Good after elections

With the May 2013 elections over, the challenges of governance becomes paramount for those elected into office and their constituents. How to proceed with good governance begins by asking the right questions.

In 2007, when Dilaab was developing what became the LASER test, we sent out questions to some elected officials. One of our respondents was the late Jesse Robredo. He was then mayor of Naga City. We emailed him four questions on the topic of public service and integrity. Unexpectedly, he responded to all four questions. Below are the questions and his answers.

1. What obstacles should one expect in promoting the common good and going beyond traditional politics? How did or will you deal with these?

“Interest groups who helped you win the election. Their influence varies depending on how instrumental they were in getting you elected. They should not be ignored but instead be involved in an open and transparent decision-making process where they can argue what is best for them together with all the other stakeholders whose interests might be affected. This will prevent them from lobbying for something that is illegal and irregular and insulate the elected leader from dealing with them on an individual basis.

This process can be institutionalized and should be immediately implemented after the term begins. The elected official though must not make the mistake of using it on a selective basis only.

2. How did or will you try to remain a person of integrity once you were or are elected into office? Please be specific.

Avoid spending personal money in helping your constituency (unless you are Ambassador Danding, Jaime Zobel, etc.). Legitimate constituency needs (medical, emergency transportation, burial, etc.) should be paid for by the government. There is what we call the AICS (Assistance to Indigents in Crisis Situations) Program authorized by DSWD that can address these. Never spend what you cannot earn legally. This unburdens you the pressure to get the funds from some other sources.

Avoid bad company. Limit you “social life”. Live a frugal life. Request relatives and family members to “stay away” from all transactions with your local government. This might entail some sacrifices because they might have been dealing with the local government before you got elected. Leaders should not only be honest but should be perceived to be honest as well.”

3. What mechanisms/systems did or will you set up in your office for it to be transparent and accountable to the public?

“Two local ordinances, the People Empowerment Ordinance and the I-Governance Ordinance. These provided avenues for NGO participation in all the activities of the local government unit and kept the constituency informed of the “goings-on” in the LGU (will send you the material, if necessary Father). We maintain an open door policy in all the offices of the city government. Response time standards together with the accountable employees on all services provided by each office are posted beside the doors of each office. A system of redress is openly publicized. It is our way of life.”

4. What did or will you do to become a catalyst for change vis-a-vis other government agencies/offices?

"I took every opportunity to mentor, share and teach when called upon. Specifically, we have done work on sharing our good governance program, urban poor, public education, etc. to other LGUs who have shown interest in their replication. This is an on-going activity."

These are nuggets of wisdom for our elected officials. May God bless and guide our public servants.