SANDRO MARCOS: AN OPPORTUNITY TO DELIVER LASTING DEVELOPMENT

Examining Ilocos Norte’s proposed infrastructure funding through public need, political realities, and accountability.

*Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope, PhD, EdD, DM

A bigger development budget can become a bigger opportunity to improve people’s lives.

That was not my first reaction when I encountered reports about the proposed infrastructure allocation for Ilocos Norte’s first district, represented by Congressman Sandro Marcos. Noong una kong nabasa ang ilang bahagi ng ulat ng People’s Budget Coalition, nagalit ako at naghinala. After the flood control controversies and revelations about alleged ghost projects, mahirap makakita ng bilyon-bilyong allocation nang hindi nangangamba.

But after reviewing the reported allocations and available budget information more carefully when I visited a friend in the House of Representatives and gave me a PDF copy of the budget appropriations, I began to see possible justifications worth hearing. Kaya kong kilalanin na maaaring kulang ang una kong pagtingin. Fairness requires a willingness to reconsider an initial judgment when further information warrants it.

As a professor of Doctrine Development, Business and Public Administration who continues to lecture by invitation, with a strong background in finance, economics, and accountancy, I recognize that substantial development needs can require substantial funding. Ngunit hindi sapat ang malaking pangarap lamang. Kailangang makatwiran ang gastos at malinaw ang pakinabang sa mamamayan.

Reports place the proposed additional public works allocation at roughly ₱4.4 billion under the House version of the 2027 national budget. Malacañang has said the projects remain subject to review. These are proposed appropriations; their inclusion does not establish that the money has already been released or spent.

Mahalaga ang pagkakaibang iyon. May pagkakataon pang suriin at ayusin ang mga panukala bago maging aktuwal na paggasta ang mga numero sa papel.

That funding could support meaningful district development if the projects address demonstrated needs at reasonable costs. Better roads can connect farmers to markets. Reliable bridges can improve access to hospitals and schools. Properly planned infrastructure can encourage investment and livelihoods.

Para sa magsasakang nababawasan ang kita dahil sa mahal na transportasyon, malaking bagay ang maayos na kalsada. Para sa pamilyang kailangang makarating agad sa ospital, mahalaga ang ligtas na tulay. These everyday realities deserve a place in the budget discussion.

Congressman Sandro Marcos deserves the opportunity to explain the development program behind the proposed increase. The presentation should identify project locations, intended beneficiaries, credible cost estimates, and readiness for implementation. Kung matagal nang kulang ang imprastraktura o may pakinabang na aabot sa karatig na komunidad, dapat makita ang batayan.

Some readers, especially those critical of the administration, may disagree with giving the proposal this consideration. That is understandable. Ngunit ang patas na pagsusuri ay nangangailangan ng pare-parehong pamantayan, kahit hindi natin gusto ang politikong makikinabang sa magandang resulta.

Political influence over budget distribution is neither new nor uniquely Philippine. Elected representatives advocate for constituents, negotiate support, and seek funding for their priorities. Within constitutional limits, such negotiations can form part of representative government.

Economists Jeffrey Clemens and Stan Veuger found that partisan alignment helped predict differences in United States pandemic relief allocations following the 2021 political transition. Sa Pilipinas, tinalakay ng Philippine Institute for Development Studies paper na Federalism: Prospects for the Philippines ang Congressional Initiative Allocations na nakukuha sa pamamagitan ng political negotiation, kasabay ng pagsusuri sa pagiging patas at mahusay ng pamamahagi ng pondo.

These studies help explain the political context. They do not establish why Sandro’s district received its proposed increase, nor do they prove that the increase is justified.

Ang pagkilala sa realidad ng pulitika ay hindi pahintulot sa anumang pag-abuso. Public need must still justify the result.

The historical comparison also requires care. Reports citing DPWH confirmation placed infrastructure allocations for Paolo Duterte’s district at approximately ₱51 billion over 2020 to 2022, during his father’s presidency. That figure covers three years, while Sandro’s disputed amount concerns proposed additional funding for one year. They cannot be treated as directly equivalent.

Hindi depensa sa kasalukuyan ang ginawa noon. Pero hindi rin makatarungang magpalit ng pamantayan depende sa apelyido. Both deserve examination through the same questions of need, cost, legality, and public benefit.

Equal allocations do not necessarily produce equitable development. Districts differ in population, geography, disaster exposure, existing infrastructure, and the regional importance of their projects. A larger allocation may be reasonable when these differences warrant it.

Gayunman, limitado ang pera ng bayan. Kailangang timbangin ang panukala laban sa agarang pangangailangan ng ibang lugar. Bakit dito, bakit ganito kalaki, at bakit ngayon? Those questions give proponents an opportunity to demonstrate the proposal’s merit.

