Opinion BusinessMirror
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Good times, not anger, led to Trump’s rise B J B Bloomberg View
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CATCH of the Day to Kevin Drum at Mother Jones for pointing to polling showing that, no, Republicans in 2016 aren’t especially angry about the economy. And HuffPollster notes that Republicans aren’t really angry, period, at least compared with the 2012 cycle. Drum puts it this way: People aren’t more angry, or more bigoted, or more scared than usual. It’s just that we didn’t have a guy like Trump fanning these flames quite so crudely in past elections. This year we do. My view is that Trump is doing well precisely because things aren’t particularly bad for the US right now. In difficult times, voters take their responsibilities more seriously, and wouldn’t embrace the buffoonery of a reality-television star. People can indulge in Trump’s fantasies in a period of (more or less) peace and (sort of) prosperity. Or perhaps, it’s just a consequence of cartoonish characterizations of the Barack Obama administration. Republican politicians (and talk-show hosts and pundits) have been telling their constituents for seven years that Obama is a fullfledged disaster. Yet, unemployment is way down since he took office, and tangible signs of foreign-policy losses are difficult to identify.
For people with a strong ideological point of view, Obamacare—with its principle that access to health care is a responsibility of the federal government—represents a disaster by itself, but most voters don’t care about the principle. They care about health care and, for the most part, they are unaffected by the Affordable Care Act. This doesn’t mean you can’t make a sensible case against some results of Obama’s policies. It’s just that the apocalyptic view of Republican and conservative leaders doesn’t correspond to the lived experience of most Americans, including Republicans. So if you’re going with a fictional portrait of America, you might as well, (perhaps) go with a candidate who does fiction well. Of course, this isn’t a joke. Some real bigots are on Trump’s bandwagon—no surprise given his rhetoric. And some voters are genuinely furious about the nation’s direction. There’s some evidence that voters going through personal hard times are more drawn to Trump. Overall, however, the Obama years haven’t resulted in recession, soaring inflation or a foreign misadventure with major American casualties—in other words, anything that produces serious political reaction. Barring that, an entertainment version of politics has some appeal. And Trump puts on a good show. Nice catch!
China’s schoolyard defense B M S Bloomberg View
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VER since global investors began questioning the competence of Chinese policy-makers last summer, the latter have repeatedly fallen back on a familiar schoolyard defense: “I know you are, but what am I?” No matter how poor their judgment, egregious their miscues or dismal China’s economic results, Chinese leaders argue, the US economy and its stewards can hardly claim to have performed any better. Just last week, in a rare press conference, Chinese’s Finance Minister Lou Jiwei tried to deflect a question about China’s worrying explosion of debt by comparing his country to the US. “Its current debt level is a lot higher than its 2008 standard but its economy is still recovering,” Lou contended. “So we can’t generalize the theory that high debts must lead to a crisis.” Similarly, at a conference ahead of the G-20 meeting in Shanghai in February, Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao couldn’t resist a swipe at US policy-makers. Perhaps, Chinese leaders did have to do a better job of explaining their economic decisions to the world, he admitted, but so did the Americans. Last August Zhu used the same tactic when defending his government’s much-criticized, heavyhanded intervention in the stock market, arguing the US had employed similar methods before. “Other countries [did] the same thing,” he said. “You can see the case in [the] US.” Such retorts are all too familiar to anyone writing critically about China’s economy. Negative critiques are often dismissed as sour grapes or Chinabashing. The US economy isn’t in such great shape either, China’s defenders snap, so what right do you have to tell anyone else what to do? In picking up the refrain, Chinese policy-makers may believe they’re exposing the West’s hypocrisy. While Americans like to think of their economy as a model of free-market virtues, in fact, US policy-makers do fool with market forces when they feel the need. Why should China be held to standards to which Westerners don’t adhere themselves? And for that matter, why are China’s mandarins expected to be any less fallible than their counterparts in the US or Europe? Those are fair points. However, by engaging in finger-pointing, leaders in Beijing suggest they’re either not taking seriously the issues that worry the world, or they don’t really under-
