Can Democracy Function in a Tribalistic Society?

Ilocanos for Ilocanos; Kapangpangans for Kapangpangans; Cebuanos for Cebuanos; Tagalogs for Tagalogs, etc. etc.

In Cebu City and the area then defined as the second congressional district the famous battle cry was’ “Bisag Unsaon, Kang Serging Kami”(Regardless of anything we are for Serging). Serging meaning the late Sergio Osmena Jr. the undisputed king of Cebu politics whose sway and control over the electorate there seems to have perpetuated itself to the present day. The Osmena clan still holds much sway over Cebu politics. Serging’s children, nephews, nieces and other allied relatives and close supporters have successfully occupied public office.

What I found in the 1960’s when I was, as a student, involved with political campaigns, was the degree of clannish fanaticism with which the late Sergio Osmena Jr. was adored and venerated. Issues did not matter as far as his supporters were concerned. And this devotion from the Cebuanos both in Cebu and parts of Mindanao (to where many Cebuanos had migrated over the decades) was in fact a cornerstone of Serging’s strategy when he run as an independent candidate for the vice-presidency in 1961. In an interview with journalists covering the campaign he pointed out that next to the Ilocanos, the Cebuanos were the most clannish voters in the Philippines. And he almost won in 1961, just short by about 100,000 votes nationally.

And the “bisag unsaon” phenomenon is not limited to Cebu and Cebuanos. In other regions of the country clannishness is a trait just as ingrained. Consider, for example, the term “solid north”. It meant the unity among the predominantly Ilocano population in the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Abra and what was then known as the Mountain Province. And, whoever had control over these votes had a very good chance of winning the elections on the national level.

There is, of course, nothing wrong with voting for members of one’s clan. A valid rationale is that, once in office, this person would enhance his native region with public works projects and other economic advantages. There is also pride say, for the Ilocanos, if an Ilocano is the president, vice-president or a senator.

But our problem is that, it seems, this type of “tribal” loyalty extends way beyond support of a “favorite son”. In many cases people seem to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the crimes and transgressions of these politicians provided they come from their tribe or clan.

It is no surprise therefore that in the Ilocano provinces we see this seemingly bizarre resurgence of the Marcoses as political leaders. There is even talk that Ferdinand Jr. is contemplating a run for national office as a senatorial candidate, based no doubt on the expectation that he will get a commanding lead in the “solid north” and also win the support of Ilocanos all over the islands.( Perhaps it is a trial balloon for seeking the presidency one day? A scary thought, for many). The Ilocanos, it seems, have forgotten the carnage and the plunder visited upon the country by Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos; or worse yet, they remember but accept it for the very base and simple reason that Marcos is of their clan.

Clannishness and tribalism are perhaps unavoidable and enjoy much practice in many nations and cultures. Yet for Philippine democracy to truly take root and blossom into the best institution there is for the advancement of the Filipino, it will be necessary for the electorate, the citizenry to hold their elected leaders accountable; leaders must be held responsible for their sins and transgressions while in office. This is true whether those leaders be the Marcoses, the Osmenas or the Macapagal-Arroyos. If elected leaders violate the public trust the voters must render a verdict of guilty and vote them out regardless of the filial, familial or tribal links to these leaders.If candidates have a background involving corruption or have amassed wealth they can neither explain nor justify, they should not be elected to office even if they belong to one's clan, province or region. The very essence of democracy demands this. When accountability is short circuited, democratic principles die.

A good recent example of how this principle and process should work is the case of New Orleans Democrat William Jefferson, a congressman for nine terms. He was indicted for bribery when a $90,000.00 cache was found in his office refrigerator. Since he was not yet tried and convicted he ran for a tenth term in a city and congressional district dominated for several decades by Democrats and the population was predominantly black just like Jefferson. He thought he would win handily as he had done nine times before. To his surprise the predominantly black and Democratic voters kicked him out and elected a neophyte Vietnamese American candidate by the name of Anh Cao, who ran as a Republican.