Our constitutional safeguards also matter. The Supreme Court’s Belgica ruling invalidated personal lump-sum allocations for legislators and arrangements allowing their intervention in budget execution beyond legitimate congressional oversight. Advocacy during budget deliberations must respect that boundary.

Ang pondong ito ay para sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan. Hindi ito personal na pera ng sinumang kinatawan, at ang pagpapatupad ay dapat manatili sa mga ahensiyang may legal na pananagutan.

Let the Senate examine the proposal and require supporting records. Bicameral deliberations should allow citizens to see proposed amendments and final reconciliation documents. Transparency can help sound projects earn public confidence and expose weaknesses while correction remains possible.

Pagkatapos ng pag-apruba, susunod ang mas mabigat na pagsusulit: procurement, konstruksyon, inspeksyon, pagbabayad, at pagkumpleto. Ang kalsada ay dapat madaanan. Ang tulay ay dapat ligtas. Ang ipinangakong pakinabang ay dapat maramdaman.

For Congressman Sandro Marcos, this is an opportunity to demonstrate that effective district advocacy can go hand in hand with transparency and responsible spending. A clear explanation and openness to scrutiny could strengthen confidence in the development goals he champions.

Makatarungang magtanong, ngunit makatarungan ding makinig bago humusga. If the projects meet documented needs at reasonable costs and deserve priority, they merit support. Kung may kulang, ayusin; kung walang sapat na batayan, baguhin o alisin.

The best outcome would be a development program that Sandro Marcos can explain with confidence and his constituents can experience with pride. Ang tunay na tagumpay ng mas malaking badyet ay mas magaan na buhay para sa mamamayan.

_________________________________________________________

Dear Reader,

I invite you to explore my complete collection of published books now available on Amazon. Whether you are seeking in-depth analysis, strategic insights, or engaging narratives, my catalog covers a range of essential topics designed to inform, inspire, and provoke thoughtful discussion.

You can browse all my current titles, read excerpts, and order your copies directly through my official Amazon Author Page: 

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Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. If you enjoy any of the titles, leaving a review on Amazon would be greatly appreciated as it helps bring these ideas to a broader audience.

Warm regards,

Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*About the author:

Dr. Rodolfo “John” Ortiz Teope is a distinguished Filipino academic, public intellectual, and advocate for civic education and public safety, whose work spans local academies and international security circles. With a career rooted in teaching, research, policy, and public engagement, he bridges theory and practice by making meaningful contributions to academic discourse, civic education, and public policy. Dr. Teope is widely respected for his critical scholarship in education, management, economics, doctrine development, and public safety; his grassroots involvement in government and non-government organizations; his influential media presence promoting democratic values and civic consciousness; and his ethical leadership grounded in Filipino nationalism and public service. As a true public intellectual, he exemplifies how research, advocacy, governance, and education can work together in pursuit of the nation’s moral and civic mission.

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MEDALS, BROKEN PROMISES, AND DENIED DISCOUNTS

Republic Act No. 10699: Enforce Athletes’ Rights, Expand Benefits, and Protect Their Retirement

*Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope, PhD, EdD, DM

Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna has represented the Philippines across international chessboards. Yet in a social media post, she described repeatedly explaining to restaurants that national athletes are entitled to a discount. Some reportedly that they had received no memorandum. Nakakalungkot na matapos dalhin ang pangalan ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa, kailangan pang ipaliwanag ng isang atleta ang kanyang karapatan and benepisyo sa sariling bayan. 

Behind an athlete’s identification card are years of extensive sacrifice, training, personal expenses, missed family occasions, and opportunities set aside. Hindi nakikita sa litrato ng tagumpay ang pagod, pangamba, at gastusing kailangang pagkasyahin. The public sees the medal. The athlete remembers what it took to earn it.

Republic Act No. 10699, the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, was enacted in 2015 to provide benefits for qualified national athletes and coaches. Section 4 grants a 20 percent discount on covered transportation services, hotels and other lodging establishments, restaurants, recreation centers, medicines, and sports equipment, and a minimum 20 percent discount on admission to cinemas, theaters, concert halls, and similar venues, for their actual and exclusive use or enjoyment. Nearly eleven years later, claiming these discounts should already be an ordinary transaction. Hindi ito personal na pabor ng negosyo. Karapatan ito ng kwalipikadong atleta at coach, alinsunod sa mga rekisito ng batas. 

Our sporting history reveals an even more painful gap between national pride and personal security.

Anthony Villanueva, the country’s first Olympic silver medalist in 1964, reportedly offered to sell his medal decades later to support his family. The Philippine Sports Commission subsequently approved a monthly pension in 2000. Isipin ang bigat ng pagpapasyang iyon: ang medalyang ipinagdiwang ng buong bayan, kailangan mong pakawalan upang maitawid ang pangangailangan sa tahanan. 

Onyok Velasco, the 1996 Olympic boxing silver medalist, also spoke about promised rewards that had not all materialized. He received ₱500,000 and the Order of Lapu-Lapu from the government in 2021. That recognition mattered. His experience underscores why commitments require clear accountability and timely delivery. 

