A TALE OF TWO PUBLIC SERVANTS: A YES MAN AND A MAVERICK

Have you ever thought what it would be like to say yes to everything? To never say no to any request, challenge, or opportunity that comes your way?

Well, that’s exactly what Jim Carrey’s character does in the comedy movie “Yes Man”. He goes from being a bored and lonely bank employee to a spontaneous and adventurous thrill-seeker, just by saying yes to everything.

Sounds fun.

But what if saying yes to everything is not just a personal choice, but a professional obligation? What if you work for someone who expects you to agree with and support everything they say or do, regardless of the consequences? That’s the situation that many people faced under the presidency of Donald Trump. Trump surrounded himself with people who agreed with him and praised him. He did not like people who disagreed with him or criticized him. He wanted people who were loyal to him. He wanted people who were “Yes Men”.

And he got rid of people who were not.

Sounds familiar.

Here and now, “Yes Men” in the government service, regardless of their views, always agree with and support the higher-ups. A “few good men” do not follow conventions, but act independently or innovatively – the “Mavericks”. Let’s examine two public servants, a “Yes Man” and a “Maverick” from the Department of Finance – their roles, actions, and consequences.

THE “YES MAN”- BENJAMIN DIOKNO

Diokno is the Secretary of Finance and the head of the economic team under President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM) administration. He is responsible for policy formulation, revenue generation, resource mobilization, debt management, and financial market development of the government. He is also expected to advise and guide PBBM on economic matters, and to coordinate with other agencies and stakeholders on economic development.

However, Diokno has served as a typical example of a “Yes Man” put on display by his recent support for the price cap on rice amid the rice crisis. He revealed that he was shocked when he heard about the price cap on rice. As expected, being an economist himself, he had understood the basic idea that price caps would have negative effects on the market forces of supply and demand. He said:

“[U]nder ideal market conditions, price controls don’t really work…It had adverse effects if allowed to linger for a longer period.”

Yet, despite having been aware of the consequences, Diokno still supported PBBM’s decision to impose the price cap on rice. He said:

“We agree with the President that implementing a price cap on rice is the most prudent course of action at the moment…”

Another example of Diokno’s “Yes Man” predisposition was his failure to pull the plug on the doubling of salaries for the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) under the Duterte administration as Joel Ruiz Butuyan asserted in his Inquirer column, Pensions that violates the Constitutions:

“The pension and retirement benefits of MUPs have ballooned to humongous amounts because former president Duterte doubled the base pay of active MUPs, to reportedly endear himself with military and police personnel, and despite opposition from his economic team" [headed then by Diokno].

Diokno had a grasp then of the serious implications of the MUP’s humongous pension for fiscal stability. He asserted:

“[The current MUP pension system] is not sustainable and if it goes on, there will be a fiscal collapse. They have to cooperate with the rest of society otherwise, our fiscal deficit will just continue to balloon.”

The consequences and implications of Diokno’s “Yes Man” predisposition for the nation are:

·         Distorting the market forces of supply and demand, creating shortages, hoarding, smuggling, and inflation;

·         Threatening the fiscal stability and sustainability of the government treasury due to the ballooning MUP pension;

·         Undermining the credibility and reputation of the Department of Finance as an independent and professional institution;

Neglecting his duty as the chief economic adviser of the government, as well as his accountability to the public.

THE “MAVERICK” – CIELO MAGNO

Department of Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, was responsible for overseeing the Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Group which recommends fiscal policies, formulates tax reform proposals, as well as forecasts and programs the national government revenues.

Magno has been a “Maverick” who has shown her courage and integrity, her willingness to speak her mind and stand up for her principles. She spelled out her opposition to the price cap on rice through a cryptic Facebook post showing a supply-demand graph with the caption “I miss teaching…” It was a subtle way of expressing her disagreement with the price cap – implying it would create a shortage of rice, as shown by the gap between the quantity demanded and the quantity supplied at the price cap.

