^

Opinion

From ‘wag the dog’ to conspiracy theories

CTALK - Cito Beltran - The Philippine Star

I was honestly surprised, mildly shocked even, to read “BBM: Budget challenge part of destabilization” on the front page of The Philippine STAR. Either the budget controversy has affected the President’s peace of mind, or Malacañang spin doctors are now escalating the PR counter offensive.

When the 2025 budget controversy heated up during the last two weeks, I got the feeling that the “blank signature” squabble with PRRD, all the talk about cooperating with the ICC and Interpol, the President’s comments on the Comprehensive Sexuality Education bill and the arrest of Chinese spies were all distractions or “wag the dog” tactics.

I opted not to pay attention to the possibility because who wants to add fuel to the fire? But when no less than President Bongbong Marcos starts talking about destabilization, it is clear that the administration is running low on ammunition in terms of defense and justification for the scandalous 2025 budget.

To begin with, the original genuine 2025 budget was created and submitted by the PBBM administration. I assume that the Departments of Finance and Budget Management coordinated with Congress, where the budget was explained.

Whatever came out after the budget deliberations was the handiwork of the House of Representatives, with most members calling themselves “allies of PBBM” and presumably aided and monitored by Malacañang officials or legislative liaisons.

Almost immediately, the HOR version was flagged by no less than presidential sister, Senator Imee Marcos, howled at by affected departments, particularly the DepEd and DND, as well as affected sectors like public health. This made everything public knowledge and the public outcry almost instantaneous.

As a result, PBBM personally reviewed and tried to remedy Frankenstein’s budget, delayed the signing by a couple of weeks but ultimately affixing his signature on multiple copies. For good measure, PBBM served Congressman Zaldy Co as a “pièce de resistance” or sacrificial goat for “peace to the resistance.”

People thought it was a sincere gesture until they woke up the next day and realized it was “consuelo de bobo” since the budget had already been signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. before removing Congressman Co’s chairmanship. In other words, it simply added insult to injury.

I have said before that PBBM was unwittingly, but not unknowingly, boxed in between a rock and a hard place. He needed the budget to operate government, but it was a defective budget in terms of what was requested and what was “constitutional.”

The President believed that adjustments or “hilot” (remedies) could be done later. It has been done in the past by other politicians, but not by someone embroiled in such bitter political feud as PBBM finds himself. Even worse, everything has been so public that there is no denying or covering up the defective budget.

Unfortunately for PBBM, he signed the document into law and now it cannot be undone except through judicial remedy, and so he has to live with the consequences, whether temporary or long term, whether it is the seemingly incessant criticism of affected sectors or the uncertainty of legal outcomes.

Given the “series of unfortunate events,” PBBM should avoid turning to conspiracy theories or off the shelf responses used by tradpols such as “this is all politically motivated.” As my mentor always says: “Less talk, less mistake. No talk, no mistake.”

Talking about “destabilization” signals, PBBM critics say that he is affected and that their actions are working. That in turn will encourage even more of the same. It also sends a signal that PBBM does not acknowledge the legitimacy of their concern, which will anger his critics even more.

If PBBM is being told or advised that there are destabilization efforts aimed at him, I would suggest that PBBM applies the lesson from the book of Matthew chapter 18, verse15:

“If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong; if he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again.”

I share this verse with the President in all humility because I have heard that he has been fed inaccurate, unconfirmed or outright lies on various issues in order to mislead him or put him on the defensive towards people or groups that have his best interest in mind.

Maybe, just maybe, the destabilization is coming from within his circle of associates or Kamag-Anak Inc. as has been the case with other presidents and administrations. As I have written before, while PBBM takes the heat, the guilty authors behind the 2025 budget are busy campaigning already.

It may be that the President is well aware of the facts as well as where loyalties of people lie, perhaps he knows what he has gotten himself into by signing the mangled and controversial 2025 budget. But history teaches us never to raise ghosts where there are no dead because people know better.

As for the petition questioning the constitutionality of the 2025 budget, I doubt if the Supreme Court will decide against what is already a done deal, or what they call “moot and academic.” The Supreme Court is often hesitant to opine on the work of the Executive out of respect, except in very serious matters.

The truth of the matter is that this administration has more influence with “the gods of Padre Faura” than previous administrations. Of course, miracles do happen, but the petitioners better not hold their breath.

BUDGET

  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with