Jesse’s way

When the official list of senatoriables was released, I carefully scanned through the names, eliminating those that come from political dynasties. (I’d like to think that leaders need not emanate from one family and of course, the more salient point is: Delicadeza.) I ended up with a list of obviously less familiar personalities. With an eyebrow raised, I wondered, “Who are these people?” Whether we admit it or not, unless a candidate has a strong political backing, then voters have a tendency of not taking them seriously. 

I suggest that we do not limit ourselves with only the candidates with familiar surnames, but get to know each one of them based on their platforms and track record. 

Before the tragic plane crash in Masbate last year, the  name Jesse Robredo would most likely not end up on the Top 12 of any senatorial survey, despite him being a multi-awarded public servant. 

But after that fateful day, the public got a glimpse of the kind of public servant Robredo was. It filled us with regret, too, that why — with all the trapos in the country — did we have to lose a good man? 

I miss Sec. Jess, especially now that the elections is drawing near. We have him to thank because he raised the bar in public service.  Rightfully so, we must expect nothing less of our politicians. 

Esteemed broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro suggested that we come up with a Robredo List — the qualities that we should look for in our leaders. 

She forwarded to me an e-mail from former Finance Undersecretary Nene Guevara who heads Synergeia, a private NGO that’s into education, which Sec. Jesse supported. 

The subject box read: Jesse’s Way.

1. Family first. You can never invite him during periodical examinations of his daughter. He is the one who tutors them especially in math. He goes home every day to have lunch with the family.

2. It’s OK not to conform. In a conference in Washington, he was comfortable loafing around the hotel in his Chinese slippers.

3. Speak your mind out. He did not hesitate to speak his mind out even if his ideas could be unpopular or contradicted the ideas of his friends. He did this to me several times. First, when he opposed my endorsement of a program in Bicol saying that the program needs to mature. Second, when he told me that it was about time that we establish partnership with central DepED (knowing my aversion to dealing with bureaucrats and political appointees).

4. No entitlement. Power does not bestow on you the right to be ahead of others or to demand special services. He never sat on presidential tables. Instead, he preferred to mingle with the crowd. At times, he sat on the registration table.

5. Simple is beautiful. One can count the number of his checkered shirts. He made no fuss about food served to him. He ate almost anything.

6. Be resilient. He slept on the boat from Zamboanga to Siasi, took a bath even if the water was dirty and ate even if there was no spoon or fork. He kept telling me, “Take the time to rest when we are out in the province. Shake off the work mentality.”

7. Cost-effectiveness is the key. He slept in cheap but clean hotels when he was in Manila. Why spend a lot of money when all you need to do is to take a clean shower and dress up? His contribution to a sit-down dinner that Synergeia sponsored was a singing group that sang in beer gardens in Naga. But the “Pork Barrel” was a big hit. He preferred to take the train from the airport in Washington even if he did not know how to get a ticket from the machine and lost his way.

8. Consistently show appreciation and support. He was there all the time, inspiring mayors and barangay captains, sharing his experiences and articulating his insights. His presence was his biggest gift. Simple gifts like coffee mugs and a bedroom lamp (for me) were the premium. When he joined the Galing Pook for his Reinventing the School Board Program, he said, “Ma’am, para sa iyo ito at sa Synergeia. (Ma’am, this is for you and Synergeia.)”

9. Think deeply. His ideas were a cut above the rest. They were different. He thought that our programs were incomplete unless superintendents are accountable to local governments and their communities. His last words of wisdom were that we will not be remembered by the power and wealth we have held but by the way we related to people.

10. Be uncomfortable with perks. He was ill at ease with the accolades and his popularity. He was astounded when people wanted to have their photos taken with him. He did not know how to react. All he could do was to say, “One, two, three,” every time the camera clicked.

11. He had a great sense of humor. When he was told how special he is to Synergeia because of the huge publication costs for our manifestos of support (we had four), he laughingly said, “Kumita pa ang mga yon. (They even made money out of the venture.)” When he was invited to be part of the celebration for the award I got from the Mormons, he said, “Perhaps the next award will come from Iglesia ni Kristo.”

12. He had a great sense of humility. After months when I refused to talk to him, he came uninvited to a Synergeia conference and sat at the back. He raised his hand to participate in the open forum. My heart just broke. I publicly announced, “Mayor, bati na tayo. (Mayor, everything is forgotten).”

Sec. Jess may be a rare gem, but I believe that there are many others like him. Come Election Day, it’s up to us to get more Jesse Robredos into public office. 

(I would love to hear what you think. E-mail me at [email protected].)