check when he is performing official functions.

For instance, when he is discharging his role as chairman of the committee on appropriations, he should try to do his work as objectively and dispassionately as possible. ‘Walang personalan’, as the expression goes.

Suplico forgot about his good manners and right conduct last Monday, December 17, when the committee heard the proposed budget of the Office of the Governor in which Mejorada appeared to enlighten the members about its contents.

Suplico had recognized Mejorada and allowed him to answer questions from board member June Mondejar when, all of a sudden, he literally threw the provincial administrator out of the session hall. His reason? He said Mejorada’s name does not appear in the plantilla of positions in the Governor’s office.

There is no such rule that only officials listed in the plantilla can explain the budget for a particular office.

As pointed out, Mejorada was officially designated by the governor to represent his office. This has been the practice in previous years.

Suplico, however, refused to listen to reason.

Just get out of my sight. That’s the message he conveyed to Mejorada.

Suplico betrayed his true character as a rude and boorish individual. He doesn’t treat people with respect and dignity. He enjoys humiliating others. His abusive behavior is now well-known in the community. He thinks he can trample upon the rights of others with impunity.

The Rolex Suplico-led majority in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo will stop at nothing to achieve their wicked and dark intentions to undermine the programs and projects of Governor Niel Tupas, Sr.

This was manifested in the manner by which the SP majority approved a resolution to withdraw an earlier authority given to Governor Tupas for him to contract a loan and build a convention center beside the new Iloilo Capitol building.

The project, with an estimated cost of P350 million, will rise on the property occupied by the old and dilapidated Iloilo Rehabilitation Center, which has already transferred to the new P120 million facility in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo.

It was conceived about three years ago when the province decided to relocate its provincial jail and move prisoners to bigger quarters.

The implementation of the project is totally unacceptable to the Suplico group.

This project would become another major achievement for the Tupas administration and enhance its image as a result-oriented government that delivers the goods.

What did they do?

First, they constituted the entire Sanggunian as a committee of the whole and designated board member Arthur “Toto” Defensor, Jr. as chairman to inquire into alleged anomalies in the project.

The committee then embarked on a witch-hunt to find excuses on how to kill the project, inviting people unfamiliar with the project to give opinions and try to put its feasibility into question. The committee never invited the provincial administrator who is the best person to enlighten them about its viability and necessity. They grilled and insulted and humiliated the financial advisor to the project, Mr. David Bunevacz, just to create doubt about its wisdom.

On the over-all, the committee could not find the right excuse to kill the project. Nobody could show that the project is not viable. Nobody disputed the fact that it will help Iloilo become a major convention venue, which will in turn push the economy of the province forward. The committee’s leadership ignored the apparent benefits from the project. In short, they were only interested in killing the project, and any testimony in favor of the project was unwelcome. Whenever Mr. Bunavacz tried to explain the benefits of the project, and the feasibility as an income generating facility, he was cut short.

It was clear that the committee had pre-judged the project before the hearing, and it was hardly surprising that its report was totally against the project. Hence, in the last week of October 2007, chairman Defensor submitted his report and asked for a withdrawal of the authority given to the governor, notwithstanding the fact that the governor had already signed the loan agreement with Philippine Veterans Bank, and the project is already at the stage where the designs are being finalized.

But then there was a catch.

The Suplico group found out that the internal rules of procedure for the Sanggunian imposed a two-thirds vote requirement for the rescission or abrogation of an ordinance or resolution.

That meant they needed ten (10) votes. Their voting strength was only eight (8)

Their solution? Change the rules of the game.

The Defensor report was tabled momentarily, and the majority worked to change the internal rules of procedure.

Unnoticed by the minority, the majority floor leader, Oscar Richard Garin, changed the language of that portion on amendments or abrogation or revision of previously approved ordinances and resolutions. Instead of a two-thirds vote, the new rule lowered the vote requirement to only “majority of all members present”.

When this maneuver was noticed, the minority hollered in protest. But nothing can stop the Suplico-Garin-Defensor cabal. The measure was passed. The minority was simply out-voted.

Now that the rules have been changed to favor them, the majority took the Defensor report from the table and approved it last Thursday afternoon. Seven members voted in favor of the report, three said “nay” while one abstained. In a convenient maneuver that would otherwise be called “cheating” in a game of basketball, the majority rescinded the authority given to the governor.

Governor Tupas, however, is unfazed by this childish, unethical and illegal act.

The loan agreement has been signed, and contractual obligations have been created.

The Constitution says that “no law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.”

