Austerity should start at the Palace

“We didn’t know the Palace was exempted from belt-tightening and austerity measures.”

This would perhaps be the curt reply of young people who would come to know about the appointment by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III of three cabinet secretaries who occupy redundant functions as communications heads of the President.

The three communications secretaries are Secs. Ricardo Carandang, Sonny Coloma and Edwin Lacierda, all of whom are part of the Presidential Communications Group, a new cabinet level grouping that aims to properly convey to the public the vision and programs of the Pres. Aquino.

“The President had been very straightforward in the SONA for our people to make sacrifices in light of the raiding of the previous government of our coffers. We wonder how consistent such redundant appointments are in proving the point that our people need to sacrifice a little more.” This was the statement of Terry Ridon, national chairperson of the League of Filipino Students

Dissolve positions, rechannel salaries to education funding

He indicated that the combined monthly salaries of the two additional cabinet secretaries are enough to pay for the semestral 18-unit tuition component of at least 300 students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines at P12-per-unit.

Ridon said that taxpayers’ money may better be spent by dissolving the offices of the two redundant communications secretaries and rechanneling it to immediate emergency funding for schools, hospitals and other government services.

Spin doctors team

“Besides, what is the need of the President for three talking heads to address issues and convey information to the public? We submit there is none, unless most of the President’s pronouncements are mere populist propaganda and press releases which necessitate a number of experienced spin doctors like the three newly appointed secretaries.”

He stated as an example of ‘spin-doctoring’ the evasive response and recourse to the sub judice rule of Sec. Lacierda on the failure of Pres. Aquino to mention land reform and address calls to immediately distribute Hacienda Luisita.

“Just because he’s a lawyer doesn’t mean he can fool everyone. Nothing precludes Pres. Aquino from making a categorical policy statement on land reform and the distribution of Luisita land without touching upon the particular merits of the case. It is his prerogative as Chief Executive to make such policy statements, whether or not such issues relate to any case under litigation,” said Ridon, who is also student in the UP College of Law and member of the National Union of People’s Lawyers-UP.

Aquino unraveling self

Ridon said that even if the President finds the ‘perfect justification’ for such appointments, his call for austerity would clearly ring hollow to the public.

“The President is slowly unraveling himself as no different from the one he replaced. He should turn the tide before it’s too late.”