Giving credit where it’s due

In the past few days, I have been thinking about the constructs of being fair, integrity and justice. Strange as this may seem, it is through teaching kids that I am reminded of these. Because of their innocence and bright-eyed optimism, I am reminded to not be jaded and to be open minded about things around us.

That started out as a random thought that came to mind as I drove to school but later on today, I read a Plurk thread from a friend celebrating the quick service he got when getting his NBI clearance and other government issued cards. I jokingly replied: “it’s a PGMA legacy”, a sarcastic throwback at the television ads touting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s legacy.

I will admit: every single time I see those ads, it riles me up. It makes me sick to my stomach thinking about how her people have the audacity to claim such things.

But then all emotions and disdain for a leader that I dislike aside, I realize that when credit is due, it must be given. Perhaps right now I don’t appreciate it, but maybe somewhere in her administration, she did something right.

While it is hard to see the benefits of the Arroyo administration, more so to appreciate it, it should be done. In the same manner, all the failures must not be overlooked. Although books on public policy and politics aren’t really up my alley, it would be interesting to check out Beating the Odds, a book that takes a look at the state of policy making, decision-making and action-taking in the last nine years under PGMA’s rule. The book gives readers a close-up analysis of several key issues surrounding the country and how the President responded to these challenges.

One of the biggest issues the Presidency faced is the growing budget deficit that continues to debilitate our economy. While issues of corruption and endless evidences of funds gone awry, such as the ZTE broadband deal and the infamous Le Cirque dinner will always haunt her legacy, the book will give readers a look into how she was able to make positive strides in the economic growth of the country.

Another issue tackled by the book is the Mindanao Peace Process and concerns surrounding it. Through her leadership, she was able to forge talks with Moro rebels that contributed to ceasefire agreements that still are in place today. She likewise tried to make strides towards the rehabilitation of war-torn Mindanao.

Other issues tackled in the book include terrorism, threats to her leadership by attempted coup d’etats, the SARS outbreak, and increasing drug threats.

The book promises to be an insightful look at what it is like to be the Chief Executive of a nation and how the Philippine beauracracy works. Readers of this book will likely see a new side of the presidency, governance and our country and perhaps be more aware of the nitty-gritty details of the job.

As for me, I will try not to smirk anymore at the legacy commercials, but I’m not really promising much. I will, however, recognize that when credit is due, to GMA or anyone else in her governance, it should be given.

If you found this post interesting, informative and educational, feel free to take home my notes by subscribing here.