Government agencies' services
MY ITEM last week on the much-improved clearance section of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) drew many more favorable reader reactions for other government agencies -- such as the National Statistics Office (NSO), Philhealth, Land Transportation Office (LTO) -- which were praised for their fast, efficient and courteous service.
But reader Sandy Sierra still has some serious issues with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). She complains about the very long waiting period just to get an appointment for the issuance of passports. Ms. Sierra writes:
“Please check on DFA. It seems their new server is a big failure. Initially, system was down more than five weeks a couple of months back; till now the appointment schedule is a mess. Waiting time is approximately two months for individuals and for travel agency is about a month. If President Rodrigo Duterte would know about it, I'm sure they will be sacked! The shift from Teleserve to Apo is a joke!
“Incredible delay, unimaginable incompetence! I have reported it to 8888 but I haven't had a feedback yet. I expected a call last Nov. 10 or 11 but none as of now.”
In the case of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez has some immediately doable suggestions to improve the bureau's image and tax collection efforts. Bottom line: Make it easy for the taxpayers. Secretary Dominguez advises: “There are a few more things that can be done (immediately)...
“We can have cleaner, airier and more welcoming offices, for instance. Let the taxpayers breathe. You are collecting their money after all.
“There must be a way to eliminate long lines at the BIR offices. Why punish them when they have come to pay?
“And, yes, even the BIR can hire a visual artist or copy editors to simplify the confounding forms that our taxpayers have to fill. I was informed that the former chairman of SGV Gloria Climaco filled out her own BIR forms in the past. Now she has to hire an accountant to do it. So I hope that simplified forms for smaller companies or individuals can be made. There is really no need to make our clients feel exasperated trying to fill up the forms.”
*** Press secretaries – past and present - met in a quiet social dinner last week just to exchange notes with the incumbent. Discussions touched on a wide range of domestic and international issues, but everything off the record.
The press secs came from seven administrations -- Kit Tatad (Presi- dent Marcos), Adolf Azcuna (President Cory), Chito Villanueva (President Ramos), Mike Toledo (President Erap), Toting Bunye and Jun Icban (President Arroyo), Sonny Coloma (PNoy) and Martin Andanar, the evening's host, (President Duterte).
Commissioned to organize the event was former press undersecretary Deedee Siytangco (who served under President Cory). Deedee even managed to invite some former members of the Malacañan “brat pack” -- Ichu Villañueva (Philippine Star) and DJ Sta. Ana (TV5).
The press secs -- of various political persuasions -- were divided on a number of issues but were unanimous on one thing: It was a dinner to remember.
*** Hillary Clinton edged out Donald Trump by between 670,000 and 1 million votes in the US presidential elections. But the popular vote edge did not really matter. Trump ran away with the electoral college votes, 290-232.
Now, some sectors are advocating a switch to the “more democratic” method of electing US presidents via popular votes.
Now to Trump one-liners. I could not help laughing out loud upon reading these one-liners from my friend Gary Lising: “Trump's favorites: Favorite toy – trumpo Favorite musical instrument – trumpeta
Favorite mobile sound system – trompa Favorite exerciser - trumpoline Favorite song – “The lady is a Trump.”-- from Sun.Star Manila online