To serve, or to profit from public office?

The filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for both local and national elections in May 2019 started last week.

The elections may seem far for an ordinary Filipino citizen. But for an aspirant, this is the beginning of their not-so-easy, not-so-quiet, and not-so-safe life.

I couldn’t help but think why, despite knowing the complexities, a lot of Filipinos would still want to enter politics.

From municipal/city councilors to senators, there are two things about their intent that I can think of: public service or
corruption.

Does an aspirant willingly want to sacrifice his/her private life for genuine public service to the general public?

Or does he/she want the position to just generate profit through corruption?

For as long as I can remember, the Filipino populace has been condemning corruption in government.

I hope that political aspirants come with their purest and most genuine intentions to serve the Filipino people, because we deserve such public servants.

Public service in the Philippines requires a heart for the people — and the capacity to be promote harmony with one another and with our friends around the world.

I am also praying the antigovernment entities will not take advantage of this period and create chaos.

I am assuming these candidates now lining up at the Commission on Elections have thoroughly discerned their purpose before filing their COCs.

I am honestly optimistic that all of them do want to work toward one goal: a land governed by rule of law, harmony, love and peace.

MC HOWARD ABDON,
[email protected]