Please take this test

My dear friend Sister Eden who is assigned in Nueva Vizcaya called to express her appreciation for a previous column I titled “Bakit List”.

In the column I asked why government and NGOs keep hosting covenant signing for clean and peaceful elections but never make candidates sign covenants to be dedicated to work and their offices.

Sister Eden suggested that I draft an honest to goodness covenant…..

I _______________ running for the position of ______________ do solemnly pledge to this covenant and willingly hold my self accountable to each and every citizen within my constituency.

I vow to hold office through leadership by example.

I will report for office as required by law, on time and for the required number of days. I am and will remain a full-time resident of the territory or district in which I will hold public office. I vow to dedicate the majority of my time to my area of responsibility and my constituents.

I will conduct my personal affairs with the same standard of integrity and accountability, as I am required to do so as a public official. My position, privilege and authority shall not be extended, shared or nominated to any member of my immediate or extended family. No favor or preferential treatment for relatives and friends shall be given or allowed. 

I vow to stay faithful and dedicated to my work, my responsibilities and the needs of my constituents. I commit not to accept any nomination, requests or offers for any other position except for that which I will be elected to. I will not engage in an activity or business that may be in conflict with, or reduce my available time needed for the performance of my duties and responsibilities.

I shall not engage or take part in any trip or activity within official working days or that may have no direct relevance and results in matters related to the performance of my duties or responsibilities.

I vow to conduct and execute the responsibilities given to me and shall not delegate or assign my authority by proxy to my staff or the next official in line. I will require the highest level of competency and experience from people I hire or bring in as advisers or consultants.

Employment or assignment to my office shall be based on merit and not relationship. I will practice a policy of “least priority for closest of relations”.

I vow, as prescribed by law never to use government facilities, personnel or equipment for personal use, convenience or benefit. I shall conduct myself with simplicity, frugality and accountability for the taxpayers investments in government resources.

At no time or under any circumstance shall I direct my staff or offices under my authority to implement any project intended to favor, improve or compliment any of my personal properties and business or those of my family or associates.

I vow not to receive gifts or any form of “goodwill” that can be construed as a bribe or an attempt to influence my leadership and the performance of my duties. I will put on record any and all offers, gifts or privileges extended to me by any one from the private or public sector.

As a matter of policy, I will refrain from accepting any invitation to dine or be entertained or be hosted outside of the official performance of my duties. Likewise, I will immediately pay or compensate any business establishment or businessman for goods and services rendered. I will not allow any other person to pay my “bills” or expenses incurred outside of office.

I vow never to directly or indirectly solicit goods, donations, or services from any establishment whether for personal or official use.

I vow not to support, engage or in anyway assist the establishment, promotion or the proliferation of any business, sport or social events that are in any way immoral or illegal. I vow not to receive donations or contributions in any form of manner from individuals or organizations that are identified to be involved in illegal activities such as jueteng, drugs, “night clubs”.

I vow not to receive or accept donations or enter into partnerships or projects with businesses or individuals who are identified as having an agenda to control public office or directly influence government policy over the protection of people’s health, the environment and morality.

I vow to maintain and develop an open door policy and a spirit of cooperation with legitimate government offices and NGOs in the pursuit of extending knowledge and resources to residents of my area of responsibility.

I shall prioritize the immediate improvement of educational facilities, hospitals and clinics, the supply and development of water systems, I shall establish learning centers for technical and practical skills for the youth as well as mini parks or playgrounds to address the psychological and developmental needs of children.

I vow to establish one stop zero corruption centers to address inquiries, registrations and the establishment of businesses within my jurisdiction.

If any citizen or voter in my jurisdiction has legitimate cause to charge me of failing to abide or observe any part of this covenant, I commit to address that failure within 30 days of notice. If I fail or if it is proven that I willfully violated both the laws of the republic as well as any part of this covenant, I voluntarily submit that I may be automatically deemed resigned.

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Perhaps we should all ask ourselves: how much of this “covenant” do I already live by at work, in public or elsewhere? Take the test and then make the change. I need to, you need to, we all need to. God bless you.