Sibunga, Riza 2-B English

July 11, 2023

Survey of the Philippine Literature

"Unnecessary Burden": Larry Gadon's a

Appointment as the New Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation

The Daily Inquirer released another article, this time, about disbarred Attorney Larry
Gadon's appointment as the presidential adviser for poverty alleviation. This analysis will focus
on the reasons why Gadon is being appointed despite the fact that he has the tendency to be
"very direct" to the press. At it's height, it will talk about why and why should Larry Gadon
deserve the position given that it is no longer needed or deemed unnecessary for the public. It
will explore that fact that Gadon is a die hard Marcos loyalist and it's relation to the
appointment. It will then end but summarizing the key points and a call to action to prevent
biases in appointing leaders and adivers to the president, which, in a way, a blow to the
president as well.

The article started with a thought provoking statement. Saying that it is such a "Propitious
Coincidence" that the Supreme Courts decision to disbar Attorney Larry Gadon is fitting for his
new appointment. In this statement and opening, the editorial challenges the reader's to
analyze the truth and the reason behind this perfect timing. But then again, no lawyer wants to
be disbarred, but it worked well for Gadon because his appointment does not require for him to
be a lawyer. Monday next week, the Presidential Communications Office announced Gadon's
position saying that "it reflects the government's commitment to addressing one of the most
pressing challenges by the nation" In this announcement, the Presidential team made it seem
like Gadon's post is of importance and urgent, but in fact, in is not necessary, since the
government already has committee advising the President on what to do with poverty. Gadon
on the other hand, defended his post saying that he will bring new spice to the table by his
"BATANG MALUSOG, BUSOG (BBM)" project, a representation on the President's initials. In an
interview, he said that his project—compared to the project of the established poverty
committee, will focus mainly on the children, particularly elementary, who are malnourished,
lacking in nutrients. Such a touching thing to say for someone who is fearless, curses his the
press, and challenges his the public. When as how would he react with the public's disapproval
on his appointment, he said in an almost mocking voice "Mag Presidente muna kayo"
emphasizing that it is the President who wanted him and that is what's more important for him.

Some sectors—notably the Kilusang Mangbubukid ng Pilipinas have pointed out that
there's "political patronage and favor" underlying Gadon's appointment. This is for the fact that
he is a die hard Marcos loyalist. He was considered as the most loyal to the President during the
election and most active in defending him to the public press that even cost him his license. In
an interview, when asked if he had any regrets he said "No" for the reason that his President
won the election. In short Gadon is implying that "It was worth it" he also said the it was "talent
and skills" that got him their and not political connections; this is beyond the fact that there are
people more worthy than him for the position that does not have an I'll impression to the public.
It may sound like this is a blow to Gadon but really, this is an attack to Marcos' government, with
the public claiming that this just only shows the administration's "insincerity" in fighting poverty.

According to the Philippines Statistics Authority in 2020, there are 14 million families out of
26.39 households consider themselves poor. That is more than half of the Philippines
population. Given the seriousness of this issue, the Marcos' administration could not, even for a
bit, play with this appointment. A million hungry Filipino families are at stake here. The public
doesn't need someone who has a could temper and who cannot control his mouth to lead them.
I'm addition, how can disbarred Attorney Larry Gadon work in the field effectively if most of the
people he'll be working with are the ones he threw shade with before? The Marcos
administration does not need this unnecessary burden in their shoulders, not even for the fact
that he is their loyalist. You can never play on poor Filipino families, the public indeed, expect
more from Marcos, than this.