Playing with Fire
Al Fernandez counsels greenhorn
By Gonzalo Duque
WE had difficulty understanding the reason of our Dagupan City councilors—some of them anyway—in requesting some P2 million financial assistance” from the city’s budget.
It puts a bad taste in the mouth. But they did the “hampassible.”
Kawawa naman ang mga pobre.
They say they are buried in a mountain of financial obligations — malaki ang nagastos noong nakaraang eleksyon, maraming Christmas gift for their inaanak at constituents, sponsorships on weddings and dizzying social obligations!
Naku, talagang problema itan, mga agagui.
But who is not burdened by social obligations in these expensive days?
Kahit wala ka sa pulitika, mayroong ganyang obligacions! Hindi lang buwan ng December, pati Mayo, mga pistahan, naku! Grabe na ang buhay, grabe nadatnan nating kultura!
But allow us to say this. Nandiyan na yan e. Dapat sana — at itoy suggestion ng isang kaibigan—our councilors should have a better, more imaginative strategy in dealing with their personal obligations!
Madami jan! Huag lang silang magmukhang kawawa.
Mabuti na lang at may nagka-counsel sa mga kawawang koboy —si dating Meyor Al Fernandez.
We heard Al, the most statesmanlike former mayor ng Dagupan has cautioned against a dishonorable thing like that.
Al really knows the public service game at the palm of his hand. He has had many years in public service from the local government, Immigration, and now he was just appointed director or commissioner of the Clark Airport Corporation.
In our rounds of brewed coffee at Pedritos, Al says he is rallying Filipinos behind President P-noy’s Daang Matuwid.
We thought Al should start in his home turf, with the fumbling Konsehales. Galing diyan si Al. He topped the councilors race in his first try.
Ang kanyang battle cry? ‘Al da best.’
And he really was the best councilor Dagupan then has produced.
Sana his mentoring the new blood will bear fruit tungo sa Daang Matuwid ni Pnoy.
Good luck to all of you, upstarts!
* * * *
Public service is a demanding job. It requires a plus-factor in dealing with issues and problems.
Hindi pwede yong attitude na “what is it for me?”
Dapat papunta lahat sa serbisyo publiko.
That’s why heroes are mostly public servants, the likes of the Aquinos — Ninoy and Cory, and yes, the man behind Daang Matuwid! — and many others. Mapalad ang mga taong nabibigyan ng opportunity to serve their fellowmen.
One word that’s associated with public service is “sacrifice.”
Man sakripisyo kayo mga agagui. Be like Rizal, Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Magsaysay, Masiken Pilong Guadiz, and their ilk. They were noted for placing the public welfare above all else.
We remember our friend former Councilor Edna Torio Gonzales. One time she uncontrollably said, “ay agko naakmon so istilo ditan ed SP!”
She was referring to the culture of you-know-what in the Sanggunian.
Salute Edna for her high level brand of leadership.
What did you say, Manny Baby?
Politics is business?
Please, let’s change the topic!
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