As a consequence, Magno lost her job. She posted on X:

“I knew when I posted the supply and demand graph that my boss (Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno) would receive a call from Malacañang to remove me, but I did it anyway. With how things were going, I knew it was time to go.”

Magno’s dilemma reminds me of one fearless whistleblower, Bunny Greenhouse, who helped bring accountability and transparency to a giant government agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Featured in the book Your America: Democracy’s Local Heroes, her heroic story triggers this opening thorny paragraph:

“Let’s say you work for a gigantic institution – a corporation, or a branch of the U.S. government. Bit by bit you advance in your career. You make a comfortable salary, and you’re building a retirement nest egg. Then comes the day that you discover something terribly wrong is going on. Do you make a big stink and endanger your job? Or do you just look the other way, knowing that the organization will resist any change and that if you speak out, you’ll likely end up as road-kill?”

The following statement of the Executive Secretary has affirmed the grim reality that “if you speak out” like Magno did, you’ll likely end up as “road-kill”: “The termination of [Cielo Magno’s] appointment could only be expected as she clearly does not support the administration and its program for nation-building.”

While Bunny Greenhouse succeeded, did Cielo Magno fail? If so, at least she failed “while daring greatly.” Magno’s place, as Theodore Roosevelt said, “shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Now I have questions for you: Are you a “Yes Man” or a “Maverick” in your work? How do you balance between saying yes and no? How do you cope with the challenges or benefits of being either one?

Finally, is the following statement uttered by a “Yes Man” or a “Maverick”?

“I think we are not in a rice emergency, so to speak.” (DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual)

Or does it belong to another category?

Interestingly, Collins Dictionary states, “You use ‘so to speak’ to draw attention to the fact that you are describing or referring to something in a way that may be amusing or unusual rather than completely accurate.”

Juicy government job, anyone?

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Head collage photos courtesy of cartoonstockdotcom

Video clips courtesy of YouTube

A CLASSROOM WITH A VIEW: BRAINSTORMING THE RICE CRISIS

 

PROF JAY

Good morning! Today, we will do role-play to explore a realistic situation by interacting with your classmates. We are now a crisis management team and I am your crisis manager. Our task is to resolve the present rice crisis buffeting our nation. Let’s start the ball rolling by assessing the situation. Anyone who wants to break the ice? Yes, Matt, may we hear from you?

MATT

I think we all know that the rice crisis is a complex and multifaceted issue that has various causes and consequences. Some of the main factors that contribute to the crisis are climate change, population growth, trade policies, infrastructure and logistics, and socio-economic factors. These factors affect the production, distribution, and consumption of rice in different ways and levels.

PROF JAY

How do the factors that Matt mentioned affect the rice crisis? Yes, Pete.

PETE

Climate change can damage rice crops and reduce yields. Population growth can increase the demand for rice. Trade policies can affect the quantity, price, and quality of imported rice. Infrastructure and logistics can affect the efficiency and quality of the rice value chain. Socio-economic factors can affect the food security and nutrition of millions of Filipinos who depend on rice as their staple food.

PROF JAY

Matt, and Pete, that’s a comprehensive overview. I agree that these are some of the main factors that we need to consider in our crisis management plan. Any other comments or questions on this? Yes, Tom, please go ahead.

TOM

Sir, how do we measure the impact of these factors on the rice crisis? Are there data or statistics that can support that analysis?

PROF JAY

Yes, Simon. Your thoughts, please.

SIMON

The climate change impacts on agriculture are expected to cause an annual GDP loss of up to 2.2 percent by 2100 according to the US Agency for International Development. The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, with over 117 million people in 2023. The US Department of Agriculture has estimated that the Philippine rice consumption will increase to 16.5 million metric tons for the 2023-2024 period. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average Filipino consumes about 119 kilos of rice per year.

PROF JAY

That being the case, the domestic production of rice is not enough to meet such demand leading to a supply gap and dependence on imports. That’s very impressive and informative, Simon. I think we have a good understanding of the situation now. Let’s move on to the next step: defining our objectives. What are we trying to achieve with our crisis management plan? What are our desired outcomes and impacts? Any suggestions or ideas? Yes, Mary, please share your thoughts.

