I admit that I’m guilty of being indifferent when it comes to Philippine Politics. It’s a hard habit to break, especially since we’ve all had our share of so-called leaders living lives filled with graft and corruption. I also do admit of having “serves him/her right” thoughts when some form of tragedy befalls on them (a show of hands to those who’ve shared the same sentiments when ex-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo fell ill. Don’t be shy to admit it :P). C’mon, I’m only human.
There are of course, some diamonds in the rough–one of whom is our very own Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Jesse Robredo, whose body was most recently found in Masbate waters after his plane crashed into the sea last weekend.
No politician’s death has affected me as much as Sec. Robredo’s. That definitely says a lot about his character and works as a public servant. I’ve never been a fan of Politics, but I did admire Jesse Robredo for being a remarkable politician. He wanted to make the Philippines great, because he believed that it was possible. He inspired people to work towards that goal. He was a simple man who never saw himself as someone special or above the rest due to his status. He led because he wanted to serve. He is, in a sense, what one would call a true servant leader.
Photo credit: Dyoodekz Romo
It’s truly ironic how, as we celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day this August 21, we find ourselves also mourning the loss of a great servant leader in Sec. Robredo. He was made for great things, and I hope that his legacy lives on in the hearts of not just our politicians, but for the entire country.
“It’s not enough for an official to be good. There has to be a system that forces them to be good.” – Jesse Robredo on transparency
“The Filipino is worth dying for.” – Ninoy Aquino
Thank you, Jesse, for giving hope to the Filipino people, and for showing us what Good Governance truly is. I hope that the life you’ve led inspires our local politicians to work for a better Philippines and for for their own interests. We will miss you greatly. Maraming Salamat po.
