Beating the Odds
June 29, 2010BEATING THE ODDS IS AN ANALYTICAL CLOSE-UP OF POLICYMAKING, DECISON-MAKING, AND ACTION-TAKING by a Philippine President under the most challenging circumstances. Through intensive research and study, the authors have been able to consolidate a portrait of leadership around six issues that stalked the Philippines at the turn of the century—terrorism, the Mindanao peace process, the drug threat, the global emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an attempted coup d’etat against the government and a hounding budget deficit
Pamana ni Gloria sa bayan – The Negative side
Weaving interesting and well-documented vignettes from the early years of the Arroyo administration, the authors write first-hand about the unfolding drama of each issue, the moment key triggers were detected at the level of the cabinet, and the leadership response that set the flow of decisions and actions down the line in the bureaucracy.
Beating the Odds departs from the adrenaline, hype and high drama of the Presidency that we read about and watch in the media and reveals the day-to-day grind that a President, Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief goes through to get the job done—navigating political straits, rolling up sleeves to help a calamity victim and hammering a speech on her laptop. Students of leadership, policymakers and those interested in how government works in a struggling democratic nation will find this book a good companion.
Chapter 1: TERROR
President Arroyo set forth a 16-point anti-terrorism platform that stands as the most comprehensive in Asia, and has kept civilians from harm from the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that continues to be beaten back. She institutionalized the hard-soft power approach that has crippled the lawless and enabled the alleviation of poverty in terror-stricken areas. She pushed for the passage of an anti-terrorism law that constricted terrorist recruitment, prevented the acquisition of deadly materiel and checked clandestine fund transfers. In the wake of 9/11 and other international terrorist bombings, she formed stronger bonds with neighboring countries and the US, and placed the Philippines at the forefront of the global coalition against terror. This collective thrust, in tandem with relentless domestic initiatives, effectively reinforced the Philippines’ response against terrorism.
Chapter 2: PEACE
President Arroyo ended the all-out war with the Moro rebels as she enforced a no-ransom, no-negotiation stand with terrorists. The ceasefire her government forged with the MILF in 2003 continues to this day, with the exception of sporadic violent incidents that have been dealt with firmly. She showed the people that talk-and -fight with rebels can be pursued alongside search-and-destroy versus terrorists.
By forming ceasefire and development committees, launching projects to oversee the rehabilitation of war-torn areas, pushing for negotiations, and inviting third parties to monitor and assist all facets of the process, the President brought greater peace and development to Mindanao. Skillfully navigating the security and political dilemmas that met the administration’s peace efforts, she has left a model for peace-building for future leaders to emulate.
Chapter 3: DRUGS
In the past decade, drug users in the Philippines have been reduced fivefold.
The proliferation and severe social impact of illegal drugs in Philippine society led President Arroyo to launch an aggressive campaign against the syndicates involved in the drug trade. She attacked the drug problem from many angles and on many levels. Nationally, she highlighted the drug problem as a national security concern and worked with Congress to pass the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and reorganize and create new government units, such as the PDEA, to make the operational response against drugs more efficient and penetrating. On the barangay level, she catalyzed local communities to fight against drugs and build awareness of the attendant evils. Across the nation, numerous drug laboratories were dismantled and criminals arrested through her personal and uncompromising campaign.
Pamana ni Gloria sa bayan – The Negative side
Chapter 4: SARS
SARS took the world by storm on early 2003. Spreading rapidly, the virus stymied economies and prompted governments to hastily set up measures to prevent its spread. President Arroyo formulated the policy template for dealing with SARS when Filipinos at home and overseas were mortally threatened. She calmed public fears through a strong personal presence during the SARS crisis, and was constantly by the people’s side until all apprehensions eased. Even before the virus hit Philippine shores, the President and her administration were prepared for its deadly arrival. The President formed the SARS management team to prevent the virus from infecting Filipinos and to handle potential SARS cases. Abroad, the President worked for the safety and care of OFWs in SARS-afflicted countries. A vigilant information drive and continuous application of preventive measures characterized the government response to the threat, and the Philippine economy suffered relatively little damage.
Chapter 5: OAKWOOD
The military takeover of Oakwood on July 27, 2003 was not a spontaneous uprising, but a result of months of planning by discontented officers of the Philippine military planning to seize power. Facing down rebellious young officers of her own Armed Forces, President Arroyo managed the Oakwood incident with her unique combination of steel and compassion, tact and firmness. Thereafter, she laid the foundations of a far-reaching Armed Forces modernization program. Before the coup even materialized, the President was well aware of the unusual restiveness preceding it. Unfortunately, the rebels were not dissuaded by her diplomatic attempts to resolve their grievances through the rule of law. The response to the coup itself showed the President, the administration’s negotiating team, and other high officials of the government effectively collaborating to contain the rebellion and bring about a peaceful resolution to the standoff. Their efforts resulted in the surrender of the rebel soldiers and the end of a serious threat to Philippine democracy.
Chapter 6: BUDGET
President Arroyo presided over 34 quarters of uninterrupted growth in the Philippine economy, drastically cut the deficit and set the basis of financial stability through the global financial crunch of 2009. The budget was in a dismal state when she first took over the reins of power in 2001. Revenues were low, debt was high, and inefficiencies and corruption drained the country’s coffers. She took steps to ensure the proper ranking of government expenditures and allocations and implemented tax reforms to improve collections. By supporting and pushing the revenue and customs agencies to ferret out tax evaders, she stepped up revenue collections. Working closely with Congress, she pushed for the approval of fiscal reforms to further increase revenues and balance the budget. Her actions sustained the economy as it ushered in a period of sustained growth that has shielded the Philippines from global financial upheavals.
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