MARY

I think one of our main objectives is to ensure food security and nutrition for all Filipinos. We want to make sure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, nutritious, and affordable food at all times. We also want to protect and support the local rice farmers who are vital to our food system and economy. We want to help them increase their income and productivity by providing them with adequate resources and services.

PROF JAY

That’s insightful, Mary. Yes, John.

JOHN

One objective is to stabilize and lower rice prices by increasing the supply and reducing the demand for rice. We want to make rice more affordable for consumers and less costly for traders and retailers. We also want to reduce our dependence on rice imports by increasing the domestic production. We want to enhance self-reliance and resilience in terms of food security.

PROF JAY

That’s incisive, John. Yes, Beth.

BETH

Another objective is to promote sustainable and resilient rice farming by adopting environmentally friendly practices and technologies that can mitigate and adapt to climate change. We want to conserve our natural resources and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation.

PROF JAY

Thank you, Beth. That puts the finishing touch on defining our objectives. I agree that these are some of the main objectives of our crisis management plan. They are clear and realistic, as well as aligned with our national goals and priorities, along with the needs and expectations of our stakeholders. Any other comments or questions? Yes, James.

JAMES

I think our objectives are comprehensive and relevant, but they are too broad and general. How do we evaluate our progress or success in achieving these objectives? Do we have any indicators or criteria to help us track our performance or impact?

PROF JAY

James has a valid point. We do need to have some indicators or criteria that can help us measure or evaluate our objectives. Any answer to James’ questions? Yes, Ann.

ANN

One possible indicator is the number or percentage of people who are food secure or food insecure.

PHIL

The number or percentage of rice farmers who are supported or protected.

TED

The average price of rice per kilogram.

PAUL

The amount or percentage of water, soil, and energy that are saved or reduced by rice farming.

PROF JAY

That’s a bunch of enlightening answers, guys. I think we have a good definition of our objectives now. Let’s move on to the next step: developing our strategies. How do we achieve our objectives? What are the best ways or methods to solve our problems and seize our opportunities? Any proposals or solutions? Yes, Mark.

MARK

I propose to implement a rice subsidy program for qualified beneficiaries that can provide them with rice coupons or vouchers that can be redeemed at designated outlets or stores. This can help us ensure food security and nutrition for all Filipinos, especially the poor and vulnerable groups who cannot afford high prices.

PROF JAY

Mark, that’s empathetic. Yes, Dave.

DAVE

I propose to allocate a sufficient budget for Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund that can support various programs and projects that can enhance the competitiveness and productivity of the local farmers. This can help us support and protect the local rice farmers by providing them with inputs, equipment, technology, training, credit, and insurance, among others.

PROF JAY

Dave, that’s productive. Yes, Luke.

LUKE

I propose to review and revise the Rice Tariffication Law and other trade policies that affect the rice sector, taking into account the interests and concerns of different stakeholders. This can help us increase the supply and reduce the cost of rice by improving the efficiency and quality of the rice value chain.

PROF JAY

Luke, that’s analytical. Yes, James.

JAMES

I propose to improve the infrastructure and logistics for rice production and distribution by investing in irrigation systems, storage facilities, milling plants, transport networks, and market access. This can help us increase the supply and reduce the cost of rice by improving the efficiency and quality of the rice value chain.

PROF JAY

James, that’s pivotal. Yes, Matt.

MATT

I propose to promote the diversification of food sources and preferences among Filipinos by encouraging them to consume more local and nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and eggs, among others. This can help us reduce the demand and dependence on rice by enhancing our food security and sustainability.

PROF JAY

Matt, that’s life-changing. Thank you everyone for all your brilliant ideas. We got through the three steps of crisis management – assessing the situation, defining the objectives, and developing the strategies. The remaining two steps – implementing and evaluating – that will be your homework.

