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Congress,
unless it wants to be mere pork dispensers, must act on sound
bills.
The
Reforms gravely needed by this country is both Political and
Economic. A growing concern likewise is a global problem regarding
the Environment. The economic malaise is failure of "filter
down" economic benefits to the masses of the so-called
blooming statistics on the Economy.
It
also means a difficult balancing act for a Balanced Budget
without sacrificing basic socio-economic benefits for the
people and eradication of massive corruption that has made
our infrastructure and institutions a laughing stock in the
Continent of Asia.
The
Political reforms may come in the form of Electoral changes
and addressing the wanton political killings that has claimed
over 800 judges, churchmen (25), journalists (30+) and peasant,
farmer and student leaders.
No
less than outgoing World Bank Country Head for the Philippines
Joachim van Armsberg had serious doubts about the nation's
fiscal soundness due to poor revenue collections. Aside from
that, former NEDA Head Romulo Neri also doubts a 6.3% GDP
growth rate for 2008 since it is necessary to have P20 billion
spent in "pump priming."
What
is there to pump today when the deficit is now P47 billion
this early compared to a budget of slightly over P60 billion
for the year 2007. The ambitious SONA main dish of GMA - P1.7
trillion in infrastructure has serious credibility issue especially
as to their sources of funding.
The
LEDAC (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council)
was to meet this week and we humbly offer a few priorities
they may want to consider.
ECONOMIC
PRIORITIES:
(1.)
Revise or rescind contracts on two Broadband projects: (a)
the US$ 329 million National Broadcasting network and (b)
US$460 million satellite-based IT backbone or a total of US$789
million which a University of the Philippines Study showed
to be unnecessary and superfluous in the presence of privately-owned
broadband systems owned by Smart and Globe.
A
taxpayer suit has been filed to have this disadvantageous
to rescind the Government contract for several constitutional
grounds on sovereign loans and guarantees. This will save
the Government P35.5 billion.
(2)
Rationalize four huge Irrigation Dams constructed in Bohol,
Cebu, ILocos Sur and Pampanga-Bulacan whose cost over-runs
can go up to P4 billion with no marked benefits for the farmers
and the yields of crops.
(3)
Privatize, close or downgrade salaries of Government-owned
corporations (especially those who are giving financial losses
to the Government.) There is no dearth of willing-to-sacrifice
professionals who will accept monthly pays P35,000 coming
from executive private positions of P500,000 a month. This
has happened in the Department of National Defense in the
wake of former DND secretary Avelino Cruz Jr.
(4)
Demand accountability of collection targets of BIR and Customs
primarily with a budget as basis for continuance in Office.
Privatize or sell the multi-billion holdings of government
in SMC and Meralco plus other energy-based assets. Resolve
the legal tangling of swords between Government-Cojuangco
and Government-Marcoses-Lucio Tan so that they can somehow
be monetized to benefit cash-strapped government.
(5.)
Rationalize fiscal incentives such that only exporters be
given massive fiscal breaks which cost the nation some P300
billion in foregone revenues given as perks to many industries.
(6)
Pursue debt-to-equity deals with International lenders and
Guarantors to save funds (40% of Budget) for more meaningful
Government investments with foreign participation. Passage
of the much-awaited Tourism Bill to enhance our natural competitive
edge in terms of destinations and innate hospitality.
POLITICAL
REFORMS:
(1)
Expand Human Rights Bills to include specific doctrines on
witness protection, harsher penalties for violators, command
responsibility and strengthen special courts.
(2.)
File Electoral Reform Bill for graft-free computerization,
Appointments of Commissioners and structuring an Electoral
Fund for political Parties to stop vote-buying and influence
peddling of Vested Interests during elections.
(3.)
New Rules for Social Equity Projects (a) Reallocate Budgets
for computerization of schools, better books and upgrade classrooms
(b) Expand Health Insurance Benefits, Botika ng Bayan geographical
dispersal and approval of the Cheaper Medicine Bills (c) Institutionalize
the Creation of wealth through more Livelihood Projects and
supervised Micro-Financing Schemes
(4)
Reforming the Budget System, Promotion System and the PMA
Curriculum to address them to the needs of the present time.
Bills to bring back Value System in the AFP and Police ranks.
(5.)
Purging of Judiciary through new Methods that could lead to
the dismissal and suspension of erring, corrupt and lazy members
of the Judiciary which has kept the back log of cases in great
disarray. A Bill for the creation of a Movement for Moral
Recovery Program in all levels of Government -Executive, Legislative
and Judiciary.
ENVIRONMENTAL
REFORMS
(1)
Bills to rationalize the foreign ownership of mining an real
estate assets in the country. More pro-active Environmental
Law on Mining and related Industries including oil exploration
(Pacific Sword, remember?).
(2.)
Review with a fine toothed comb the provisions of the Japan-RP
Partnership Agreement such that the opening of the Japanese
market to RP products and health workers is not in exchange
for our liberality in accepting toxic Japanese wastes to our
shores.
(3.)
Mandate the planting of Trees as a Municipality Goal with
specific number required every year and Complete Log-Ban in
the Entire Country.
(4)
Institute Debt for Environment Swaps to free our cash and
simultaneously enhance preservation of the Environment.
Doing
all the above on top of the usual Investigation-in-aid-of-
Legislation routine , may be a tough act for Congress, known
for its laggard and corrupt ways, to do in one sweep.
But
they are guide posts to light their way, perhaps, to snare
their attention away from merely making money on the side
to recoup their election expenses.
If
you believe any of the above should be a priority of your
favorite Congressman or senator, write or email them. Demand
accountability for the votes you gave them last May.
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For
Comments: email to
bingo_dejaresco@boholchronicle.com Or editor@boholchronicle.com
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