The underling is often more forceful than the superior, protective of the hand that feeds him. This is more than gatekeeping; the bodyguard, driver, or aide becomes a mini-me authoritarian.
“VIP ang dala namin, naka-blinker na kami,” the driver of Department of Transportation Usec. Ricky Alfonso says with a huff.
Superiors rely on this instinct, letting their men fend off trouble so they are spared inconvenience. But it is a habit that backfires. A driver’s bluster, a helper’s swagger—these escalate tensions and spark public-relations fires.
Better they remind their staff now: tamp down the aggression before it does damage. /Vincent Pozon
Alfonso’s sports utility vehicle has blinkers and a “10” protocol plate. The “10” protocol plate is normally reserved for justices of the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Solicitor General. While Alfonso is authorized to use the plate as a DOTr undersecretary, the agency found that his vehicle was not officially registered for such use. - Bilyonaryo
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