We’ve been too serious during the whole period. Let’s wrap up our class today with three jokes. Anyone?

PETE

What’s the difference between a crisis and a catastrophe?

CLASS

What?

PETE

A crisis is when the government messes up; a catastrophe, when they try to fix it.

PAUL

How do you solve a government crisis?

CLASS

How?

PAUL

You don’t; you just create a new one.

MARY

What’s the difference between a P20 per kilo rice promise and a pizza?

CLASS

What?

MARY

A pizza can feed a family of four.

PROF JAY

Thank you. They all jazz me up. Good day!

(The school buzzer sounds.)

 

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Head photos courtesy of Getty Images & freepikdotcom

SARA DUTERTE: THE MOST PROTECTED VICE PRESIDENT IN HISTORY

 

Karen Davila: Why would anyone need 433 security personnel?

Rep Edcel Lagman: That amount of security personnel is really inordinate and excessive. Some do not even have any security personnel.

433 SECURITY ESCORTS

How many security personnel does a vice president need? This is a question that many Filipinos have been asking since an audit report on the office of Vice President Sara Duterte showed [a battalion of] 433 security escorts served the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in its first year. That’s a 455% spike in security personnel hired during the final year of her predecessor, former Vice president Leni Robredo, who had 78 security personnel in 2021.

This number is astonishingly high compared to other prominent leaders in the world, such as Queen Elizabeth II, who had then 185 security officers in her Royal Protection Squad, Pope Francis, who has 125 soldiers in his Pontifical Swiss Guard, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has 60 bodyguards, Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had 20 security personnel then, and US Vice President Kamala Harris, whose security details are not publicly disclosed, but are estimated to be much lower than Sara Duterte’s.

Why does Sara Duterte need so many security personnel? Is she facing more threats and risks than other vice presidents or heads of state? Is she being paranoid or wasteful? Or is she simply following the protocol and assessment of the security agencies?

Rep Edcel Lagman, a critic of Sara Duterte, argued that the amount of security personnel she has is “inordinate and excessive”. He asserted that since 1987 when he was in Congress, he has not availed himself of any security escort implying that Sara Duterte is being wasteful or paranoid. Her critics have also questioned the source and legality of the funds used to pay for the security personnel, and whether they comply with the audit rules and regulations.

VP Sara Duterte’s defenders argued that the deployment of security personnel depends on the assessment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which are responsible for providing security to government officials. They also cited the threats and risks that Sara Duterte faces as a reason for her need for security personnel.

Both sides have valid points, but I think the number of Sara Duterte’s security personnel is indeed excessive and disproportionate to her role and functions as vice president. She should reduce her security personnel to a reasonable level that is consistent with her predecessors and peers. She should be more transparent and accountable about how she uses her funds for security purposes.

CONFIDENTIAL AND INTELLIGENCE FUNDS

Another controversy that Sara Duterte has faced is the issue of her confidential and intelligence funds. Let’s go through some excerpts of Senator Risa Hontiveros’ scrutiny of VP Sara Duterte’s P500-million confidential fund -- the essence of which is encapsulated by this question: Is the OVP an intelligence gathering agency?

SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS (SRH): Since confidential funds refer to those agencies related to surveillance activities undertaken by civilian government agencies, ibig po bang sabihin yong opisina ninyo will be gathering intelligence on certain subjects or entities in support sa inyong mga mandates or operations?

VP SARA DUTERTE (VPSD): That is correct. As an example, we did the surveillance of complaints from constituents in Bulacan with regard to the selling of OVP assistance and the selling of Tupad projects in Bulacan and there was a surveillance operation that was ran by the Vice-Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) for about a month and we were able to apprehend the person and we were able to successfully prosecute the case, and that person went to jail for 6 months. So that is an example of the surveillance activity that is conducted by the VPSPG for the projects and activities of the Office of the Vice President in Bulacan.

