There is a Tagalog term — “kapit-tukô.” Tukô is a type of lizard that has a very tight grip on whatever it grabs. The term became popularly used to describe certain people who would hang on to a position come what may and regardless of the consequences or repercussions it may have on his person or family.
We all remember the late President Marcos who declared martial law to perpetuate himself in power. That was a classic example of kapit-tukô.
Well, we need not go overseas. We only have to look at what is happening in the Philippine Community Council (PCC), supposedly a respected umbrella organisation of Filipino associations in New South Wales.
It continues to tolerate the presence of a former Vice President at board meetings, even after the position has already been declared vacant.
This particular officer was automatically ousted from the board when the association he represents withdrew its membership from PCC. The decision for an immediate withdrawal was decided during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the university alumni association that he represents. The incumbent PCC president graciously accepted the affiliate’s resignation.
But that was not the end of the story. According to PCC board members, this VP continues to attend PCC board meetings. Assuming that he now represents another association (which he does not appear to have), any transfer of endorsement cannot happen in mid-stream.
It all boils down to a weak PCC board. Doesn’t anyone in PCC have the guts to tell him that his continued presence is unauthorised? Someone is a lame duck and very much lacking in leadership.
It might be a good idea for PCC to create a new position during its next AGM scheduled on February 2014. It must have a sergeant-at-arms who
must prevent the presence of unauthorised attendees during board meetings.
Being the peak body of Filipino communities in NSW, PCC is tasked with the responsibility of making representations with the Australian government. It is therefore imperative that its officers are respected members of the Filipino community. — Dino Crescini