The message was loud and clear: regardless of racial, ethnic and clannish identity an elected congressman known for a corrupt act was voted out of office. It was a clear and vivid example of a mature electorate that valued democratic principles over above all else. (Jefferson was finally convicted and now serves and 13 year prison term for the crime of bribery)

Will the Philippines ever see the day when the voters will use the ballot as a weapon to punish those who have violated the public trust? Will the time come when our citizens evaluate their candidates based strongly on qualifications and character? Will true democracy ever become a reality? Or shall we continue to wallow in the quagmire of clannish-tribal politics?

It has been more than a century and a decade since the death of our national heroes Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. It has been more than sixty five years since the blood of our soldiers were shed on the battlefields of Bataan and Corregidor. It is some twenty six years since the assassination of Benigno Aquino, Jr. As I recall it, no one ever asked or cared if these heroes were Cebuanos or Ilocanos or Tagalogs. We only knew and cared that they were Filipinos. From Aparri to Jolo, from our cities teeming with vibrant humanity, to the barrios and villages where simplicity and grace continue to abound, from the sylvan mountain tops to the seashores caressed by emerald seas, we embraced them, our heroes. Isn’t it time that we truly honor them by embracing what they stood and died for?

They did not die for an Ilocano or a Tagalog or a Cebuano or any of the hundreds of linguistic and ethnic identities that comprise our nation.They died for all Filipinos. They died for freedom and democratic principles. It would be fitting if, on May 10, 2010 our ballots would carry the names of the candidates best qualified for the positions they aspire to regardless of clan identification. Then, and only then, can we with certitude and pride say that Rizal, Bonifacio, Aquino and our other heroes did not give their lives in vain.

Teodoro, Villar or Aquino?

A Conundrum for Filipino Voters

Once upon a time, a while back, the mid-1950’s to be more precise, ours was a country envied by most of Asia. We were America’s strongest ally in the region and with that came strength and self confidence. We had emerged from WWII and with Ramon Magsaysay occupying Malacanang Palace everything was coming up roses. The exchange rate was a strong two pesos to one dollar. Industries were on the rise. Education was top notch. Our population was upwardly mobile compared to many other Asian economies.

In the 1950’s there were maids who were uprooted from their country to seek employment elsewhere, but these maids were from Hong Kong and the country they went to for employment was the Philippines. Little American children running around Luneta were often overheard speaking Chinese; they picked up the Fujienese dialect of their imported amahs.

Flash forward to 2010 and we have several millions of Filipinos who have now done what the Chinese amahs from Hong Kong did in the 1950s, go to foreign countries as maids. Irony of ironies several thousands of these Filipina maids are working in Hong Kong today.

This article is not about going over what went wrong. We are now facing elections in a couple of months and have a unique opportunity to reshape our future for the better. If only we could get the right man into Malacanang as our president, perhaps we may have a chance. Let’s not kid ourselves, the problems are immense and expecting radical change to take root and become a fiat accompli within the next few years is decidedly quixotic. What we can hope for is that with a new president we can at the very least begin the transformation of our government, economy and culture all for the better.

The eminent economist, former secretary of finance under the Aquino administration, former Stanford University professor ( and most especially, fellow Cebuano) Jess Estanislao has been writing a series of columns in the Manila Bulletin dwelling on the concept of developing the “Road Map for the Philippines 2030”.
He outlines 12 specific “strategic priorities” among them “Responsible Citizenship” and “Strengthening the Drivers of Change”. He seeks a transformative pathway for our population and if achieved could indeed radically change the direction and character of our country. His columns are a “must read” for all Filipinos. Every teacher in the country from first grade to college should have what he writes read aloud before the start of each day.

What Estanislao proposes to take place can truly be enhanced in an environment that not only nurtures his ideas ( and ideals) but also one where the country’s leadership makes every attempt to successfully live by them. Are Filipinos going to elect a president who can, thru progressive policies and by being a sterling example of integrity, create the environment that will make it possible for the Estanislao proposals to become reality?

There are currently three front runners for the presidency: Manuel Villar, Gilberto Teodoro and Benigno Aquino III. Former president Estrada, Senator Richard Gordon and a couple of others seem to lagging behind and, unless several miracles take place, are not expected to win. So let’s look at the three.