SRH: I asked this because the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) was established to direct, coordinate, and integrate national intelligence activities and this includes the collation of intelligence gathered from various sources. So, we’d like more information as to the intelligence operations of the OVP. Sa aling mga sources mag-ga-gather ng information yong OVP. Kukuha ba kayo ng intelligence mula sa ating mga existing intelligence services tulad ng NICA, o tulad ng DND o PNP?

VPSD: No. Intelligence starts with the communities and the stakeholders, and then if there are complaints, and then it is built up, through intelligence and surveillance services, and then a dossier report is started, and then it goes through levels through the OVP and the VPSPG. So, we do not seek intelligence reports from other government agencies, but the intelligence report starts from the ground in the communities that are engaged by the OVP.

SRH: Mayron pong established na intelligence cycle at mayron pong established na chain of command for the intelligence activities ng ating gobyerno at ating republika. At sa pagkaalam ko po walang hiwalay na chain of command for Intel ang OVP. How can your honorable office, paano nyo pong ma-aasure mga miyembro nitong committee na yong collation ng Intel ng inyong opisina hindi magreresulta sa redundancy or duplication of effort?

VPSD: There is no redundancy and duplication of effort because we have different mandates from the other government agencies.

SRH: We should leave intelligence to the experts just as we leave education to the DepEd and we leave the mandates of the OVP to the OVP.

At this point, without going on further with the interpellation, Senator Hontiveros’ use of the word redundancy or duplication, with no need for rocket science, hits the bull’s eye.

P125 MILLION “SECRET” FUND

On top of that, Kabataan Party List Rep Raoul Manuel’s narrative has appeared hard to swallow but woefully true.

“Ang nakapagtataka din po lalo sa OVP… kung maala-ala po natin sa taong 2022 nag-start po yan sa term ni former VP Leni Robredo, wala pong naaprubahan sa national budget na may confidential fund ang OVP. Kaya po nagtataka tayo kung bakit sa huling mga araw ng December 2022, bigla po nagkaroon ng P125 million na confidential funds sa OVP. Kahit wala pong batas na nag-enable dyan. Pag ganon po ibig sabihin pwede pala na mag-magic ano mag-produce lang ng labas sa national budget ng ganong pondo para sa kahit sinong opisyal lalo na’t malakas at malapit sa Malakanyang ang isang opisyal.”

Amid that seeming improbity -- Sara Duterte being the most protected (military and parliamentary-wise) VP in history – came through with flying colors as her budget passed the scrutiny of Congress as bannered by the following headline:

“OVP’s proposed P2.3B budget for 2024 OK’d by Senate panel, keeps P500M CIF” (Inquirer)

“Enjoy” could be the befitting word of the day for VP Sara and her backers.

Looking back, here’s the headline with the word “enjoy”: “VP Sara to ACT solon: Enjoy thought of my impeachment” (Daily Tribune). Indeed, being the most protected VP in history, such thought is just like a “suntok sa buwan.”

Head photo and video clips courtesy of YouTube

PRICE CONTROL ON RICE: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

 

“I eat the same foods almost every day. I have my favorites like Filipino beef broth, chicken soup with lots and lots of rice.” - Manny Pacquiao

Manny’s words reflect the deep attachment of Filipinos to rice. Rice is not just a staple food, but also a symbol of culture, identity, and history. Rice is not just a commodity, but also a right, a value, and a responsibility. Rice is not just something we eat, but also something we cherish, respect, and fight for.

To illustrate this point, let me share with you a hypothetical story of Juan, which could be yours too, a typical Filipino farmer who lives in a small village in Nueva Ecija. Juan’s family has been growing rice for generations. They have a small plot of land where they plant rice twice a year. They also raise some chickens and pigs for food. They are poor, but they are proud of their work and their heritage.

Juan and his family eat rice every day, three times a day. They eat it with fish, vegetables, meat, or eggs. They season it with salt, soy sauce, vinegar, or chili. They use their hands, spoons, or forks to eat it. They cook it plain, fried, boiled, or steamed. They have it in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They prepare it in different dishes, such as arroz caldo, lugaw, or champorado. They enjoy it on different occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, or fiestas. They consume it in different ways, such as sharing, thanking, or offering.