stand the scope of their problems. That does little to restore faith in Chinese regulators or policy-makers or markets, which should be the leadership’s main goal. The problem is that Beijing’s comparisons are ill-conceived. It’s simply laughable to equate the sledgehammer China wielded to prop up the Shanghai stock market last year— banning short-selling, suspending trading of many shares, forcing government-linked players to buy—with the minor, temporary intervention by US regulators in 2008. Nor does claiming the US has the same communications problems as China make any sense. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen routinely holds press conferences and appears at congressional hearings. Until very recently, her counterpart, Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of China’s central bank, has operated in inscrutable silence. The comparison of China’s debt problems to America’s doesn’t hold up, either. Looking at total (not government) debt—which is what concerns investors most in China—US levels appear to be on a healthy trend. Meanwhile, China has witnessed the largest buildup of debt, relative to the size of its economy, in the emerging world over the past decade. Chinese leaders are missing the point of their own examples. Instead of seizing on US failings as a cover for its own, China would be better served by learning from them. For instance, a more careful study of US regulators’ suspension of certain short-selling during the 2008 financial crisis would have made clear that such measures wouldn’t work in China either. In his rosy assessment of China’s debt levels, Lou, seems to have forgotten that a mountain of risky debt flattened the US economy only seven years ago, a disaster it’s still paying for today. In fact, the US may be the world’s best laboratory for studying not just how to create economic mayhem, but how to restore stability. America’s economy has endured all sorts of bubbles and booms created by irrational exuberance, made worse by policy missteps, throughout its history—not all that different from what China is facing today. But each and every time, the US has rebooted, reformed and recovered precisely because it’s been willing to confront its mistakes honestly and quickly. (In his press conference, Lou admitted as much when he praised the US bank bailout after the 2008 crash.) China would be wise to emulate America’s resilience, not just its problems.
Saturday, March 19, 2016 A5
Caritas sa Veritas Telethon 2016 for Alay Kapwa Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual
SERVANT LEADER
“It is, therefore, our hope that we will be more generous in our almsgiving this Lent.”—Cardinal Tagle
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N Holy Monday, March 21, from 6 in the morning till 6 in the evening, Caritas Manila, in partnership with Radio Veritas 846, will conduct its Alay Kapwa telethon to raise awareness and funds for Caritas Damayan (Preventive Health and Disaster Management Program).
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Each year, an average of 20 storms and typhoons hit the Philippines. During this time, many people, especially the poor, need help and assistance. Caritas Manila, the lead social services and development ministry of the Church, responds to crises and calamities through Caritas Damayan, providing emergency and relief assistance, humanitarian aid to victims and educates disasterprone communities by conducting pre-disaster trainings and help in the restoration and rebuilding of communities. In 2015 Alay Kapwa funds were exhausted in Caritas Damayan’s relief operations to help our brothers and sisters affected by typhoons (Egay, Ineng, Lando and Nona), and other minor disasters in urban-poor communities, such as fires, floods and tropical depressions. Caritas Damayan also extended its help to the internally displaced lumads. With the increasing number of disasters and crises being responded to, Alay Kapwa funds get immediately depleted. As a response, Caritas Manila and Radio Veritas will conduct Alay Kapwa Telethon 2016. The program
is meant to support social services of the poor and most in need, especially during times of disaster. Veritas 846 will start its special programming at 6 a.m. through the news and public-affairs program Veritas Pilipinas. Anchors Jing Lanzona, Fr. Nono Alfonso and guest anchor Fr. Ric Valencia, priest in charge of Caritas Damayan, will talk about the mission of Alay Kapwa program of Caritas Manila. It will also feature interviews of Caritas Manila Executive Director and Radio Veritas President Rev. Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual and Sis. Sonia Hernandez, assistant of the social action director of San Fernando, La Union. The public-affairs program Barangay Simbayan will give way to the special interviews with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, DD, 2012 Goldman Prize recipient Fr. Edu Gariguez, Social Action Center of Pampanga Director Fr. Kenneth Alde and Social Action Center of the Prelature of Infanta, Quezon, Director Fr. Israel Gabriel about the spirituality of Alay Kapwa. From 10 a.m. to 12 noon, the magazine program, Pamilya Mo, Pamilya Ko will be preempted with a special program that will feature interviews with Caritas Visayas and Mindanao
Appreciating FVR @ 88
B M T. V | Special to the BusinessMirror
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OT all are privileged to work with a former Philippine president. But for over 15 years now, I’ve had the blessing of serving alongside former President Fidel V. Ramos, who turned 88 on March 18, whose love for our country and heart for good governance still ring a bell. FVR, as fondly called by his peers and constituents, is known not just for his thumbs-up sign, “Kaya Natin Ito” slogan, his ears or his tobacco, but also for his push-ups and crunches and the programs of his administration, especially with Philippines 2000. At a very ripe age of 88, he still plays golf and proudly displays his pacemaker that, he declares, makes him live longer by 25 more years. Even in his octogenarian years, he has never failed to carry on what he has started, always a good soldier who likes to say that he would rather die serving his country with his boots on than sit idly to enjoy his retirement. He continues to inspire and stimulate, stir and enthuse, define and redefine, challenge and defy. Sixteen years after he finished his term as president, Fidel V. Ramos, FVR or Eddie, the private citizen, refuses to be “tired even while retired.” He continues to be “a reformer