IN ANY administration, be it public or private, the appointing authorities hope to get only the best and the brightest officials and employees- the cream of the crop, that is, in order to render the best output.
Later in their term, however, their output or performance turns out to be dismal if not frustrating, even below par. What happened? Perhaps, it is within the culture or individual peculiarities. Whatever, the final gauge of this team of the best and the brightest is the overall effect on the whole administration; it fails or succeeds on their overall performance.
President BBM claims that the key achievement of his first 100 days was the selection of the initial team of the best and the brightest: former BSP chief Benjamin Diokno is now Finance Seceretary; former UP president Alfredo Pascual is now with DTI and former Mayor Benhur Abalos, son of former COMELEC chair Benjamin Abalos is the DILG head and more. Although three cabinet appointees earlier resigned, the team is unscathed and remains formidable in terms of previous experience in government service and performance.
Now, the President is faced with the dilemma of finding and appointing people to replace the resigned ones. There are other departments needing permanent heads like the Department of Health, although the present OIC, Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire seems to be qualified to occupy the post of Health Secretary.
The COMELEC has now a complete line up in preparation for the coming SK and barangay elections.Its chairman, Atty. George Erwin Garcia, is proving to be competent and proactive. The litmus test of the election body's efficiency is its performance in the succeeding elections.
Secretary Erwin Tulfo of DSWD is proving to be very active and hands-on especially during calamities and is responsive to public clamor. Although bypassed by the Commission on Appointments, he needs to be reappointed to his post where he has proven his worth. Amen.