During the current crisis, it becomes evident that the government is not the solution to our problems but rather the problem itself. This sentiment echoes the words of former United States president Ronald Reagan in his inaugural address back in January 1981. The unfortunate and surprising slowdown of the economy in the second quarter can be largely attributed to a significant drop (7.1 percent) in government consumption spending and almost stagnant spending on infrastructure (0.8 percent). Our government is unable to fulfill its role in stimulating the economy when its own finances are strained, with government debt exceeding the recommended “safe” threshold of 60 percent. Despite these challenges, the government has decided to establish the Maharlika Investment Fund, redirecting substantial financial resources away from addressing urgent needs and fueling job and income growth in a time of global slowdown.
Looking back at past decades, we have observed numerous instances where honest and upright reformers appointed to key government positions have been ousted from a deeply corrupt system. Our government has unfortunately become a place where those who challenge institutionalized corruption and inefficiency are demonized. This is particularly evident in notoriously corrupt and inefficient government offices, like the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and many others. Individuals such as Rene Bañez, John Philip “Sunny” Sevilla, Leocadio Sebastian, Cesar Chiong, and Secretary Jaime Bautista have all faced repercussions for their efforts to enact drastic reforms in these agencies. These individuals, known for their integrity and dedication, were unjustly portrayed as “bad guys” in a system that thrives on maintaining a broken status quo.
To illustrate this point further, we can recall the case of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo removing Social Security System President Vitaliano Nañagas due to employee-led demonstrations against him. Similarly, Education Secretary Raul Roco was forced to resign after facing mass actions and protests from disgruntled members of the Department of Education “union.” More recently, BIR Commissioner Bañez lost his job due to demonstrations and protests. These examples demonstrate the unfortunate reality that those who attempt to introduce reforms in their respective agencies are easily silenced and dismissed.
Last year, Dr. Leocadio Sebastian, a highly respected and unassuming figure, faced suspension and public demonization due to powerful interests being dissatisfied with a sugar importation order he issued. Although subsequent events and data vindicated his actions, the damage had already been done to his reputation. Nevertheless, he has since been officially vindicated and granted greater authority at the DA.
The latest victim of this pattern is Cesar Chiong, the general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority. He has been suspended and now faces dismissal based on an anonymous complaint. Chiong’s “sin” was reassigning around 285 airport personnel in an effort to enhance efficiency at the airport. Despite receiving praise for the dramatic improvements seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it seems that Chiong is another victim of determined reformers being hindered by enemies of reform. Similar circumstances surround Secretary Jaime Bautista, who is currently being targeted by a vilification campaign, presumably for challenging entrenched vested interests within the DOTr.
Unfortunately, these stories are not isolated incidents. Many more tales like these circulate throughout various government offices and levels. The possibility of positive change within our broken government organizations diminishes when those who promise reform are quickly consumed by those determined to maintain the dysfunctional status quo. It is clear that we cannot rely on the government for solutions when it itself poses a significant obstacle to progress.
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