Using a carabao to plow a field is not exactly cutting-edge agricultural technology for the 21st century. Using a carabao that has one broken leg is even worse. Yet, perhaps a two-legged carabao should be incorporated into the official seal of the government of the Philippines.
All three branches of government have been fast to talk and slow to act. However, at least with the Executive branch, there is usually a specific department and a specific department head that can be called to accountability. Public shaming for lack of accomplishments does not work very often, but at least we can feel better about singling someone out for government incompetence and ineffectiveness.
But, in the Legislature and the Judiciary, trying to place responsibility and accountability is like trying to push a piece of wet noodle. US General George Patton told his command officers: “You don’t push the noodle, you pull it.” But we cannot find anyone to pull.
At least for the Executive branch, the people get the opportunity to judge performance every six years. With the Legislature, some names and faces can be changed every three years. There is no public avenue of expressing disappointment with the Judiciary.
The Philippine National Statistical Coordination Board reported as far back as 2013 that the annual average caseload is 1,059,484 cases, or equivalent to an average of around 4,221 cases per working day. Interestingly, there were fewer court cases being filed—457,146 in 2005 to 385,067 in 2012. But also fewer cases were being decided; total outflow of cases falling from 487,605 cases to 382,957. This problem has obviously been building for more than a decade. Last year Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno announced the implementation of the “e-Court” computerized system. Of course, this system was first announced two years early. In 2014 Sereno also put blame on President Aquino for lack of funding. A Malacañang spokesman denied the court even asked for the funding.
Maybe the carabao on the official seal should only have one functioning leg.
President Duterte announced that there should be a constituent assembly or “con-ass”—composed of all members of Congress—to address constitutional changes. Some members are already complaining that they do not have time for a con-ass. Their lawmaking is busy work.
The recent 16th Congress passed some important legislation, like the Philippine Competition Act, the Cabotage Law, and the Reproductive Health Act and Sin Tax Reform Law. However, like the Competition Act and the RH law, many had been debated for years, if not decades. Congress apparently takes the idea of “deliberative body” seriously, talking for years.
But the 16th Congress never had time to get around to a Freedom of Information Act, comprehensive tax reform, or a new set of mining laws.
Even without knowing the details, maybe President Duterte is right about the need for substantial structural changes to the Philippine government. Maybe we need to con-ass the government into being able to do its job efficiently, effectively and in a timely manner.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano