RES GESTAE
Atty. Rene Villa’s thoughts on responsible citizenry
I’ve met Atty. Rene Villa a few times, and I learned a lot about him. By the way, to those unfamiliar of this man, Atty. Villa was the former Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas to two presidents, Estrada and Arroyo. He was also the former Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary of President Arroyo, but later resigned together with nine other cabinet secretaries (hence the popularly known “Hyatt 10”) for reasons that all of us were so familiar with.
Presently, he is also rumored as among the three (or probably four) who will seek election for Iloilo Third Congressional District seat next year. But whatever be his political plan, I simply look at Atty. Villa as among the few responsible public servants who can stand and is willing to die for their conviction towards genuine public service. In fact, turning his back from President Arroyo was a decision that has almost “killed” him from delivering for the Filipino people with honest-to-goodness public services. Should he seek for public office next year, it would be a bold attempt to rally once more his conviction towards change… change for the better.
In a few encounters that I had with him, I am able to tally eight of his principles on responsible citizenry. I’m sharing these principles here because I believe every Filipino must learn them should he or she wants this country a great nation again.
Atty. Villa believes that the key to seeing the change we want to see in our country is for us to actively and responsibly act or do our share in combating those who drag our nation to the ditch.
These are his pieces of advice to us who want change:
Participate in governance. We can’t just wait and see what our political leaders can and will do for us. Each of us must lift a finger to effect change. And we must be always vigilant in identifying critical issues in our government. The election is an opportunity that gives us hope for a new beginning; hence those who can vote must cast their votes responsibly.
Seek the truth and live by the truth. The truth will set this country free… from corruption, poverty, and hopelessness. A responsible citizen must know the truth, stand by it and die for it. This country is embattled with lies and deceptions. And the only way for it to regain its old glory is to set it free, by each of us seeking for the truth, standing by it and dying for it.
Be tolerant of the fundamental rights of others. We may not so aware of it, but many of us have been deprived, in many ways, of our basic rights. The culprits are those people who cling on to their power, and want to stay there forever, to enrich themselves, their families, and their cohorts. Atty. Villa underscores political dynasty as a blatant example of deprivation of ordinary people’s fundamental rights, particularly in terms of political governance.
Oppose oppressive and corrupt act of the government. Atty. Villa was speaking from experience. He turned his back from privileges and fame of his office when a “scandal” put Malacañan in hot water. As a result, he, together with other members of Hyatt 10, opposing the irregularities in government, was an “infidel” to his party; but didn’t we consider him a hero for our country?
Act with conviction. Should we want change, Atty. Villa has this advice: Believe on the kind of change we want to see and stand firmly with that belief. The only way we can make ourselves agents of change in our country is to remain steadfast on our goal of a greater Philippines. All our decisions and actions must be consistent to that end, otherwise we cannot have the change we desire to achieve.
Be fair in your dealings. We are a country of diverse cultures, religions and traditions. We can only survive the adversities buffeting our country by transcending our differences and work for the common goal.
Leave this country better than the first time you saw it. We are stewards of our country and therefore have the great responsibility to make it better. We have heard our political leaders making beautiful promises (usually before election), and we believed on them. But look where are we heading at now? In the beginning of Martial Law, Philippines was second to Japan in terms of economy. Now, Vietnam is about to overtake us, while Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea are leaving us far behind.
Ask Question. Think. And analyze. Apathy is a dreadful disease that can spoil the future a nation. We have high hopes that the Philippines can be great again…not only in terms of its economy but with its people. Freedom from any form of oppression begins when people start to exercise critical thinking and seek for reasons on things and events around them. This is one of the things we need today…that each Filipino will ask question…think…and analyze.
The upcoming national and elections is now on the air. And there is a need for each of us to be reminded that opportunity to make an impact…to start the change in our country comes only every after six years. But we really have to start now because tomorrow may never come.
