July 23, 2008

Back in Bgy. Gloriaetta...

...after Romina Neri's controversial appointment as SSS president vice Corazon dela Paz-Bernardo, now comes another hair-raising appointment, that of ex-Senator Walang Baba aka Ralph Recto as the new director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority.

Although I already blogged about it in January, and the chismis about him was raised again sometime last month, I was hoping that it would only be that, rumors. I didn't think the presidentita would actually push through with this gadsawful idea.
Recto named NEDA chief
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The principal author of the expanded value added tax (VAT), which some groups wants scrapped, is now the director general of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Wednesday announced the appointment of former senator Ralph Recto, who will assume the post effective immediately.

Recto replaced Augusto Santos, who will go back to his old post as deputy director general of the agency. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

But then that's the presidentita for you, she just enjoys making these appointments in her inner circle just to needle her critics and the public at large. Wala syang paki, even if the appointment is not suited for the appointee's personality and work experience. I mean what really are the qualifications of Mr. Ate Vi, aside from being a "feeling economist", as one ex-NEDA director-general commented to me a few months back?

All the presidentita wants to do really is to repay those who've helped her tighten her stranglehold on the Filipino people (Recto was Mr. E-VAT if you remember), instead making sure the government is managed properly. Effective and efficient governance? Pshaw! I still think this appointment was nothing but payback for Ate Vi keeping her mouth shut about the cash gifts distributed to local officials in Malacañang.

So this is how the presidentita prepares for her SONA. Kawawang NEDA.

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