NO Philippine president probably could have done what Bongbong Marcos has accomplished for the hapless retirees of Intercontinental Broadcasting Network (IBC) 13.
After two decades and after four administrations — from Cory Aquino to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — 145 former employees of the government-owned IBC 13 finally received their retirement benefits last Friday.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said during the awarding rites that President Marcos Jr. gave the “marching order” for the settlement of all the retirees’ claims. Much of the groundwork was achieved by former IBC-13 president and CEO Jimmie Policarpio Jr., whose proficient skills and tireless dedication in expediting cooperative efforts between Malacanang and the legislature had been honed when he was the Executive-Legislative Chief Liaison under two administrations.
‘The President’s decision speaks very well of his compassion and kindness which hopefully he will continue to exhibit to other people, despite any political barriers or resentments.’
Sadly, at least 25 of the retirees have passed away while waiting for their benefits to be released. In a statement, Policarpio said that “most of the remaining retirees are taking maintenance medicines or are facing a host of medical problems while some are gravely ill.” About P500 million was given as retirement pay which, according to Policarpio, benefitted 200 families.
Even after it was sold to the government in 2000 through a compromise agreement with the owner, former Ambassador Roberto S. Benedicto, the once top TV network in the country remained unprofitable due to incompetent and corrupt management by Malacanang appointees.
The commitment of President Marcos Jr. to the IBC-13 employees comes from the deeper ties between his father and Benedicto, who were very close like brothers. People in Ilocos Norte still remember how the former ambassador helped Ferdinand Marcos Sr. immensely, especially during the difficult periods of his life.
The President’s decision speaks very well of his compassion and kindness which hopefully he will continue to exhibit to other people, despite any political barriers or resentments.
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The following is a stunningly moving account of remarkable fearless sacrifices upholding moral values over wealth, power, and life itself, from “Pipol” online.
“When the Titanic sank, it carried millionaire John Jacob Astor IV. The money in his bank account was enough to build 30 Titanics. However, faced with mortal danger, he chose what he deemed to be morally right and gave up his spot in a lifeboat to save two frightened children.
“Millionaire Isidor Straus, co-owner then of the largest American chain of department stores, Macy’s, who was also on the Titanic, said: ‘I will never enter a lifeboat before other men.’ His wife, Ida Straus, also refused to board the boat, giving her spot to her newly appointed maid, Ellen Bird. She decided to spend her last moments with her husband.
“These wealthy individuals preferred to part with their wealth, and even their lives, rather than compromise their moral principles.
“Their choice in favor of moral values highlighted the brilliance of human civilization and human nature.”
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Another unexplained death, this time of a good friend, Francis Cardona, president of Radyo Pilipino Inc., the provincial network based in Tarlac owned by the late Danding Cojuangco. He developed pneumonia and was recovering after a few days. But according to the doctors at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in QC where he was confined for about a month, another pneumonia variant suddenly struck which proved fatal. Cardona was fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and, as other doctors in alternative medicine have repeatedly claimed, COVID-19 destroys one’s immunity against diseases.
He was only 66. My deepest sympathies to his wife, Anna, and their four children. Cardona also served as director of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) for many years.