despite being a former president,” and “ex” but not excess and not yet expired. Other former chiefs of state write their memoirs and then fade into the sunset. He has written close to 30 books while in retirement and through keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, university convocations, etc., keeps reminding his successors and other leaders of the urgent things that need to be done for our country and people to achieve a better future. Our relationship can be described as a wonderful journey that transcends beyond the books we have done together. Since 2000, FVR has commissioned me to write on the biographies of his loved ones: Enduring Legacy, on his father Foreign Affairs Secretary Narciso Ramos; In A Class of Her Own, on his mother Angela Valdez Ramos; Mommy: The Pillar of Social Work on mother-in-law Josefa Jara Martinez; Simply Ming, on First Lady Amelita “Ming” M. Ramos; Uncle Sim
on Simeon Marcos Valdez; and Colors of Light on his artist, poetess auntie Lucia Mangapit Valdez. Among the best book projects we worked and produced together are Silver Linings, a story on the 25 years of the 1986 Revolution; and Teamwork for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development, chronicling 10 years of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV), a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonpartisan, non-governmental organization where he acts as chairman, and then several books later. It’s not only a singular honor and privilege writing books with him but I always consider it as a gift and a blessing from the Almighty and from FVR himself, who has served as a constant guide, inspiration, editor and prime mover of our book projects. The past 15 years and the several book teams formed have been a great journey of rediscovering FVR and RPDEV. Together, we now form part of a new group called Fidelistas, ardent students of Fidel V. Ramos. Working with him has allowed my team to experience some core values, such as Completed Staff Work, Caring, Sharing and Daring, and Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork—all advocated by FVR. FVR has also become my loving mentor and my second father, having earlier lost my own when he succumbed to cancer in 1994. He scolds me when he needs to, especially when I’m late for our appointed meetings; reprimands me when I was not up to his standards; and he pats my back for every good work done. During regular visits to his office, he personally sees to it that my team is served with his “coffee royale” laced with virgin coconut oil because, according to him, it does well for the health and vitality. We all have to agree. After coffee, he treats us either with a glass of red wine
operation officer in charge Fr. Emerson Luego and Diocese of Bayombong Social Action Director Fr. Enrique Tiongson. They will also talk about typhoon incidents in the Philippines, together with representatives from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Meanwhile, in lieu of the daily public-service programs Caritas sa Veritas and Tagumpay sa Kalusugan, talks and interviews with Fr. Fortunato Estrillore, Indigenous People’s apostolate director of Tandag Diocese, and Fr. Dan Cansino, executive secretary of Episcopal Commission on Health Care programs, about Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao conflict, health issues and climate change, with reference to His Holiness Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si, will be aired. The public-service programs Health Advocacy Programs at 3 p.m. and Usapang KKK with Dr. Irene Lim, from 4 to 4:30 p.m., will be preempted with discussions led by Veritas 846 advocates Riza Mendoza and Reyn Letran, about fire incidents in Metro Manila and the onslaught of El Niño phenomenon affecting our country, with guests from Quiapo Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Social Action Director of Archdiocese of Cotabato Rev. Fr. Clifford Baira, a representative from Caritas Manila’s Social Services and Development Ministry and Fr. Rey Yatco, parish priest of Our Lady of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Mandaluyong. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., an interview with representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology about earthquake and other disaster threats will be aired, instead of public-service programs Dok Alternatibo and Kalusugan at Kabuhayan, respectively. They will also talk about the Damay Kapanalig, the Disaster
Communication program of Veritas 846 that provides real-time communication linkages between dioceses and relief rehabilitation agencies of the Church before, during and after calamities. The special programming will be concluded with a message from Caritas Manila. All throughout the day, testimonies from the beneficiaries of Alay Kapwa activities will also be featured. A special page about the Alay Kapwa program is also available on the web site veritas846.ph/ alaykapwa2016. Archdiocese of Manila, His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, DD, appealed for support to Alay Kapwa in his pastoral letter for Alay Kapwa 2016. “Once again, we appeal to you, my brothers and sisters, to support Alay Kapwa. In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us heed the call of Pope Francis to practice mercy through concrete acts of charity,” Cardinal Tagle said. Listeners can participate and donate in the telethon by calling 925-7931 to 39. Phone lines will be open throughout the live broadcast on Radio Veritas 846 and also via livestreaming at www.veritas846.ph. Donations are accepted through our peso bank accounts: n Account Name: Caritas Manila Inc. n BPI Account Number: 30635357-01; n BDO Account Number: 560045905; n Metrobank Account Number: 175-3-17506954-3; and n any Cebuana Lhuillier branch (free of charge).
