ENDEAVOR
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of navigating diverse sectors, from corporate leadership to academia, before stepping into the arena of public service under three Philippine Presidents: Corazon Aquino, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, and Benigno Aquino III. Each transition brought with it a deeper understanding of what it means to serve, not merely as a professional but as a citizen answering the call to contribute to the greater good. Public service, at its core, is a commitment to uplift the lives of the many, often at personal cost to those who dedicate themselves to this calling.
Today, I reflect on three individuals—two of whom are my close friends and associates—who embody the virtues of hope and dedication in public service. As they seek new paths in elective office, their candidacies offer not just the promise of leadership but a rekindling of hope for many Filipinos. Representative Mark Go, former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and former COA Commissioner and UN Undersecretary General Heidi Mendoza have all demonstrated, in different ways, what it means to serve with integrity and compassion.
I met and became acquainted with Rep. Mark Go when both of us were active members of the UP Student Council in Diliman and Tarlac, respectively, at the onset of the First Quarter Storm of 1970. Then we became closely associated as representatives of our employer-companies in the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), and as fellow Rotarians. After losing in two successive bids to become Baguio City Mayor, then as Representative, he was elected in 2016 as Representative, and having served out term limits, he is running anew for mayor.
Mark Go has consistently demonstrated a level-headed and strategic approach to leadership. His tenure as a legislator is marked by a deep understanding of his constituents’ needs, an unwavering commitment to the preservation of Baguio’s cultural and environmental heritage, and a pragmatic focus on policy reforms, especially in tertiary education. He has represented the House of Representatives in the UP Board of Regents. He co-authored the law that increased the bed capacity of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center as well as the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.
Mark’s leadership style, grounded in thoughtful decision-making, provides a clear contrast to the quick-fix solutions that often characterize political campaigns. His vision for Baguio—a city grappling with environmental challenges and urban congestion—centers on long-term, sustainable solutions. He has already championed legislative efforts to address climate change and urban planning issues, and as mayor, he can leverage these experiences to push for more responsive local governance.
Now, as he sets his sights on the mayoralty of Baguio City, he brings with him the same principles that have made him an effective public servant—transparency, accountability, and a focus on sustainable development.
Leila de Lima, former Justice Secretary and senator, has long been a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Her incarceration on politically motivated charges is a testament to the risks that come with standing up for justice and human rights in a landscape often hostile to such ideals. Now, as she seeks to represent the Mamamayang Liberal party list, Leila’s candidacy is a bold assertion of her unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the protection of civil liberties.
Leila’s career has been defined by her courage to speak truth to power, a quality sorely needed in the increasingly polarized political environment of the Philippines. Her experience as Justice Secretary and her advocacy for human rights have placed her at the forefront of the fight against extrajudicial killings and other abuses. She earned the ire of the previous regime — for which she suffered a seven-year incarceration and survived a violent ‘amok’ incident in Camp Crame. She was unfairly projected as the opposite of who she truly is: a person of unassailable integrity and moral courage.
Leila is determined to ensure that the marginalized and oppressed have a voice in policymaking. Her candidacy serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are those who are willing to stand up for justice, no matter the personal cost.
I am truly privileged to have known and worked closely with Leila, an affable, light-hearted, down-to-earth and caring person.
Heidi Mendoza’s career is the epitome of what it means to serve with integrity. As a former commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA) and a former UN Undersecretary General for Internal Oversight, Heidi has spent her career ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and transparently. Her expertise in auditing and governance has been recognized both in the Philippines and internationally, and her commitment to accountability is unparalleled.
Now, as she seeks a Senate seat, Heidi’s candidacy represents an opportunity to bring the same level of scrutiny and oversight to national legislation. In a country where corruption remains a significant issue, Heidi’s experience in safeguarding public funds could prove invaluable in crafting laws that promote transparency and good governance. Her approach to public service is meticulous, principled, and focused on ensuring that government serves the people in the most efficient and ethical manner possible.
Mark, Leila, and Heidi, each in their unique ways, offer a vision of leadership that is not only capable but also deeply ethical. They remind us that public service is not about personal gain or political survival but about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Their willingness to heed the call to serve, despite the challenges and risks, serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the potential for good governance.
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