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Monday, October 31, 2005
Nalzaro: Government of unity bound to fail
By Bobby Nalzaro
President Arroyo’s proposal to the political opposition on the “sharing of leadership” through government of national unity is a misnomer. For me, this is just Malacañang’s ploy to stop anti-Arroyo factions from making further moves that would threaten her shaky administration. This would surely fail.
In her recent pronouncements, including in her recent visit here in Cebu, the chief executive extended her hand of reconciliation to her critics and offered them what she termed as “sharing of leadership” to put an end to the political crisis besetting the country.
Arroyo’s political allies confirmed that there are ongoing talks between leaders of the opposition, and that President Arroyo is considering appointing some of them to sensitive and juicy executive positions. But the opposition is not biting the hook. They view this as a desperate move, aimed at stopping them from performing their role as fiscalizers. Well, that should be the case.
If anyone from the opposition accepts the offer, he or she can no longer effectively perform the role of being an oppositionist. Once they are already within the circle of the administration, they will be beholdened to the chief executive. You cannot fight within. Differences in opinion and policy triggered the resignation of cabinet members and bureau chiefs, known as the Hyatt 10, at the height of the “Hello, Garci” tape scandal last July because their suggestions to the President were never taken into consideration.
The President should appoint persons based on qualifications and whom she can trust and not on the basis of political accommodation or just to appease and please the opposition. And that appointee should also be a team player, who is willing to carry out and implement whatever policies and agenda of her administration. If she picks someone from the opposition, can she expect him or her to be a team player? I doubt.
Cabinet members are the alter egos of the chief executive. First, they should believe in her thrusts and programs. The President should not succumb to the dictation and whims and caprices of the opposition, whose members have their own political and personal agenda. If she does give in to their demands, then she can no longer effectively rule. If that happen, it’s no longer a “sharing of leadership” but a “sharing power,” like a junta. This can create divisiveness among our political leaders. Nagkayagaw man gani ta nga usa ray Presidente, unsa na gayod kaha ug daghan nang mag-apil-apil?
(October 31, 2005 issue)
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