Manuel Villar is bandied about as one of the wealthiest people in the Philippines and thru massive advertising in all media is rumored to “practically buy” the presidency. Scandals about him and his family and companies are floating all over the place. Has anyone established a clear timeline that shows clearly how and when he made his billions? As I understand it, from all I’ve read and heard, he made a killing after convincing former president Aquino to route all government housing funds thru a funnel that he controlled and in the process diverted billions of pesos of housing funds thru his companies and corporations. Is he someone who can lift our nation and country along the lines advocated by Estanislao?

Gilberto Teodoro, charismatic, young, dynamic and impeccably credentialed looks very promising. He has one major drawback that is tugging at his shirtsleeves with seemingly great discomfort: he represents the Gloria Arroyo administration that is not only not loved but extremely hated by the population. The fear is that he will help sweep away all the ongoing scandals perpetrated by GMA and her family and friends and eventually act as her protector. His bland statements of independence has not, it seems, impressed nor convinced many potential voters.

That leaves us with Senator Aquino. I’ve seen him on TV, I’ve read reports about him and he seems to be the very epitome of “mellowness”. He seems to take more from his late mother Cory than from his late father the dynamic Ninoy. Is he the answer?
Using the Estanislao proposals as the barometer of measurement, will he be the one who can lift the Philippine ship of state from the precipitous maelstrom that the past administrations have driven it into? Can he set us on a course that offers some glimpse of a better tomorrow for our country? Who will he be, Cory or Ninoy? Has he learned from the mistakes and shortcomings of his mother’s presidency? The recent “brown outs” and power shortages are grim reminders of the frustrations of those days. About the strongest statement made in his behalf comes from a long time colleague of mine from Cebu. She says:

“(Noynoy) has unquestionable integrity and (the) determination to fight corruption is definitely his strong suit. And so we must start somewhere. And he will lead us in this start.”

Will this be enough? Is personal integrity the key and “Noynoy” the door? Is “competence” essential and therefore Gibo?? Will business savvy and chutzpah make Manny the choice?

A conundrum indeed, and the electorate has less than two months to sort this out.
May the country win, for once!

Advice to Manny Pacquiao : Don't go into the Pigsty

You Can Serve Better As “Citizen Manny”


Manny Pacquiao drew over 50,000 fight fans into Jerry Jones Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas, making it the 3rd biggest draw to a fight venue. The actual fight against Joshua Clottey itself was a big bore. Very clearly the Ghanian was fearful, nay terrified, of the feared Pacquiao right cross hence he did not put his height and reach advantage to use by unleashing left jabs. Instead he seemed to have been using a “rope a dope” strategy but without the rope. He stood in the center of the ring, raised both of his arms to cover up his face and torso. I didn’t have to wait for the final verdict. The HBO analysts scored the fight 12 rounds to zero in favor of Pacquiao. So did the million or so pay-per-view patrons.

Much as I love sports writing, this is not a sports story. What I’d like to do is make a robust effort to persuade, if not convince, Manny Pacquiao to not sully his very fine reputation by going into politics. He does not need to be a congressman, senator or governor to serve his country and help his people. Whatever millions he now has he earned literally by the sweat of his brow; by the effective use of his talents; by handing out beatings, yes, but also taking some of the best punches there are in the weight classes he has fought in. He actually has suffered cuts and wounds and bled to gain his riches and the high esteem with which he is beheld not only by Filipinos but millions around the world as well. Which politician among the crop currently populating Congress, Malacanang, Governor’s mansions and City Hall offices can ever make that claim?

Going into politics in the Philippines is akin to bathing in a pig sty. All those politicians who are now eager to cling to Manny’s coattails are luring him into the political arena for one major purpose: to deodorize the chambers and corridors of power that they so wantonly sprayed and defiled with their stench.

Manny can look to other athletes who, even at the height of their careers, have undertaken projects and causes that help uplift those who are less fortunate and in the process contribute substantially and effectively to the betterment of the nation and society. There are many examples of athletes who have given back to their communities and their country. The late Arthur Ashe and seven time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong come to mind. But the example that should perhaps be considered by Pacquiao is the Andre Agassi foundation which funded and created the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy.

