0Hi Zhern thanks for the article to change the country you need to change the mind every leader mind was a territory the top man need to conquer, a committed, psychologically motivated team would work harder toward the goal and more creatively than a puppet. Than in turn if the goal will work on masses it will be flame of brilliance glows.
Posted by Zhern
Even for the presidency, first impression matters.
Which is why, maybe, incoming President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino's search committee is careful about dropping the names of its prospective Cabinet members.
It may be noted that the name of a television show host which was floated as a possible member of the Aquino Cabinet was promptly withdrawn after it was laughed at as a joke, although some people say he may really get appointed.
And why not?
Conversely, the name of Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa, Jr. may not be publicly known but he seems to command public attention: he heads the incoming President's transition team and said to be Mr. Aquino's choice for the powerful position of Executive Secretary - yes, the "Little President."
"Nobody knew about me for nine years when I was City Administrator of Quezon City, and I think I can do best to protect my boss that way," he said.
Ochoa, a long-time friend and legal counsel of the President-elect, said he would want to maintain his low profile even after assuming the position of Executive Secretary.
But is that possible for such high profile position without damaging the availability and visibility of the Executive Office?
Precisely, the principal function of the Executive Secretary is to provide presence for the President, in all its connotations.
It is in that sense that he is called The Little President, although I know at least one Executive Secretary who hated being called that, namely the venerable Mr. Rafael Salas.
Aside from making preparations for the June 30 proclamation of President Benigno C. Aquino III, Ochoa is at the same time busy in the search for the men and women who will compose the Aquino Cabinet.
Needless to say, the search for the right people for the right jobs in the President's Cabinet is a long and tedious process.
They are designations of crucial importance for they will occupy uniquely influential positions in Philippine affairs.
The appointees will make important decisions affecting the everyday life of the nation on matters regarding commerce and industry, health, education, transportation, labor, the environment, natural resources, among many other issues.
And they will advice the President on decisions that he must make, and added to that they must present and defend legislative recommendations before the Congress.
As the President's alter egos, they provide leadership in their respective areas of public service. Certainly, the offices to be filled up by the new set of executive officials cover a broad range of vital functions, and they do not include those appointed by the President alone and do not need Senate confirmation.
Added to that are the officials appointed by the department heads themselves.
What are the criteria in the appointment of the President's men?
Probably the first consideration is their acceptability to the President, for whatever reason.
On the whole, it is said that previous experience in government service rates high in the consideration of applicants for presidential appointment: they are better executives than those who worked exclusively in the private sector.
A matter that is guarded is the actual or potential conflict of interest in the case of those who worked in certain private firms getting in the President's inner circle.
They are the political executives: the men and women that fill the top political posts in every new administration.
And they serve at the President's pleasure. Direct your comment to zhern_218@yahoo.com
