(Cain at Abel: When Politics End & Civility Begins)
*Pasensya na po. Itong liham ay nasa wikang Ingles. Sanay po kaming magkapatid na mag-usap at sumulat ng ganito.
Kuya,
That wasn’t you.
We have attended countless flag ceremonies together in the Capitol. We have always come on time. We have always treated the people with respect. We have always stood and held our hands to our chest. That wasn’t you on the Batasan floor. You were never like that.
I cannot imagine the intensity of the legislative responsibilities in Congress. That’s why the work never really interested me. It’s for the intelligent and diligent people like you.
Tamad ang aking natural. Nagkaroon lang ng bahid ng sipag nung ako ay naging gobernador na.
Our father was a very busy man when we were growing up. He had a law practice and then he became Governor. You practically raised me as the father figure in the house. I learned a lot from you. The values of standing up for what is right and fighting for it, if need be.
The values of integrity in work and the primacy of the people’s interest. The values of being graceful when making decisions and thanking people when it goes right, and owning up to it when it goes wrong.
However, the issue is not about you and me. Our work is far too important than that. As you always said: “We are just stewards of the position. We do not own it.”
I am only learning about the issue of ABS-CBN through the Congressional hearings. The issue on Channel 43, the taxes, the franchise, and the rest.
So let what we can control, speak:
We owe the people to be respectful. We owe the people clarity. We owe the country FACTS. As leaders, we owe the people examples of civility which they can learn from.
Whether we like it or not, as public servants our behaviour shapes and influences others. Our language becomes the people’s language. Our attitude is seen and judged everyday.
Let’s be the better person. Let’s be the clearer person. Let the facts speak louder than our own words.
Your brother,
Jonvic
