Incremental gains

Often enough, those of us fighting for good governance become our own worst enemies. We demand purity among those doing battle against evil.

- BOO CHANCO

That's human nature, I guess. Even Christ had to admonish his disciples in Mark 9:40 that "whoever is not against us is for us." Jesus is saying that someone acting in his name, is not an enemy but an ally.

Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan were demonized for compromising with the enemies. Never mind that their move was strategic to maximize their effectiveness in a Senate populated by greedy, self-serving politicians.

There are some who are trying to bring down Vince Dizon, citing his association with Alan Peter Cayetano and his magic palayok at Clark. I can understand the skepticism but would let that pass so long as I can see Vince delivering results we need now.

I do not know Vince that well but the few times I interacted with him convinced me he is just someone trying to do a good job. We saw DOTr projects start moving again in his short stint as the agency head.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, a lead convenor of Democracy Watch Philippines who has worked with Vince, thinks Vince's "tenure at the DOTr showed what leadership looks like when it is focused, innovative and grounded in public service.

"He fast-tracked long-delayed rail projects, launched cashless train payments... His time there was short, but his impact was evident."

Building public trust is his top priority. He is also burning the midnight oil working on the 2026 budget, ridding it of insertions that must be removed.