Introduction to Public Administration and Governance, PA 201

  To Put Our House in Order We Must Level the Playing Field.

 Jose T Almonte

Published by the Foundation for Economic Freedom, Inc. Philippines 2007

Chapter III Pg. 119-174

Course Requirement #3: Students are required to do a review of an article from anyone of the current international journals in public administration, or a book on PA discussing administrative theory and approaches and techniques to public sector management.

The book/ article review shall be limited to 2 pages, single-spaced, font 12. It is strongly suggested that the student does a review of either the article/book of Jose T Almonte, 2007 or of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s “Social Market Economy Principles and Implementation” ( Rolf Hasse et al.), 2008

This chapter is a compilation of the text of 6 separate speeches and 1 published article by Jose T Almonte from the years 1994 till 2005. When studied in a compilation format as they are presented by the Foundation for Economic Freedom the student gains insight into the shifting nature of the political economy in the Philippines, as well as the continuing challenges the nation faces. Reading through the work of Almonte the development of the Philippines is seen though a lenses focused on venues for continued enrichment of the nation. The style, presentation and underlying focus remain the same through the compilation, a testament to the dedication of Almonte and to the time consuming process of change. Almont’s political views are clearly demonstrated in each piece, his favor of the Ramos administration, his disfavor of the Arroyo administration, his intolerance for elite capture of the market and state, his belief in state based services and control, his favor towards decentralization and greater local autonomy and his respect towards America Philippine scholars as well as the progress and potential for the Asian nations community.

I will focus this review on a speech given by Almonte in 1995 titled “The Bureaucracy and Philippines 2000” In this speech Almonte raises the questions of how to modernize the Philippine democracy. Almonte calls for a strong focused leader who will stick to his purpose and engage the people. Almonte states “we need to renew the social contract between Government and citizens” in order to start the modernization process of the Philippine democracy.

Almont’s conclusion remains relevant and needed 15 years later. The electorate and that elected continue to be operating in separate spheres while the Philippine democracy remains starved for modernization in some many areas. The National College of Public Administration and Governance recommends this reading for all MPA students as part of their introduction to public administration and governance studies. It is a solution oriented paper that provided a basis for future government as well as administrative work.

I enjoyed reading Almonte. I found his style approachable and easy to follow. The challenges and solutions he identifies are well developed and multi sector. His eloquent use of words and his to the point assessments were such that I found myself agreeing with him throughout the piece.