"I-MMS MO!", so goes the cliché in Mabalacat town.

It's not the usual text messaging technical term but a name that will soon be carved in the political annals of this 1st class municipality.

Marjorie Morales Sambo, the daughter of incumbent Municipal Mayor, is running against the latter as many were in great awe to hear the information since her public declaration.

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So what if Marjorie will be running for the position? I see nothing to neither say it's illegal nor see any impropriety as far as running against his own father is concerned. As a matter of fact, while some ridiculed her move, many were impressed by her bold and daring move. I recognize her "paninindigan" for standing up against her father to give way to her dismal intention to serve the people.

It's not everyday that we see people manifesting their courage and will to serve even at the point of making barriers between blood relationship. Expectedly, the ties that bind were severed in the name of rendering service to Mabalaquenos.

Many were hurt with the idea. In fact, a group of elders expressed their dismay. But that's not the point. Filing one's Certificate of Candidacy this month forms part of the basic right of man just as the right to religion and political beliefs. If the father can, why can't she? Ours is a democratic country anyway and we can always exercise our rights as long as we do not impair the rights of others. Accordingly, in the exigency of public service, MMS has decided to throw her hat in the political ring to the extent of hitting a bit her father with the hat.

Perhaps it's the first time for Kapampangans to see such political situation as this. For long, no one has yet seen such a battle between ilks. Ironically, some politicians, when on the brink of ending their tours of duty in public service, even endorse and campaign for their kin or any member of their clan to succeed them as if dying to perpetuate their terms of office. For some, they merely wanted to immortalize their names in the political world.

Going back, running against one's father is no issue. Both wanted to serve and make a difference. The father, who is serving his 15th year the public as the municipal mayor of Mabalacat, of course would want to still continue his stint. The daughter, merely wanted to serve and institute reforms. On her words, there is so much to be done and let it start with her, by fielding herself to be of service to the people.

When I've heard the news that MMS will be challenging her father in next year's race, she instantly got my personal admiration. I was impressed with her intention to making a difference in the Mabalacat. I saw in her the sincerity of serving the people brought about by political odds. For her, she can serve better and be the instrument in introducing new politics in that town.

During her interview at Hamon Central Luzon, a public affairs program hosted by the highly respected John Susi, I saw in Marjorie's eyes the conviction of giving herself in the service of Mabalacat. Reposed in her the valor and fortitude of improving the lives of her father's constituents who were, for her, deprived of what is due to them. By her statements, no one has improved for years. A friend agreed on this, pointing his finger at the old and dilapidated municipal hall not fitting for a premier municipality, the monstrous traffic jams, crime-related incidents and other social problems that might be resolved should there be a change in leadership.

If MMS is bold enough to fight it out regardless who are the other contenders might be in the 2010 polls, we can be sure of her toughness and bravery in fighting all out for the total growth and development in Mabalacat.

I was inspired when she said that her intention is not about running against her father but FOR the people of the town. By sheer coincidence perhaps, that she is her father's daughter, but that fact cannot alter her passion to improving the lives of Mabalaquenos.

Making a difference entails a lot of sacrifices. Her act of making the ultimate sacrifice of giving herself to serve the people while in peril of her being a Morales be detached deserves to be lauded. The older Morales is an ace in politics. His expertise in winning is unequalled. With sincerity to serve in her, what the younger Morales needs now is well-oiled political machinery, opulent campaign chest and all other concoctions that promise victory by May 2010.

It's the will to serve over what few consider defiance.

I salute MMS.