Friday, July 09, 2004 Editorial: Political accomodations
WHEREAS Mayor Vicente Emano heard neither a squeak of protest from the opposition regarding the appointments of former officials Ramon Tabor and President Elipe into two consultancy posts--said move which he would describe as his privilege and "nobody else's business"--howls of indignation greeted the resignation of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman.
The protests of course stemmed from civil society group who felt that with her exit the Arroyo administration would be peopled by politicos of all shapes and colors.
Also some of the officials who felt that Soliman should have been retained because of her solid performance as DSWD chief never mind political accomodations.
Armchair observers of both the local and national political scene would notice that when Vice-President Noli de Castro's appointment as DSWD secretary was announced, ABS-CBN held a live interview with Soliman and ran stories about how good and capable a DSWD secretary she was--all the while trying to soothe over her hurt feelings.
No surprise there considering that de Castro remains ABS-CBN's talent and "main connection" to Malacañang. So far we haven't heard de Castro officially announcing that he would severe his ties to the station nor to his high-rating and profitable "Magandang Umaga Bayan" program over the airwaves anytime soon.
The Arroyo administration also did likewise by offering Soliman options like the Chief of Staff and other Palace posts which in turn the latter politely declined saying she doesn't quite fit in it.
Immediate concern for the Palace now would be the withdrawal of support from civil society groups that had backed her rise to power in Edsa II.
So far the Palace said it would keep Soliman in an interim capacity or at least involved in the agency. And with the President shuffling the Cabinet we would see more movements in the days to come.
The one thing people would like to know is whether these appointments are driven more by political accommodations rather than through merit. The public is of the belief that it is the former that influences such appointments.
Which also reinforces the prevailing perception that conditions in the country would likely stay the same or may even worsen as the years go by.
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