IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 15 and last of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party We need the right leader to make the many programs articulated in this Commentary Series happen. Unfortunately, we cannot find that person from the present cohort of political leaders. These present leaders are … More So, what now?
IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 14 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party In the earlier parts of this Commentary Series, I dwell on the more important reforms and actions that the government must do to make the lives of the Filipino people much better, achieve higher economic … More Acculturating essential values
IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 13 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party The first dozen parts of this commentary series dwell essentially in the exercise of powers of the presidency to make the necessary reforms and take appropriate actions to propel the Philippine nation to greater political … More Reforming the frontline institutions
IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 12 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party Corruption, sadly, has become endemic in the Philippines. It is a big obstacle to economic growth and the reduction of economic inequality. The huge amount of money that leaks out is not spent for the … More Combating Corruption
IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 11 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party At present, the Local Government Units (LGUs), with their Internal Revenue Allotments (IRA), are hardly mobilized to get directly involved in economic development. The LGUs have been decentralized since 1991, or a period of 30 … More Engaging LGUs in economic development
IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 10 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party Investments, and in the case of the Philippines, foreign investments, is a big factor in driving economic growth. Unfortunately, for the past many years, the country has been behind most of our neighboring countries in … More Leapfrogging to Higher Economic Growth (2)
Imelda Marcos – Part I In 1978, the administration Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party fielded Imelda as a candidate in the Philippine parliamentary elections of 1978. Because most opposition candidates were either in jail or had limited mobility due to Martial Law, Imelda Marcos easily won a seat as a member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa … More Imelda Marcos- a study in a power grab, corruption and ill-gotten wealth during the Marcos Era – Part II
IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 9 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party Since about five decades ago, the Philippine economy has gone what appears to be an irreversible downward spiral in comparison with our now 9 ASEAN neighbors. As shown in a World Bank report, in 2020, the … More Leapfrogging to higher economic growth
Imelda Romualdez Marcos is a Filipina politician and convicted criminal. She married Marcos in 1954 and became the First Lady of the Philippines when Ferdinand Marcos became President of the Philippines in 1965 until they were deposed in 1986. While in power for21 years, Imelda and her husband stole billions from the Filipino people, and … More Imelda Marcos – a study in a power grab, corruption and ill-gotten wealth during the Marcos Era – Part I
IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 8 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party Improving Philippine agriculture, which includes fishery and forestry products, has been a persistent major issue since much of the 20th century. Unfortunately, we still continue to struggle to come to grips with it. So many … More Transforming Agriculture
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