This is the first in a series of monthly articles where this column interview individuals in Negros Oriental who have significantly impacted our society. The articles will primarily, but not exclusively, feature politicians, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and social activists.
Let me begin by saying I unequivocally accept I’m unqualified to analyze politics in the Philippines and specifically here in Negros Oriental. I also know Filipinos understandably become disturbed when foreigners pontificate about the state of politics here. I’ll never become close to understanding the complexity. It’s outlandishly confusing. And where’s politicians’ loyalty? They’re prone to change parties as often as the wind changes direction and with less reason. If it’s not Supreme Court justices being impeached, it’s congressmen or senators being charged with alleged corruption. Their responses are invariably the same. “It’s all politically-motivated.” They complain with righteous indignation. “It’s payback because my party, when in government, correctly acted against the current administration.”
This article is less complicated. It’s about Mark Macias who was again made governor of our province from mid October 2017 until Jan 16, 2018 when Governor Degamo was once again reinstated.
I recently waited outside Dr. Mark’s office at the Capitol in Dumaguete. I wondered what he would be like. Would he stick to safe, boring, predictable answers? His long-term executive assistant Marilou Kho ushered me into his office. The huge amount of documents piled deep all over the long desk did not auger well for a focused, productive meeting.
Dr. Mark looked up from his desk with a penetrating, unblinking stare. He reminded me of a high speed computer rapidly doing permutations. This is a man who, though polite and well mannered, clearly does not suffer fools easily. Forty five minutes had been allocated for the interview. I know from experience this timeline will be a challenge. Ninety minutes later, we agree to a subsequent meeting. But it never happens because of demands created by the ongoing political instability.
So who is Dr. Mark Macias, and why is he involved in Negros Oriental politics? What are his motivations and aspirations? In particular, what is an internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon — who had a successful practice at the Asian Hospital in Manila — a member of an old, respected Negros Oriental family, doing far from the center of political action, and his professional life in Manila? Why instead does he toil in the craziness of Negros Oriental politics? The answers soon came pouring out.
“My father was my most important influence both in terms of overall values and political views.” His father, who was also a physician and politician, didn’t see Mark as a viable political candidate because he always spoke his mind. In Philippine political and social life, that’s not always considered appropriate. When probed further, Dr. Mark confirmed the reason he finally decided to get involved in politics here: he felt there was no validity to him complaining about the situation unless he became involved and offered a practical solution.
Born and raised in Dumaguete with a deep affection for the City and the island, his desire to participate required him to make a major life decision. After significant deliberation, he decided to move his family from Manila to Dumaguete.
The transition was difficult for the family. Back then, his wife Melanie had a successful interior design consulting business in Manila. Dr. Mark also was heavily involved with his hospital. His daughter Claudia was a teenager before transferring to Silliman University High School. The transition for her was difficult but in time, she persevered, and subsequently achieved excellent academic and social success. She now works in Manila as a licensed psychometrician. His son Brau, attends Sillliman Senior High School.
Dr. Mark first ran for public office in 2013, winning as Vice Governor in a three-cornered fight. He is now on his second three-year term as Vice Governor but became acting Governor in mid October 2017 when Governor Degamo was removed due to the Ombudsman’s directive accusing him of illegally using P10 million in Intelligence Funds in 2013 despite the absence of an appropriation ordinance.
This is the second, and hopefully last, time this has happened. Dr. Mark had previously replaced Governor Degamo in 2015 after he was removed from office for spending calamity funds that were actually not available at the time.
The immediate challenge facing Dr. Mark in October was keeping the administration running effectively and efficiently. There must understandably have been discomfort among government employees whose allegiance was tied directly to Governor Degamo. How could they be reassured they would not be purged? Dr. Mark confirmed his awareness of their concerns, and said it would have been counter-productive to make significant changes. He was committed to retaining the status quo provided people worked effectively.
Dr. Mark was happy to talk further but the protective, lurking presence of Marilou Kho reminded him work of the government would need to take precedence over our interview. I left the meeting hoping we would have a follow up conversation but doubtful it would happen. No matter, I had learned enough to write a meaningful article.
Although in the past I’ve interviewed Presidents, Prime Ministers, artists, rock stars, and social activists, few, if any, have impressed me to the extent Dr. Mark Macias did. I always look to an individual’s motivation to gain insight into who they truly are. I’m a cynic toughened by life’s rough edges. I can usually smell horse manure before it comes around the corner.
Dr. Mark maintains a relatively low public profile. You won’t see any self-serving billboards displaying his smiling face on it. He spends little on electioneering. He has no aspiration for higher office. Unlike many other politicians, he’s not busy making shady, backroom deals so he or his cronies can financially benefit.
Dr. Mark’s political opponents may disagree, but I have no hesitation in firmly saying he is a man of integrity, a principled politician, and a person who makes an important, positive contribution to Negros Oriental.
In addition, he doesn’t need the gig. He can walk away from politics any time with several more rewarding options open to him. But hopefully he won’t, and will instead continue to participate in political life in Negros Oriental for the foreseeable future.
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Author’s email: irishauthormichaelcassidy@gmail.com
