Political Will or Arrogance?

By Sonnie Santos, Blog Watch

P.Noy got mixed reviews from his first press conference after the proclamation. The nation witnessed a leader who can display political will, but others thought that this was arrogance.

The resolution of the incoming President to replace Bangit has been viewed by some as arrogance because of how the matter was handled by his camp. The people surrounding P.Noy has been lambasting the appointment of Bangit and called for his resignation, lest he may be relieved. While there is no question that P.Noy has the prerogative to hire and fire, and to chose people who enjoy his trust, there is a "professional" way to do it.

What is wrong with Bangit?

Except from the person who appointed him, and his statement given to media, as a soldier, what crime did he commit that merits public humiliation?

Yes, he may have opted to submit his courtesy resignation and avoid heading on with the incoming President, but again, there is a professional and dignified way of requesting a person, who served our country and risked his life to protect our territorial integrity and democracy, to step down. I believe we owe respect and honorable exit to public servants who served their country well and committed no crime. Likewise, civilian supremacy is not an excuse to disrespect the military.

In "change management" we are not only dealing with processes and machines but also people. Processes and machines can be upgraded and replaced anytime and expect no direct consequences. But people have emotions. People have friends and families, they have spheres of influence. While Gen. Bangit may have handled the embarrassment professionally [so far], and may opt to just fade away, we can not expect the same reaction from his friends and relatives. People may have chosen to be quiet right now, pero sabi nga nila eh "bilog ang mundo".


Because of this, the Aquino administration may have to regularly watch its back. The time and resources that will be spent on issues like this is better channeled to free the country of corruption, as promised in his campaign.

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I find Noynoy's pronouncements on this issue very shallow to the point of sounding petty and petulant -- at 50, he still talks and reasons like an 11-year-old brat. Just because Gen. Bangit was appointed by Pres. Arroyo -- for whom he has no love lost, and appointed allegedly past the election ban deadline -- Noynoy is singling out the military chief for his petty revenge at Arroyo. Bangit would not have risen to a general's rank if he has not laid his life on the line countless times while on the battlefield as a young soldier, or sent his men to battle knowing that some of them would not come back alive. Bangit is a real-life hero already. He has proven himself. Noynoy still has to make his name. Can't he show some respect instead of signs of vengeance, vindictiveness, grandstanding and immaturity? He should remember that despite his wide lead over Erap, he was elected as a minority president -- meaning 6 out of 10 Filipinos wanted someone else to lead them. A dose of humility would do him a lot of good as this nation's leader in the next 6 years.

plans.

work has officially started. miss dependent, no more. :)

right at this moment i am defining T-I-R-E-D! :|

but really having a good time, enjoying work and very happy meeting new people and professionals. :)

still undecided whether to enroll this sem in order to continue my graduate school studies or file LOA for the mean time.one thing is certain, i am going to finish my MS HRM at any expense, as in NO MATTER WHAT. i just don't know when. :P haha

i also have plans of taking up paralegal. have to inquire when classes would start soon. it's like a law school or something. i'll be taking up all law subjects but i will not be an "attorney" but a legal consultant. and if i do like it, i'll pursue law na din. :)

soo. goodluck tlga STEF!