Opinion and criticism++

It is not a case of “criticism for criticism’s sake.”

If certain attacks or public criticisms are being hurled at some incoming cabinet members of the Duterte Administration, this is possibly the beginnings of carefully orchestrated PR and media campaign in order to demolish or discredit the prospective cabinet members before they face the committee on appointments of Congress.

The number one target is Gina Lopez as DENR Secretary, then DOTC Secretary Art Tugade. Both hold very important departments that have a direct effect on billions of pesos of profits. More important, the two Secretaries will have the power to investigate, sanction and even charge individuals and companies, current and former government officials who have caused the Republic of the Philippines massive losses in revenues and seriously endangered lives and communities.

In the mean time the rest of the cabinet should not play possum or think that they have no part in the battle. Just like in all previous administrations there will be attempts to sow discord and disunity within the Duterte official family. Some operators are clearly using Secretary Sonny Dominguez’s name in vain and have made it appear that Sonny Dominguez’s camp has been at odds with this camp or that person, obviously a clear attempt to divide and conquer and isolate specific cabinet secretaries.

I read Romans chapter 16 verses 17 and 18 yesterday and the teachings therein really speak to the incoming administration as well as to all Filipinos:

“I urge you brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.”

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If Pontius Pilate washed his hands of the blood of Jesus Christ, former DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya allegedly had his hands tied by incoming Secretary Art Tugade, claiming the latter requested Abaya to refrain or “Not to sign anymore documents” at the DOTC until Tugade assumed office. As a result, the formerly controversial, then remedied and re-written administrative order covering registration of Vintage Motor Vehicles is now officially classified as “Still Born.”

Remember when LTO Chief Bobit Cabrera was fed the AO on vintage motor vehicle registration that was “loaded” with booby trap provisions, particularly one that restricts the use of vintage cars to weekend and holiday and only with a special permit from the LTO. After nearly being lynched by the old school car community on print and social media, Assec. Cabrera quickly acted to correct the problem by holding two public consultations on the matter. But Cabrera’s best efforts were not enough to merit the signature of Abaya. As a result those who wanted to do things the “legal” way may now be forced to adopt the “Parang-Legal” solutions while corrupt LTO operators jump in joy!

What I can’t deal with is that the ex-Men of DOTC could not “man up” and just say “yes” or “no” and not use others as their official excuse. Considering that the AO was merely a revision, signing it would not have been a big deal not even to a person like Secretary Tugade who has far bigger concerns to deal with.

In the mean time, Secretary Tugade should pay attention to talk on the streets and social media that he is allegedly thinking “of banning or preventing the registration of all vehicles 15 years or older.” That was suppose to be an MMDA plan under the new administration, but it seems that some people are putting a spin on it and attaching it to Tugade’s name perhaps as part of the demolition work that is just warming up.

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On a more positive note, I discovered that PhilHealth is studying an even better health coverage program to give government employees the same package as a private sector HMO would. I learned about Philhealt Plus when I met with Dr. Ish Pargas, official spokesperson of PhilHealth to inquire on the possibility of putting together an affordable “care package” for members and their dependents for a private company using government health facilities, physicians, technicians and laboratories.

I have long promoted going to government hospitals and medical facilities because many of them are up to spec compared to regular private hospitals and many of my doctor friends and physicians are also consultants or regular doctors in government hospitals. Except for the “can affords,” many Filipinos are caught between a rock and a hard place when they are forced to choose between cost and quality medical care. But under the PhilHealth plus concept, members will have more options and better choices rather than a one size fits all menu.

If the private sector signs up with PhilHealth Plus and they will, it may just be the best things that can happen to government health care, private sector endorsement of government hospitals and physicians, as well as making HMO more competitive in terms of pricing and services options.

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I’ve been getting a lot of buzz from Philippine Airlines and it is clear that the country’s First and best airline is actively on the go in new territories, new partnerships as well as celebrating their 75-year history with a coffee table book to be launched this morning. The book is called “Beyond a Proud Legacy” featuring the milestones and great moments that have been part of PAL’s 75-year history in the Philippines.

As far as new destinations go, I regrettably had to forego a familiarization tour to Saipan, an island paradise that is well known for beaches, crabs and shopping, a Filipino Bishop along with thousands of Filipinos who seem to have made a home of Saipan.

Philippine Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have also recently forged a code-share partnership that will provide passengers convenient connections between the Philippines and the Hawaiian Islands. In particular Honolulu in O‘ahu to the inter-island points of L?hu‘e, Hilo, Kona and Maui. From these points, passengers can visit other neighboring island destinations including Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. Congratulations PAL!

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