In 2001, flush with victory and the resurgence of his tennis career, Agassi invested his money in creating a school in a disadvantaged neighborhood in Las Vegas. It offers classes from first grade to fourth year high school. Last year the thirty four students who started eight years earlier graduated from high school and all of them had been accepted into colleges around the nation, earning along the way some $250,000.00 worth of scholarships provided by the colleges that accepted them and by other endowments.

Agassi was the commencement speaker at the school’s first graduation ceremonies. Here’s part of what he said:

““My hope for them (the graduates) ultimately is that they … come back home, come back here ideally, but to this community, to this neighborhood, to this city, and make a difference for future generations .I think that’s ultimately how we are going to define success.”

And that is precisely the goal that Pacquiao can set for himself, the infusion of both material and leadership capital into projects that will create a dramatic, and hopefully a continuing, paradigm shift in the lives of millions of children so that they can fashion a Philippine future much different from the one we see today, where poverty is endemic and millions of its children, waifs really, are destined to a lifelong bondage of self perpetuating hopelessness.

And the Manny Pacquiao story should perhaps be at the centerpiece of this endeavor. Here is a man whose life started out as a poor, nearly homeless youth raised by a parent who struggled to keep them alive from day to day. Yet thru industry and perseverance, the use of his talent and a dedication to a goal, he transcended both his origins and surroundings. Blessed with an unusual combination of speed and strength he rose to prominence as one of the world’s most highly regarded boxers, and one that history will most likely rank with Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Rocky Marciano as among the best of all time.

His role as a worthy example extends beyond his pugilistic accomplishments. Though recently rich with millions in prize monies he did not rest on his laurels nor idled away his time in pursuit of worldly pleasures that often led to the downfall and demise of some of his predecessors. He instead enrolled himself in school to get an education which eluded him in those long ago days in poverty. And there is palpable evidence of his progress. I saw him interviewed by Larry Merchant several years ago and he had to use an interpreter to help him thru the process. In the past couple of years he no longer uses an interpreter and answers questions in English that sometimes is much more coherent and relevant in comparison to some of our politicians including a former president.

What Manny Pacquiao could perhaps consider is teaming up with another well known, young Filipino pioneer, the CNN hero of the year, Efren Penaflorida who invested time and resources to aid children, who are living off the trash in the barrios of Tondo, learn to read and write, using an innovative, inexpensive carreton library. The synergies they might generate could possibly be, as they say, totally awesome.

I am certain that there are many worthy causes that Manny Pacquiao can render his talent and resources to after his boxing career ends. There are many endeavors that can cement a legacy of greatness for him in other worthwhile pursuits and that will benefit his nation and country in the process. Becoming a politician is perhaps the worst option there is for him. Rather than allow himself to be a deodorant for today’s class of politicians, he should use his wealth and renown to plow an aromatic and fruit filled garden of ideas that can cultivate and nurture a radically different and beneficial future for the needy children of his homeland.

Aquino Column Controversy: Can Democracy Work?

My March 3rd column “The Aquino Mystique and Mistake” drew some interest and some readers sent in their comments. A few agreed with my analysis, while others offered what one might call an effort to defend the late President Aquino from my conclusion that she erred in not using her immense powers in 1986 to drastically remake our society. “ Yes, she had a mandate, but she also had so many who helped her get elected demanding their piece of flesh… Cory had too many people to whom she was obligated that she was hamstrung in her efforts to move forward” is what one reader offered.
Another reader opined thus:

“ I would like to commend you for your commentary on the … subject. I think it is honest and to the point. In fact, I have my private fears that Noynoy (who seems to be the front-runner and will probably win) will go the same way others have because he's unqualified for the position. Though honest, he will be ruled by a group of special interest guys and the corruption merry-go-round will continue.”


Indeed the issue of a democracy’s ability to get things done has often been called to question. The standstill in the US Senate insofar as health reform legislation is concerned perhaps best illustrates one of the frustrations with the democratic process. On the other hand dictatorships and absolute monarchies, though efficient in getting things done, also very efficiently wipe out all freedoms and the power elite amasses all the wealth. “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

The Philippines have seen two occasions when the use of absolute power could have resulted in the betterment of our country. We’ve discussed Cory Aquino’s time in office, and before that there were 21 years of Marcos. Almost fourteen of those years a dictatorship.

