Aid line to DU30
IHOSTED several get-togethers of former schoolmates etc. who are working in the Palace. The purpose of the camaraderie was for career officials to renew ties and break bread with the new bosses. It was an interesting and warm opportunity to exchange outside the oracles and weight of public office regarding certain questions on policies, interoffice relations, old and best practices in light atmosphere, the objective being, to help and support the new government succeed.
My own modest contribution was the manner in which, for example, the issue of President Duterte’s off-the-cuff comments on “media assassination” and on a foreign hostage situation with, “Mauna pa kayo sa Mayor” were handled. I offered a take-out to what should have been a better angle and approach to the half-baked Palace response. To which, a second gauntlet for my appointment was teasingly put on the table. I smiled it off. I reiterated the necessity for deciding on a single official face and voice as regular spokesman during press briefings. Many spouts may create unwanted opportunities for slip-ups despite reading from the same script.
PTV also became staple, to which I kept mum, obviating another job offering and ribbing, since the group knew of my decades with Channel 4, 13, and 9. In my mind, the government TV station is under-utilized and can actually give the big players some competition with some tweaking here and there. An old hand in Malacanang spoke of the Presidential Action Center (PCA) as highly centralized during the time of Secretary Oscar Orbos and how they were swamped by a tidal wave of public requests and complaints. This was indeed caveat to the newbies regarding the launched 8888 public aid line. Finally when the group broke out, I approached the career official with a formula to the PCA dilemma. A light switched on his face with “Oh yes, yes!” nodding his head. I pressed him to keep it between us both first. Perhaps, in another small step to bring the people closer to Malacanang, this space will bridge you via 8888Du30@gmail. com for your pending requests, bureaucratic humps, complaints which presidential notice may require. We will feature some abbreviated e-mails to reach official action from you the public.
PERSONAL: Deep gratitude extended to Herman Tiu Laurel, Orly Gopez, and staff of Mayor Erap Estrada plus Manila Local Registrar personnel Del Navata, and Ernesto Jun Tepace. Maraming Salamat!