Juan and his family cherish rice as a gift from God and nature. They respect rice as a precious and sacred resource. They fight for rice as a right and a value. They fight for rice against the forces that threaten to take it away from them: the climate change that causes droughts or floods; the population growth that increases the demand or consumption; the land conversion that reduces the supply or availability; the corruption and mismanagement that affect the policies or programs; the price control that distorts the market or creates problems.

This story shows how important rice is for Filipinos like Juan and his family. However, rice is also a scarce and volatile resource that is subject to various challenges and crises. The rice crisis has affected the availability, affordability, and quality of rice in the country, as well as the welfare and living standards of the people.

PRICE CONTROL

To address the rice crisis, the government has implemented various policies and interventions like importing rice. One of the most controversial and complex interventions is price control.

Recently, President Bongbong Marcos, through Executive Order 39, approved the recommendation to set price ceilings nationwide on rice – P41 for regular milled and P45 for well-milled rice. This move has sparked mixed reactions from various stakeholders, such as consumers, producers, traders, economists, lawyers, politicians, and activists. Some have praised the price control as a positive and necessary measure to stabilize the economy and society. Others have criticized the price control as a harmful measure.

Let me present the good, the bad, and the ugly consequences of price control on rice prices amid the rice crisis in our country.

THE GOOD

Prevents Inflation

Price control can stabilize the general level of prices in the economy by preventing excessive increases in prices. It will maintain the purchasing power of money and avoid fluctuations in economic activity.

Ensures Rice Affordability and Accessibility

Price control can make rice more affordable and accessible for low-income consumers who spend a large portion of their income on food. This will improve their food security and nutrition.

Reduces income inequality

Price control can reduce income inequality by redistributing income from producers or traders to consumers or workers. This can improve the welfare and living standards of the people.

THE BAD

Creates Shortages.

Price control – a price ceiling below the free-market price -- causes buyers to demand more than they wanted at the free-market price and sellers to sell less than they wanted to sell at the free-market price. The result – a shortage.

Distorts Market Signals and Incentives.

Prices are an indicator of underlying economic phenomena – supply and demand. Prices are determined by supply, which reflects costs of production, and demand, which reflects buyers’ preferences and incomes.

Reduces Profitability and Competitiveness of Local Farmers and Traders

Price control will hurt small local traders who are at the receiving end of rice and farmgate prices due to costlier production inputs. It will lead to the influx of imported rice detrimental to the local farmers.

Increases Government Spending and Intervention

Price control can increase government spending by subsidizing the producers or importers of rice to compensate for their losses or costs due to price control. On top of that, price control can also increase government intervention by enforcing or regulating compliance with price control through inspections, sanctions, or rules.

THE UGLY

Creates Black Markets or Illegal Activities

Price control can create a black market or Illegal activities in the economy by encouraging corruption, crime, and tax evasion among consumers, producers, traders, or officials.

Interferes with Other Markets or Policies

Price control can interfere with other markets or policies that are related to rice or food security by creating distortions, inefficiencies, or conflicts among them. This can affect the coherence and effectiveness of the government’s overall economic strategy and vision.

Long-term or Irreversible Impacts Outweigh Short-term Benefits

Price control can have long-term or irreversible impacts that may outweigh its short-term benefits and damage or deplete the natural, human, and social capital of the economy and society.

Generate Public Resistance or Dissatisfaction

Price control can spark off public resistance or dissatisfaction by provoking protests, riots, or violence among consumers, producers, traders, or activists.

This can threaten the peace and stability in the country.

ALARM BELL

The following is an excerpt from Nick V. Quijano’s column “Surging rice prices” in the Daily Tribune, which sounds the alarm about the political implications of the rice crisis:

“Rising rice prices and shortages are about to bite this administration in the ass. No alarmist embellishment here. In fact, a very ugly political picture is right here before us.