Many among the older generation genuinely welcomed martial law in 1972. The initial result was a greater sense of security, some order replaced chaos, criminals were pursued and punished with due speed and effectiveness.

Marcos also took some initial steps to address the issue of concentrated wealth. He took over many of the monopolistic businesses owned or controlled by the oligarchs. He also confiscated large haciendas and hinted at fair and equitable land distribution.

In no time at all we found his moves to be a sham. Marcos’ main intent was to become the “super oligarch” and turned the businesses over to his cronies and family members. Crony capitalism became an art form. A robust “kleptocracy” was solidly entrenched. In perhaps an unguarded moment, Imelda Marcos, the smiling, singing partner in the “Conjugal Dictatorship” blurted out to foreign listeners that “ we own almost everything in the Philippines”.

And the mighty sword heretofore aimed at criminals was used by Marcos to slash away at political opponents and anyone else daring to articulate dissent or criticize the regime. Police and military became no more than large private armies.
So, in a span of 25 or so years we have witnessed the ill effects of power when used in the perverse method that Marcos did, and the seemingly inutile results produced when authority was in the hands of Cory Aquino who could not effectively manage a democracy.

While we may be delving into the past here, the discussion has great relevancy to the present because Filipinos are again poised to go to the polls and select a new leader. It is time, I believe, for some serious national soul-searching.

Can true democracy find bloom in a country where, in some areas, warlords with private armies prove more powerful than the de jure government? Will the oligarchs who have re-emerged and prospered since the fall of Marcos willingly unclench its stifling grip on the country’s business arteries and allow true free enterprise to take root and grow? Will those who occupy leadership roles from the president on down to the lowliest barangay captain truly abide by their oaths to serve the people and once and for all resist the lure to easy riches and perpetual power? Will those who manage the country’s bureaucracy look at government positions as opportunities to serve the Filipino people rather than a means to further perpetuate the “lagay” culture? Will the police and armed forces protect and defend the citizenry, or, as what seems to happen now, be the bodyguards of the oligarchs and their minions? Will there finally be a government that the people can trust? And just as importantly, will the electorate seek and pursue altruistic goals or yet again be one led by the mindless, popularity enticed, vote selling masses who have made movie stardom the preferred vehicle to public office?

We may not necessarily find or arrive at definitive and satisfactory answers; nevertheless the conversation needs to take place. The discussion that centers on substantive issues must preempt the tendency to be swayed by pizzazz and “pakulo”. In the final analysis it is the citizenry that must decide what path the country eventually takes. Electing a “saint” did not seem to work out for us. As one reader wrote in, “,Being honest for this highest position is not enough!”

Yet as we saw with Marcos, the presidency can easily, and with lethal and devastating effect, lure a leader to indulge in the deadly sins of greed and avarice in addition to acquiring a voracious appetite for perpetual, uncontested power.

“These are the times that try men’s souls”, wrote Thomas Paine in his collection of essays, The Crisis. His ideas helped give impetus to the movement towards American independence. His famous quote seems aptly appropriate for Filipinos approaching the May 2010 elections

Air Crashes Revisited- Remembering Fallen Colleagues

Air Crashes Revisited. Remembering Fallen Colleagues

Does this happen to anyone else? I mean burying something into the deepest recesses of one’s memory banks and not wanting to access it for some dreadful reason? That’s my experience with the several airplane crashes I was directly associated with some 40 or so years ago

One ex PAL colleague now residing in the US recently commented that many of us do have memories of our days at PAL, especially at that time in the past when working for an airline meant having a glamorous and exciting life.

This exchange of emails with him opened a floodgate of memories that I had long suppressed. One such memory was of a crash that took place in September of 1969. One of our “PALJETS”, a BAC One-Eleven that took off from Cebu had crashed amid bad weather in Antipolo, a suburb of Manila. Only one person survived, a steward surnamed Madrid; the rest perished, including the famous actor –turned- politician, Mat Ranillo. I rushed to Mactan airport – a challenge at that time because we had to use a WWII barge to cross the channel. My mission was to get the facts and notify the media. And most important of all, speak with the next of kin, many of whom had also gone to the airport. Hearing the wails, beholding the gush of tears from helpless parents, spouses, children and other next of kin was a gut wrenching ordeal. As the only public relations employee in the southern Philippines I was the face of an airline that had caused the death of many – I was totally helpless, unable to alleviate the suffering and agony of what had now swelled into a sobbing and angry mob. Somehow I survived. I worked thru the night. As the dawn broke and streaks of sunlight pierced the morning fog I walked out to the ramp to take a deep breath. In a couple of hours our first flight from Manila would land and with it a team of PAL personnel who were professionally trained to address the needs of next of kin of crash victims. I could now go home. But the memory of those tearful faces and the cries and the sobs of helplessness stayed with me a long time.

