Like husband, like wife

When you feel like Diogenes searching for honest men in public office and finding it a mission impossible, do not despair. When you read about government leaders distributing public funds as their own perpetuity “gifts,” do not lose heart. When you are about to give up, cursing that all politicians are sickeningly the same — remember the late Interior Secretary, Jesse Manalastas Robredo.

So humble was this servant leader that many from Media and Government were shocked at the turnout during his wake. People from all walks of life stood in the pouring rain to pay their respect and give thanks to the man who listened to them, helped them whenever he could, spoke the truth and communicated simply, understandably, never condescendingly.

The man who not once boasted of his accomplishments or attempted to conjure a photo-shopped image for posterity, walked taller than everyone else. Jesse was the real thing, a true inspiration. His wife summarized it well. She said that Jesse never consciously pursued glory. He always thought they came not because of his talent or hard work, but because of God’s grace. And we who knew him are lucky because we have incontrovertible proof that an authentic Filipino servant leader did exist.

But if many were surprised by the people’s love for Jesse, his townmates from Barangay Tabuco, Naga City were not. They had discerned that streak of heroism ever since he was 8 years old when he would share his allowance with those who had less. As the banners at his funeral hailed him: Mabuting Ama, Mapagmahal na asawa, Mapagkalingang Anak, Tapat na Kaibigan, Lingkod ng bayan, Nagueno, Bicolano, Higit sa lahat Pilipino (Good Father, Loving Husband, Caring Son, Faithful Friend, Public Servant, Nagueno, Bicolano, most of all Filipino).

His childhood friends credit that kindheartedness to the way his father raised him, instilling simplicity, diligence, determination and generosity with a loving but firm hand. Jesse once reflected on the many problems that beset the country and concluded, “It is because the world today lacks the values that used to mold the disposition and the character of the ordinary citizen.”  It is true that the sins of the father are visited on his son, but apparently, so are his virtues.

The Naguenos who knew him best, collated their recollections of the great man in a light, unpretentious little book entitled Jess Robredo Proud Nagueno Memories, edited by Doods and Sol Santos. In 104 pages of true and un-refurbished reminiscences, the magnitude of the man is evident: No fanfare. No puffery. Just the plain truth —- just like Jesse.

This little book should be made compulsory reading for everyone in public service, anyone aspiring for public office, anyone writing his memoir. They should measure themselves, without delusion, against the man who has become the symbol of public trust.

The cynics might say that Jesse is one-in-a-million, a fluke, an outlier who did not succumb to the seduction and arrogance of power. But they will be wrong. At the very least, there are two-in-a-million. Atty. Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo, widow of Jesse, has decided to run for Congress. After Jesse died, Leni agreed to head the local LP chapter. She quickly became the unifying force, and other aspirants backed out of the race in her favor.

Setting aside her distaste for politics and yielding to the clamor of Bicolanos, Leni is determined to break the stranglehold of the bickering Villafuerte clan on Camarines Sur. She will challenge Nelly, the wife of incumbent Rep. Luis Villafuerte Sr, who has served the province since 1978. Leni’s supporters are confident that she will give them a run for their money.

For the 2013 elections, the Villafuerte patriarch is running for governor, a post that he already held for 18 years. He is running against his grandson, 24-year-old Miguel, child of his estranged son, incumbent Gov. LRay Villafuerte. Now on his last term as governor, LRay is seeking a congressional seat in the province’s second district — against incumbent Dato Arroyo, GMA’s son.

In a Rappler interview, Leni lamented that Camarines Sur has not progressed under the long rule of this political dynasty. “Sa good governance index ng NSCB (National Statistical Coordination Board), second to the last ang CamSur. The poverty level is so high that for me to allow another member of the family to hold office is to allow this kind of situation to continue to further expand it. I am being given this one chance to stop it.”

For 25 years, Leni shared her husband’s dream and passion for good governance and transparency. The secret of Naga’s success was the elimination of patronage politics and the empowerment of Naguenos. Aware of their rights, the citizens became so vigilant and engaged in governance that local leaders would not dare commit any wrongdoing. Leni aims to spread this phenomenon to the third district of Camarines Sur.

Her vision is markedly distinct from the incumbent’s. “For me, the progress of a place is really based on good governance. In our district, the concept of a congressman is someone who brings projects here. It would be OK if the projects strengthen the institutions and help encourage a mentality that is helpful to all.” But the “projects” are barangay halls, repainted old schools and waiting sheds all bearing the name “Luis M. Villafuerte” on its rooftops.

In a TV interview, Villafuerte declared, “In the last elections, I won by more than 90,000 votes and led in all the precincts.” He predicted that those votes would not be swayed. When asked about rumors of his involvement in jueteng and corruption, Villafuerte lashed out, “Nobody has ever accused me of that in all these years!”

The Robredo spirit is indomitable. It can light up the darkest alley and spark hope in the hearts of the subjugated. Jesse did it before. No doubt, Leni will do it again. After all, they are two peas in a pod. Like husband, like wife.

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