“In our part of the world, rice is a critical political commodity and there is but one simple political rule: Make sure the masses have enough rice to eat if a country wants to maintain its social and political stability.”

Quijano’s warning echoes the main argument of a study by Sergei Guriev and Daniel Treisman titled “How Modern Dictators Survive: An Informational Theory of the New Authoritarianism”. The study claims that “incompetent dictators can survive” by investing in state propaganda that portrays them as competent, co-opting the elite and the media, and endearing themselves with the military to avoid coups, “as long as economic shocks (like ‘surging rice prices’) are not too large.”

In other words, the economic shocks must not be too large to be tolerated by our people, otherwise, they might result in our leader suffering the same fate as Marie Antoinette, who famously said, “Let them eat cake” when she learned that the peasants had no bread. This phrase reflects the princess’ indifference and contempt for the starving peasants’ plight.

Let me conclude this article with a story snippet reported by Rappler about the indigenous people who look at toxic yams as rice prices continue to soar. “Kayos,” a toxic wild yam, serves as a lifesaver and last-resort staple when food is scarce in some highland communities in Sarangani.

“If only copra can be eaten…With copra so cheap, it is difficult for us to afford rice… Perhaps what was promised to go down was the copra price, not that of rice” [at P20/kilo, has turned out to be a joke], they said. “Worse comes to worst, there is wild yam and it is free.”

The story of the indigenous people who are resorting to toxic yams due to soaring rice prices is a heartbreaking and alarming example of how the rice crisis affects the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society.

Price control on rice prices is not a magic bullet that can fix the problem. It is a double-edged sword that can cut both ways. It is a matter of choice that we have to make wisely.

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head photo courtesy of Philippine Star

Video clips courtesy of YouTube

TRUMP'S MUG SHOT: A PICTURE THAT PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS

 

[The scene is the living room of the Simpson family. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie are watching TV. The news anchor Kent Brockman appears on the screen.]

Kent: Good evening, I’m Kent Brockman and this is Channel 6 News. Our top story tonight: Former President Donald Trump has been arrested and booked in Georgia on charges of racketeering and conspiracy related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Here is his mug shot, which has gone viral on the internet.

Homer: D’oh!

Marge: Oh my!

Bart: Ha ha!

Lisa: Wow!

Maggie: [sucks pacifier]

Kent: The mug shot has sparked a variety of reactions and interpretations from different media outlets and commentators, as well as from ordinary citizens. We have some of them here for you.

“Trump’s mug shot looks like a passport photo taken on a bad day of some twerpy kid who doesn’t feel like flying anyway.” (The New Yorker)

“As a work of art… this anonymous [photographer] has made the once powerful man in the world look like a foolish old duffer with anger issues rather than a serious presidential contender.” (The Guardian)

“Donald Trump’s head may be covered in spray rather than snakes, but he is a Medusa all the same, reconfigured for the age of mass media: Once you look at him, your fate is already sealed.” (The Atlantic)

[The screen returns to Kent.]

Kent: Well, that’s all for now. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. And now, back to our regular programming.

MEDIA REACTIONS

Trump’s mug shot has elicited various responses from different media outlets and commentators, reflecting their views on his character, image, and political future. Some sources have mocked or ridiculed Trump’s mug shot, while others have portrayed it as a fitting culmination of his turbulent and controversial presidency, noting that he might be angry or scared, but not surprised, by his arrest.

On the other hand, some sources have suggested that Trump’s mug shot could be a source of strength or inspiration for him or his supporters, as it shows him standing up to his adversaries or challenging the system. Some have also speculated that Trump’s mug shot could boost his popularity or chances of running for office again in 2024, as it could generate sympathy or admiration from his loyal base or attract new voters who are disillusioned with the current administration.

DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA

The tone, language, and perspective of each source reveal their different opinions and attitudes toward Trump and his presidency. While some are critical or hostile toward Trump, others are more neutral or objective, the rest are sympathetic or supportive of Trump. These differences reflect the polarized and divided views on Trump and his presidency among the American public and the global audience.