May gamot na kailangang bilhin ngayon. May pamilyang kailangang pakainin ngayon. Hindi maaaring ipagpaliban ang kanilang pangangailangan hanggang sa susunod na parangal.

Three commitments should guide reform.

First, enforce existing discounts. The PSC, BIR, DTI, DILG, and local governments should coordinate a nationwide information and compliance campaign. Mayors and business permit offices should orient establishments, promote visible notices, and establish accessible complaint and referral channels. Businesses need practical guidance on eligibility, documentation, computation, and tax treatment.

Dapat alam ng cashier ang proseso, alam ng negosyo ang obligasyon, at alam ng atleta kung saan lalapit kapag tinanggihan ang isang lehitimong benepisyo.

Second, expand essential benefits. Congress should bring athlete protection closer to relevant senior citizen privileges, prioritizing VAT exemption on covered purchases and broader medical benefits. Senior citizens receive a VAT exemption on covered transactions that RA 10699 does not similarly grant to athletes. Necessary consultations, diagnostic examinations, and treatment should form part of the proposed expansion. 

Malaking bagay ang matitipid sa isang atletang pinagkakasya ang allowance. Kapag may pinsala o karamdaman, ang agarang gamutan ay mahalaga sa kanyang kalusugan, kabuhayan, at pagkakataong makabalik sa kompetisyon.

Third, establish a sustainably funded monthly pension. Section 6 already provides a qualifying retirement lump sum equivalent to 25 percent of total career cash incentives. Congress should build on this through a continuing pension with clear service, age, and disability requirements, including a pathway for qualified athletes from earlier generations. 

Hindi natatapos ang pangangailangan sa pagkain, gamot, at tahanan pagkatapos ng huling laban. Ang katawan ay tumatanda. Ang ilang pinsala ay nananatili. Dapat may maaasahang suporta habang naghahanda sila para sa panibagong yugto ng buhay.

To administer these protections, the PSC should maintain an official online registry with clear eligibility criteria and searchable verification or secure QR codes. Establishments could confirm entitlement while accessing only information necessary for verification. Mas madaling makukuha ang benepisyo, habang may proteksyon ang negosyo laban sa pekeng identification cards.

Funding should follow verified beneficiary numbers, assessed needs, and projected costs. The PSC should prepare the budget proposal, tax authorities should assess revenue implications, and regular audits should check payments and eligibility. Sa ganitong paraan, may batayan ang bawat paglalaan at pananagutan sa bawat paggastos.

This belongs in the broader demand for an accountable national budget. Every peso diverted through corruption reduces resources available for public needs, including athlete welfare. Budget insertions must face scrutiny over their purpose, beneficiaries, and delivery. Nakakasama ng loob kung may pondong napupunta sa pansariling interes habang ang atleta ay naghihintay ng tulong at ang pasilidad na kailangan niya ay napapabayaan.

Kung hinihingan natin ng disiplina at resulta ang ating mga atleta, dapat ganoon din ang pamantayan sa pamahalaan.

Reliable protection would give young athletes and their families greater confidence that years devoted to sports can lead to a future with dignity. Kasama sa paghubog ng susunod na kampeon ang katiyakang aalagaan natin siya matapos ang kanyang panahon sa kompetisyon.

Sana hindi na muling kailangang ipagbili ng isang atleta ang alaala ng kanyang tagumpay para lamang mabuhay. At sana ang mga kamay na pumapalakpak kapag siya ay nananalo ay naroon pa rin upang umalalay kapag siya ay nanghihina.

_________________________________________________________

Dear Reader,

I invite you to explore my complete collection of published books now available on Amazon. Whether you are seeking in-depth analysis, strategic insights, or engaging narratives, my catalog covers a range of essential topics designed to inform, inspire, and provoke thoughtful discussion.

You can browse all my current titles, read excerpts, and order your copies directly through my official Amazon Author Page: 

Click this Image to View:

Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. If you enjoy any of the titles, leaving a review on Amazon would be greatly appreciated as it helps bring these ideas to a broader audience.

Warm regards,

Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*About the author:

Dr. Rodolfo “John” Ortiz Teope is a distinguished Filipino academic, public intellectual, and advocate for civic education and public safety, whose work spans local academies and international security circles. With a career rooted in teaching, research, policy, and public engagement, he bridges theory and practice by making meaningful contributions to academic discourse, civic education, and public policy. Dr. Teope is widely respected for his critical scholarship in education, management, economics, doctrine development, and public safety; his grassroots involvement in government and non-government organizations; his influential media presence promoting democratic values and civic consciousness; and his ethical leadership grounded in Filipino nationalism and public service. As a true public intellectual, he exemplifies how research, advocacy, governance, and education can work together in pursuit of the nation’s moral and civic mission.

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