It’s a tall order

Ben Contreras

THE Pilipino Movement for Transformational Leadership (PMTL) led by lawyer Alexander Lacson aims “to muster a Christian vote bloc of at least 10 million votes nationwide.” PMTL claims that our leaders are our problems. Thus, we need a transformation.

It’s a tall order, really. Even an organization with the best intentions will be divided albeit silently because each one has its own preferences. I never believe in solid vote or vote bloc as he calls it. It is a myth being projected to show imaginary strength and influence sought by politicians.

His illustration on integrity, good governance and development was not difficult to understand. But I had my keen interest on “integrity.” He described it as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principle and moral uprightness.” He admitted though that it’s going to be an arduous journey toward achieving this goal.

During a press conference, I asked him why he never mentioned about morality in his lecture. Is it no longer an important criterion in the selection of a good leader?

I was elated of his answer. Although he hardly mentioned it in his lecture but it is well-ensconced in the Gabay Kristo guidelines. He also stressed the point that the Church is helping in the observance of this requirement.

I do agree that our leaders are our problems. And here’s why.

The late Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez’s concept of public service was guided by what he remembered about Fr. John P. Delaney when the latter said, “If you are after personal advantage, if you are seeking personal and material success, then public service is not the career for you. Public service is an apostleship of sacrifice and service. You must use it to give of yourself unsparingly in the service of your people, not to make something for yourself.”

This is a challenge where many failed. And Fr. Delaney hastened to add: “If I had my way, I would put in the office of every public official the picture of Christ washing the feet of the apostles to remind them that even God went down on his knees to serve his fellowmen. This must be the symbol of service for all public officials.”

On this point, I tend to disagree. Today’s politicians, except for a few, can hold a crucifix in one hand in front of you but with a dirty finger raised by the other hand in his back.

PMTL launch host Bro. Eddie Mendoza had this to say: “We are looking for leaders who have Christ in their hearts.” Well, there was a mention about a member of the BCBP running for office in the city. Mind you, every time I write about BCBP, that is not music to their ears–someone always react and ask me questions.

But then again, I have nothing against the BCBP as an organization or any of its members. It’s just that I find their slogan intriguing. “Be honest, even others are not, even others will not, even others cannot.”

To lawyer Lacson and Bro. Ed Mendoza, to the BCBP that is now a part of this advocacy, I wish you all the best of luck. Honestly speaking, my personal advocacy runs parallel with yours. Let me just say that we’re on the same boat.