The similarities and differences among the sources also have implications for Trump’s public perception and reputation. On one hand, the widespread coverage and attention given to Trump’s mugshot indicate that he is still relevant and influential in American and global politics. His mug shot has become a cultural phenomenon that sparks debates and discussions among various groups and individuals. On the other hand, the diverse and conflicting interpretations of Trump’s mug shot suggest that he is still controversial and divisive in American and global politics. His mug shot has become a symbol of his downfall or his resilience, depending on one’s perspective.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND EQUALITY SYMBOL

Mug shots can be a great leveler in the American criminal justice system, regardless of status or power. As NPR reported:

“Defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Jury trials will be held, and evidence presented and questioned. But mugshots can be a great leveler in the American criminal justice system. They are visible reminders that the law applies to everyone.”

Mug shots have been used to expose or challenge the crimes or misconduct of public figures, such as celebrities, politicians, or activists:

O.J. Simpson’s mug shot was widely circulated after he was accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in 1994.

Justin Bieber’s mug shot showed him smiling after he was arrested in 2014 for drag racing a yellow Lamborghini on a Miami street and failing a sobriety test. He was charged with resisting arrest, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license.

Hugh Grant’s mug shot captured his embarrassment after he was found having sex with her in his car in Los Angeles and was arrested in 1995.

Paris Hilton’s mug shot displayed her glamour after she was arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence, suspending her license.

Lindsay Lohan’s mug shot revealed her exhaustion after she was arrested in 2007 for driving under the influence and possession of cocaine.

Bill Gates’ mug shot depicted his youthfulness after he was arrested in 1977 for speeding and driving without a license.

Al Capone’s mug shot portrayed his notoriety after he was arrested in 1931 for tax evasion and prohibition violations.

Trump’s mug shot represents a historic moment in American politics, as it is the first mug shot to be taken of a U.S. president. It shows him facing the consequence of his actions to overturn the election results in his favor, as well as other charges related to hush-money payments, mishandling of classified documents, and role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

As the Independent reported, “Trump’s mug shot was a theatrical masterstroke with a showman’s flair for the outrageous. Angry, defiant, just a little bit orange: this was classic Trump.” To bring Trump low, The New Yorker pondered that Americans need not a sight but a sound – a verdict spoken, a door slammed, a key turned.

While that flight of imagination may still have to materialize in due time, meanwhile, ABC News reported that Trump’s mug shot was available for purchase online from independent sellers within hours on tote bags, flasks, baby clothes, and even underwear. A heart necklace for $39.99, a shower curtain for $44.99, and a mouse pad for $14.95.

My Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot hitched the hoopla by plugging the following cartoon The Family Guy to wrap up this article.

Tom: God evening, I’m Tom Tucker and this is Quahog 5 News. We have some breaking news for you: Former President Donald Trump has escaped from prison and is on the run from the authorities. Here is a live footage of his getaway.

[The screen shows a helicopter view of Trump driving a golf cart on a highway, followed by several police cars and helicopters. He was wearing an orange jumpsuit and holding a golf club.]

Trump: They’ll never catch me! I’m the best driver in the world. Nobody drives better than me! I have the best golf cart in the world!

[The screen switches to a reporter on the ground.]

Reporter: We are here at the scene of Trump’s escape, where he used a golf club to knock out a guard and steal his golf cart. We have an eyewitness who saw the whole thing. Sir, can you tell us what happened?

Eyewitness: Well, I’m pretty pissed off, to be honest. That was my favorite club and my favorite cart. They were both gifts from my wife for our anniversary.

Reporter: I see. Well, thank you for your time, sir.

Eyewitness: No problem. Hey, do you think I can get them back?

Reporter: I doubt it.

[The screen returns to Tom.]

Tom: Well, there you have it, folks. Trump is on the loose and nobody knows where he is or where he is going. We will keep you updated on this developing story as it unfolds. And now, back to our regular programming.

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head collage photos courtesy of Sky News

Video clips courtesy of YouTube