The resolution is not exactly a law, but it is seeking the same purpose: to impair the contractual obligations between the province and the bank.

Besides, the benefits from the project are many and will redound to the general welfare of the people of Iloilo.

With this in mind, that resolution is a mere scrap of paper signed by Suplico’s group, an expression of their sentiments to block anything good to be done by the Tupas administration. This is politics at its worst.

The morning radio newscast reported that another case has been filed by Atty. Virgilio Sindico, claiming to represent the Iloilo People’s Graftwatch, Inc., against Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. and four other Capitol officials before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Revised Penal Code.

To the casual listener, it would seem that Governor Tupas is facing a serious charge, that he has done something that has harmed or injured the public welfare or interest, such as stealing public funds or pocketing a fat commission from government projects.

However, this case is nothing of the sort.

It is just another harassment case filed by Atty. Sindico who is obviously working with political enemies of Governor Tupas.

He is the same Atty. Sindico who filed the cases against Governor Tupas that the Ombudsman made as basis for handing down a guilty verdict exactly a year ago and used as an excuse to impose the extreme sanction of dismissal from the service.

He is the same Atty. Sindico who got angry at Governor Tupas for refusing to agree to his demand of a higher buying price for the soil set to be excavated from his hilly property in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo and use as filling material for the construction of the new Iloilo Airport of International Standards.

The airport got completed with Atty. Sindico getting any profits from the project while his neighbors got rich having their hilly land levelled and developed into first-class real estate right at the footsteps of the new airport. He became so greedy that he ended up getting nothing while his neighbors are enjoying their windfall.

Anyhow, the decision of the Ombudsman was reversed by the Court of Appeals and ultimately thrown into the garbage bin by the Supreme Court for reason that it has become moot and academic. Under the law, an elected public official is freed from any and all culpability in an administrative cases once he or she is re-elected by the people. The law considers the people as the supreme judge and their mandate extinguishes any sin or omission in administrative cases, even if true.

Now Atty. Sindico is back on the paper mill of cases against Governor Tupas. He is using the name of Iloilo People’s Graftwatch to give a semblance of legitimacy to his grossly political cause. He is once again allowing himself to be made as tool for the political powers that have long been trying to unseat Governor Tupas. He is like a race horse, with blinders to cover his eyes and focus only on a tunnel view straight front, obsessed with the idea of toppling down Governor Tupas. It is the same old story being told all over again, the story of political harassment and persecution.

The best way to deal with Atty. Sindico is ignore him. Just let him pursue his agenda. After all, he cannot really put a good man down.

After a two-week absence to attend a seminar on local governments in Germany and a brief visit to Oslo, Norway, I reported for work last Monday and wade right back into the many problems that never cease to flood the Capitol.

I managed to recover from the jet lag quickly while attending the general assembly of the Provincial Administrators League of the Philippines at the Bayview Plaza Hotel in Manila on Dec. 7 and 8. Now I feel recharged and refreshed, ready to tackle the issues and problems facing the province.

I learned a lot from the Germany seminar sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. It was a rare opportunity for me to be picked and join the small group of participants from all over the world. I was the only provincial administrator and I believe I stand to gain the most in terms of applying the ideas to the real world among the three Filipinos who participated. The two other participants, Dr. Jennifer Ortega and Patrick Poncianos, come from the academe and the legislative branch of government in that order. I will have to sort my notes and develop a working framework to guide me in the work that needs to be done.

The week-long seminar showed that there are many common problems facing governments in general. One problem that really stands out is corruption. Almost all countries experience corruption at varying degrees or level. In South Africa or Israel or Argentina, there is corruption. The situation is worse in Southeast Asian and African countries. This usually happens when there is an over-concentration of power in the national government. The solution? Decentralization. Give local governments the power to administer the basic services. Most advanced countries have shown that decentralization is an effective way to make governments function better.

I took the opportunity to visit Oslo, Norway where the eldest daughter of my dear departed friend, Nene Zulueta, and his wife, Councilor Perla Zulueta, now lives with husband Jerry Aromin. It was only a short stay — four days — but, oh boy, what a terrific four days! The Aromins rolled out the red carpet for me and treated me like royalty, taking me on a grand tour of the must-see sights in Oslo and dining in great restaurants. I will write more about the Oslo visit. But I must say that my visit there far exceeded my expectations, and words are not enough to express my gratitude for this young couple.

I am going back to work with renewed vigor and energy, bursting with new ideas and eager to work harder for the service of our people. I feel rewarded each time I am able to do something for our people. Being in public service is reward in itself.