Rampant corruption in the
government: What’s new about it?
Before I entered into politics last 2007, my perception of
our government was an ideal one; I am very optimistic to the kind of system
that we are having and it makes me proud being a Filipino.
Corrupting the Youth!
The government whom I believe an ideal; the system that I am
very optimistic about and the integrity and veracity of my Filipino identity
became blurred because of a certain occurrence.
I am a political candidate of Sangguniang Kabataan 2007
election, not to sound arrogant and offensive to anyone – I am indeed secure of
my track records being a student leader, Eagle Scout, lay minister in the
church and honor student. I thought I had already all the qualities and
requirements of being a potential leader in the Sangguniang Kabataan
Organization.
I was surprised of the thought that even a young aspiring
politician like me also need a huge amount of money and follow the system of
traditional politicking just to win the Sangguniang Kabataan Elections but due
to my family’s economic condition, I could not afford to allow my parents to
spend thousands of pesos just for a risky election.
There were even news that was brought to us, I don’t know if
the purpose is only to intimidate us or what, that one of my opponents gave
P100.00 to those voters who will favored him – that allegation is still a rumor
to me because I could not find any evidence to support it. Only God knows what
had really happened! That information never gave me a reason to stumble down or
to back out but instead it drives me more to continue my journey of becoming
the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman.
We could not afford to buy someone’s vote because
financially speaking we are not rich. What I can offer to the young citizens of
my barangay was my capacity as a leader, my undying dedication to public
service and my utmost commitment to a genuine and transparent government.
I only spent P800.00 pesos of that said election because I
am very resourceful. I seek financial support to my friends – doctor, engineer
and businessmen. I am acquainted to them it is for the reason that at a very
young age I volunteer my self to the Rotary Organization and church activities,
thus, establishing a friendship and connection to them was never that
complicated. They share their blessings to me, they became my supporters and
sponsors and I am very grateful to them.
To make the long story of my candidacy short – I won the
Sangguniang Kabataan 2007 elections and hold the position as SK Chairman of
Brgy. Visayan Village
I never had an idea that I might become the Federation
President of SK Tagum City, not even in my dreams I have visited by this kind
of thought. It just happened!
Week after I was proclaimed as the newly elected SK Chairman
of Brgy. Visayan Village
I was alone at the venue, my fellow chairman have their
parents accompanying them. At that very instance, I have no idea what is this
SK Federation all about! I am ignorant about it! All I have in mind is that
it’s costly and expensive to be put in there.
Correcting the Errors!
It was then that Mayor Rey T. Uy rendered his speech; I was
amazed on how he delivered it because it’s new to me that such a Chinese man
very articulate in the vernacular language even has a good sense of humor using
that language – that was my first encounter with the mayor. But what caught my
attention was when he describes how the campaign tactics was being played
during SK Federation Election.
A candidate who has the interest to run as
SK Federation President should make sure that he/she must have the majority of
votes of his fellow chairmen. It means to say that; in Tagum City
After learning that from the speaker, I then instantaneously
asked my self “What the heck this government is imposing? They are like
injecting our young once an infectious disease that later on it will be mutated
into a virus, thus, decaying the moral and integrity of our Filipino youth.
At that very instance I can sense that the Uy administration
would like to correct the error that the young generations are exposed to. Whatever
motives or intentions the Uy administrations have in mind… I don’t care! As
long as its purpose is to protect every Filipino youth’s integrity and
self-worth, I am into it!
Tough Steering Committee
After that serious orientation, I headed home immediately. I
prepared all the documents that I’ll need with my portfolio. I am spiritually
elevated at that time and really have that driving force to submit my self to
the steering committee.
The interview was held at Saint Mary’s College and it was
graced by 6 prominent individuals representing the different sectors in the
community. I was never nervous when It’s already my moment to face the panel,
it might that I am already into this kind of situation since I already
experience being interviewed by a panel. I am confident with my answers because
I answered it based on my conscience and principles. I can even recall most of
the questions being thrown to me because it’s one of the most memorable moments
of my life.
And again to make my journey towards achieving the SK
Federation Presidential position short. I won the race and I was oath into
office December 1. 2007.
Period of Adjustments
My First appearance to the Sangguniang Panlungsod was
nerve-racking, I was bombarded by questions from my fellow City Councilors and
in response with utmost courtesy I answered those queries intellectually. I am
very careful with all my comments, suggestions and even recommendations because
I believe that my character is always at risk every time I utter a word or make
any statements. It may or may not contribute a positive impact to the general
public.
Working while studying became the most challenging and
sometimes depressing condition into my being; I combat these challenges with
self – discipline and time management. It was then that time was not anymore a
problem to me; it’s the virtue of patience to stupid people that I don’t have
acquired until now.
My work as a young politician consumes most of my time –
even Saturdays and Sundays but as raised in a disciplinarian and
straightforward Roman Catholic I see to it that I can find time attending mass
on Sundays or even weekdays.
My 3 years of hardwork, dedication and commitment to public
service molded me as to what I am today; it sharpens more of my knowledge and
intellect to politics and government service; it widens the horizon on how I
perceive things, interpret phenomena and made a decision – either personal or
work related.