I also recalled another crash. This time on the island of Mactan itself. It was an F27 Fokker Friendship. This was on February 28, 1967. I was not in pr yet but was the station agent on duty at about 7 p.m. when we were told that a plane from Manila had crashed before it hit the runway and in a part of the compound controlled by the US military ( Mactan was an active resupply base for the US effort in Vietnam). There was only 1 survivor, a priest from one of the Catholic run colleges. When I saw the passenger list, scanning thru to see who else was on board, a cold, chilling wave swept over me. Many of those who perished were pilots, co-pilots, stewardesses and our own flight surgeon.. They were Mactan based pilots who had gone to Manila to visit family and had to get back to Mactan that night so they could fly outbound planes the next day. I can no longer recall the names of the young men and women laid out at the morgue. These were colleagues that I and many of my coworkers had dealt and interacted with on a daily basis. Their faces and bodies, dead and mangled, have stayed with me. Young lives snuffed out at their prime. They were fathers, and sons, and husbands, and brothers, and sisters who were no more.

The crash that hit very close to home was the one in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on April 27,1967. It was an F28 “Fellowship” test flight. Fokker was in competition with the AVRO HS748 and was trying to convince PAL to buy their airplane instead. I was supposed to be on that flight. Captain Pete Mallari, chief pilot and regional manager wanted me to arrange a media meeting in Davao, the test flight’s final airport that day. As luck would have it, I was not feeling too well that day and had gone home sick earlier.

I heard of the crash later that evening and dragged myself to the nearest PAL office to get the details. None were available at that time. Later, a source very close to the investigation offered this information : “ Captain Joe Sacro was at the controls and eye witnesses said the aircraft was on full power, although not moving, which signified that he tried a static takeoff because of the short runway. A Malaybalay fire truck came and doused the plane with water, thus spreading fire. People claimed they heard shouting inside the cabin, but they could not open the door because it was stuck and the heat from the fire was intolerable”

Two days later I was in Mactan receiving the coffins from Malaybalay. Aside from Captain Mallari, were several colleagues who were close to us all. There was Captain Tom Gallego a check pilot who wanted to help evaluate the plane. There was my friend the tall and beautiful Margot Perfecto, a chief flight attendant, who I had known from my high school days in Cebu. There were Vicente “Titong” Gador and Joe Jueco, colleagues I worked with at the PAL counters.

They were all on the flight at the invitation of Captain Mallari because he wanted to get as many diversified opinions as possible on the plane’s capabilities and characteristics. As I heard it Captain Gallego and Margot had just come off a flight from Manila and were summoned to the F28 that was just about to rev up for take-off. In fact Captain Gallego reportedly was running from one plane to another. He had literally run to his death.

There are many experiences one shares when working for an airline. There are some that one would rather forget. But these are seared in our memories. This painful phenomenon of knowing and working with friends and colleagues one day, and then burying them the next is made more intense perhaps by the realization that it may well have been us in those coffins, on the corral reefs at Mactan or in that ravine in Malaybalay. These are memories that far outweigh whatever glamour or glory there may have been while working at PAL. It reminds us that life is precious and that our friendships and connections are a valuable gift and that these can, sometimes savagely, be so swiftly taken from us. I thank my ex-colleague who triggered these remembrances. He has reminded me to be appreciative of the many years I’ve had so far; many of our friends were not so fortunate.
N.B. My thanks to ex-PAL public relations colleague Romeo F.C. Farol for factual corrections that helped complete the information herein. “Rome” was the departmental liaison to flight operations and cabin services and knew well many of the crews that manned PAL’s international and domestic flights.