Atty. Gregorio B. Austral, CPA
All in the name of power
Public office seems to be as attractive as Aphrodite whose captivating charm can cause a lot of commotion among gods and ordinary mortals. Too many are willing to spend their fortunes or even kill their nemesis just to own the seat of power. Others abandon their friends, dine with their enemies, or fight against their own father, mother, or sibling all in the name of power. In politics, people commit dishonorable acts to be called ‘the Honorable’. Although the end does not justify the means, to some, power is still power no matter what.
Aside from the traditional respect accorded to our public officials, many are attracted to the perks of public office, a prized possession nobody is willing to give up. But politics is costly, not to mention that it is draining financially and emotionally. To maintain the power and influence that the position gives, some families treat public office as a property that can be inherited by passing the position like an heirloom to another family member.
Most of our country’s governance problems arose because of our convoluted perception of power. Once installed in office, some of our public officials, more often than not, act like they are the fountain of power, forgetting that the real source of power are those who are governed. Public officials must supposedly serve at the pleasure of the people and not the other way around.
Time and again, our public officials must be reminded that public office is a public trust. They hold the position as a servant and not the master. His actions must be beyond reproach both as an official or as a private citizen. In the words of the Supreme Court in a case involving a philandering chief veterinarian: “All government officials and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives. This constitutional mandate should always be in the minds of all public servants to guide them in their actions during their entire tenure in the government service.”
“Upon appointment to a public office, an officer or employee is required to take his oath of office whereby he solemnly swears to support and defend the Constitution, bear true faith and allegiance to the same; obey the laws, legal orders and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities; and faithfully discharge to the best of his ability the duties of the position he will hold.” Public officials must have a good moral character. They must set an example to others as to how they should conduct themselves in public office.
As the national and local elections draw near, we should scrutinize every nook and cranny of our public service applicants’ competence and moral character. We have been surrounded with misfits in government. Let us not allow their tribe to flourish by bargaining our future with a penny.