What Went Before: Aquino, the common scold

On Tuesday, President Aquino scolded officials and employees of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) during its 50th anniversary celebration for failing to meet their yearly goals.

“We’ve been together in this administration for the last three years, and it seems you know me—I don’t have time to fool around. Let me be honest with you: I am dismayed because until now it shows that there have been few changes in the National Irrigation Administration,” the President said, adding that he would be checking up on NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel’s many excuses and unfulfilled promises.

Aquino is known to use anniversary speeches to scold not only governmental agencies but also private companies and organizations.

Earlier this month, Aquino reminded Chinese-Filipino businessmen to pay correct taxes during the oath-taking of new officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.

In March, the President chided the same group for not paying taxes, noting that 424 of its 552 members had tax identification numbers but only 185 filed income tax returns.

In July last year, Aquino called the attention of ABS-CBN executives during the silver anniversary of the network’s news program “TV Patrol” for supposedly focusing too much on bad news.

In September, the President also scolded the Bureau of Immigration during its 72nd anniversary for allegedly “conspiring” in the escape of former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother Mario, both of whom are wanted for the murder of Palawan journalist and environmentalist Gerry Ortega.

In contrast, Aquino last week granted Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) employees an anniversary bonus of P10,000 each to show his satisfaction with the agency’s “hard work, efficiency, cost-effective and timely services” and adherence to his good government program.

“In an equal society, good deeds are rewarded. If you strive hard, there is a corresponding reward for you. This is why I did not hesitate to approve a P10,000 anniversary bonus for each employee and official of the DPWH,” Aquino said.

The President also commended the Department of Health during Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremonies for the department’s new medical center complex, and extended his appreciation for the health services the agency was delivering to the public.—Inquirer Research

Source: Inquirer Archives