THE LONG VIEW Nakpil’s gift to the nation    By Manuel L. Quezon III Inquirer First Posted 00:44am (Mla time) 12/28/2006 Published on Page A11 of the December 28, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer THE STORY I LOVE TO TELL OF THE DOYENNE of Philippine journalism, Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, is a testimonial she [...]

During the past year she has survived demands for her resignation, an impeachment bid by the opposition, allegations of vote-rigging and a reported coup attempt.Her hold on power is increasingly dependent on the support of the military….  Buoyant remittances from Filipinos working overseas will ensure that the current account remains in surplus.The Philippine president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is in a precarious position.  In the past year she has survived a coup attempt, allegations of vote-rigging and an opposition attempt to unseat her.Restiveness within the lower ranks of the military remains a concern, and opposition-led street demonstrations could lead to her ouster in a “people’s power” revolution.

Distinguished Conduct Star awarded to 1st Lt. Randy Galiza.

Word is, the 20 Peso bill is to be phased out next year and replaced with a coin.

According to The Economist.

My column for today is A Calabasa Christmas.

My Arab News column for this week is Arroyo Should Not Misread Opposition to Charter Change.Marichu Villanueva reports possible cabinet appointments:There are very strong indications that third-termer Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr.  of Surigao del Sur is up for a possible posting as new secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)….  Mike Velarde shafted the bishops:Given these usual changes in key Executive posts, there is reportedly so much “sniping” taking place as some influential groups try to cash in their chips after the feared “people power” crowd did not materialize in the “prayer rally” at Luneta last Sunday.

If attendance exceeded expectations, the President would begin negotiations leading to her retirement.The President proved Mr. Casiple right, with this statement:There are three realities we face as a nation: one, that the people accept the need for Charter change to overhaul the system; two, that there is a need for a unified national consensus on the means and timetable; and three, that this is a platform commitment of the administration that will be pursued with urgency and fervor.These realities will continue to shape our actions for the better future of the Philippines—working closely and inclusively with all stakeholders and institutions; observing transparency; and backing up the entire process with a strong economy, social payback and values programs.This is a matter of paramount national interest and our leaders must all rise to the challenge.This is a volte-face from her previous statement on December 14:I commend the decision of the House leadership as an act of statesmanship to unify not only the two chambers of the legislature but the whole nation around the issue of Charter change.I thank Speaker Joe de Venecia and his valiant allies in the House for heeding the voice of national consolidation and unity, without sacrificing their high vision of political renewal.It is time to gather together all the energies of our people for the continuing work ahead—maintaining our economic strength, ensuring the social payback of economic reforms, and helping distressed communities back to their feet.Philippine democracy will always find the proper time and opportunity for Charter reform at a time when the people deem it ripe and needful, and in the manner they deem proper.  The nation must consolidate now and I call upon all our institutions and sectors to stand as one for the country’s future.The “urgency and fervor” of December 19 was not there on December 14; or put another way, the need to “gather together all the energies of our people,” etc., was magnificently accomplished in all of one week (which proves nothing is ever permanent in politics).  If members of the House were stunned a week ago, it’s happy days again, as the latest show of bravura indicates, regardless of whether or not they’re taking their cue from the unsinkable Speaker, and the irrepressible Senator Santiago.

THE LONG VIEW Parameters By Manuel L. Quezon III Published on page A15 of the December 18, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer GARRY WILLS WROTE: “THE LEADER IS ONE who mobilizes others toward a goal shared by leader and followers. In that brief definition, all these elements are present, and indispensable …. Leaders, [...]

Malaya reports, but does not claim as true, still another claim that the crowd reached 100,000.My personal view is that the crowd, during the Mass, numbered about 40,000 based on my circling around….  The El Shaddai contingent was closest to the railing in the lawn area, civil society groups were behind them sprawled on the grass, and isolated families that didn’t belong to any groups hung around the sides.Now 40,000 is a highly respectable number for any kind of gathering; and even the lowest estimate equals the first flexing of renewed People Power in December 2000….  But despite the imminent threat dissipating, and the threats from the Palace sinking in (I encountered quite a few people, when I talked to various people who attended, who said they came despite warnings from friends and family about their safety).You would think that by now, estimating crowds would have reached some level of scientific certainty, never mind what organizers or participants claim.The problem to my mind, is that a crowd is dynamic, it’s constantly changing; and that your estimate of the crowd depends not only on your method for counting people, but what time you do the counting.The President issues a national appeal for moral transformation.Jarius Bondoc is skeptical about calls for electoral reform, and mentions the Davide report, which is interesting.