or his special “FVR cocktail drink” invariably laced with soda, rum, cognac, whiskey or brandy while watching some documentaries or FVR taped interviews showcasing his milestone presidency and continuing work as senior statesman. As for his many sorties overseas, he continues to be admired, respected and adulated as former president and head of state. But there’s one unforgettable experience I had with him that showed the stuff he is really made of. I remember one incident in June 2013, when we staged the Pilipinas Roadshow with my cobook authors former Interior Secretary Rafael M. Alunan III and Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco, featuring our book Silver Linings: 25 Years of the 1986 People Power Revolution, and Tagaligtas: A Documentary on the Special Action Force (long before the Mamasapano massacre happened) in eight key cities in the United States to promote Filipino values and instill patriotism to the Fil-Ams in time for the Independence Day celebration. In spite of the debilitating pain on his back and leg when he injured himself in San Diego, California, while doing his usual crunch with some Fil-Ams, FVR, who was very well beyond his years, withstood the pain and committed to continue the tour to Atlanta, Georgia, Washington, D.C., Virginia, New Jersey and New York without any complaints or grievance. Beyond the pain, the show must go on. Such a kindred and brave soul, and he taught the Pilipinas Roadshow Team a lesson on pain management, mind over matter, professionalism and honoring one’s commitment. Through the years that I’ve known him, the many young and not so young writers who have been involved with the book projects have also seen the other human side of FVR—comical, witty and a tad bit serious when needed. I recall when he shook the hands of one lady writer and FVR feigned sickness to the lady’s great concern. Fortuitously, he was just joking. Such incidents would make most everyone wonder how, at his age, he still continues to work and contribute to nation-building with his wealth of ideas, wisdom and experience. Unfortunately, for the many national leaders who came after him, both in the executive and legislative, they didn’t seem to take the golden opportunity of
tapping his vast reservoir of wisdom and experience, particularly in the areas of good governance and global diplomacy. I believe FVR is one of the greatest Philippine presidents. As the 12th president of the Philippines, from 1992 to 1998, FVR is best remembered for promoting the principles of people empowerment, a culture of excellence and global competitiveness, focusing on programs to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos. This is evident in the 229 structural/reform laws enacted by the 9th and 10th Congress during his term, achieved principally by building unity, solidarity and teamwork among government and civil-society leaders. As a soldier who served for 42 years, including stints in Korea, Vietnam and in the counterinsurgency campaign, FVR retired as a four-star general and chief of staff of the Armed Forces. He served as defense secretary from 1988 to 1991. As president and thereafter, he is better known as a peace builder with the forging of the peace agreement with the rebel-soldiers in 1995 and with the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996. The former president, who has been in public service since beginning his career as a cadet in the US Military Academy in 1946, continues to practice his distinct brand of public service through the nongovernment RPDEV Foundation, which he and key members of his former presidential family organized months after they left office. And it’s quiet unfair to lump him among the underachievers in the last 30 years owing to his legacy of service before, during and after his six-year presidency: West Point honor graduate, Korea and Vietnam War veteran, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vice chief of staff, PC-INP chief, Edsa 1 hero, AFP chief, defense secretary, Philippine President, RPDEV and Boao Forum chairman, Edsa 2 hero and senior statesman. My only prayer for him is that he lives longer and at 88, I know he still can do more for the country. Truly, Fidel V. Ramos has left an endearing legacy and continues to give his imprints on patriotism that celebrate a milestone of life, love, learning for his people and service to our beloved Philippines.
To know more about Caritas Manila, visit www. caritasmanila.org.ph. For your donations, please call our DonorCare lines 563-9311, 564-0205, 09997943455, 0905-4285001 and 0929-8343857. Make it a habit to listen to Radio Veritas 846 in the AM band, or through live streaming at www.veritas846.ph. For comments, e-mail veritas846pr@gmail.com.