Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Mercado: A Lonely Place By Ram Mercado First Person
I HAVE not set foot in the Capitol since ages. Until last Monday when I had courage to venture into what media workers had described as "no man's land."
Actually I was to join newsmen colleagues, friends of Vice Governor Joseller "Yeng" Guiao, in a simple office lunch hosted by the champion PBA coach and original quarry ghost buster whose birthday was March 19, feast day of St. Joseph.
Yeng is not yet half a century old, over 10 years of which he served Pampanga in his present capacity. Yielding to the years with grace but growing in political wisdom, his integrity is intact, his faith unwavering, and his courage unsullied.
Given the chance, if destiny wills it, the vice governor can be one of the ablest and top performing provincial chief executives the province would ever have. Pampangos love him for his fighting heart.
He has a resolute mind, powered by a strong sense of purpose to serve his province and to conserve its resources. He was the original whistleblower in the quarry issue, having taken opposite side against the Lapid administrations, father-and-son, and now the chief nemesis of Governor Eddie Panlilio in similar contention.
I saw none of the stringent security control at the Capitol ground lobby which newsmen used to exaggerate, suggesting open hostility to the public. But that was in July of last year, immediately after the former priest assumed office and curious Pampangos wanted to meet or see a new performer like a new snake charmer in the circus.
My timing could be off but the lobby looked desolate, like a disaster scene that had just been cleared of debris from a bomb blast, with a few spectators outside the police line.
In so many years of doing the Capitol rounds, since the time of Governors Lazatin, Nepomucenos, (husband-and-wife, alternately) Valencia, Mendoza, and the Lapids, I have not witnessed the Capitol scene in such a deserted and lonely state.
What makes a place cheerful and alive? People, yes, the teeming indigents, especially, the under-privileged, the powerless and unconnected. These are the types of citizens that used to fill the Capitol corridors. Their simple pleasure is to see their elected leader, perchance receive a pat on the back, possibly with a few coins, or a friendly welcome.
For a former priest who was used to gather his flock in droves, Governor Panlilio should be comfortable with lowly crowds that now comprise the usual multitude in the traditional People's Day once a centerpiece event of the Lapids every month for the past 12 years.
In public life, hospitality has a higher value than privacy; compromise for the greater good rates better than straight-laced virtue; generosity shines brighter than austerity.
Good governance is not only collecting the correct tax money; it is also connecting correctly to the people. Is the Governor too wise not to learn from the experience of others? If he wants to be loved by the people, then he should welcome them, even the undesirable constituents.
His most challenging task is to set his "house" in order. By getting along with the Provincial Board, this is easier said than done. Men of lesser education like the Lapids have done it: simply by being truthful and sincere.
One cannot just be charming or appears to be pure of heart. "A fair face without a fair soul is like a glass eye that shines and sees nothing," philosopher Blackie puts it.
Former budget officer Avelina Santos, who is the political surrogate mother to Yeng Guiao since he started public office, admires and exalts the vice governor for his character.
Imang Biling, who welcomed the lunch guests of the post natal celebrant sees only the "fairest soul" in Yeng, "He is a leader who can be trusted, a friend who is loveable and supportive, and who values his integrity and word like life itself," she testifies.
The desolate scene at the Capitol lobby was broken only by the presence soon of Engr. Andy Henson, provincial development and planning officer, Ms. Nida Manalad, provincial budget officer, her assistant Johnny Isip, a devoted Catholic lay leader, and HRD chief Susan Goseco, expert personnel administration executive.
During his respite in planning strategies, Engr. Andy often spends some time at the lobby where he "connects" with old acquaintances, Capitol retirees, public officials and media people. For this, he knows what is the latest buzz in town and inside the Capitol.
Ms. Manalad, retains her sweet and friendly deportment, but behind this feminine charm is a strong woman with a loyal heart and a perceptive mind. She can telescope financial irregularity light years away: this has saved the day for two governors whom she has served with distinguished dependability.
I met two old friends, Yolly and Pines Sevilla of the Administrator's office and sought another, Annette. These girls, all professional civil servants with full devotion to work, had served four or five provincial administrators with distinction.
Capitol visitors commended Archie Punzalan, Guiao's energetic and talented chief of staff, for doing a great job serving the Quarry Ghost Buster and veteran crusader for good government.
Next opportunity I get to visit the Capitol I will try to have an interview with the lovely provincial administrator that is if I can secure Among Ed's imprimatur. I really want to meet Ate Vi, my "hot babe" of the year.
