We Advise, They Add Vice

Jezza Marie P. Caringal

After formidable election is a favorable result, and the works that await the officials are
in need of great effort. Aside from the many projects and programs, these people need to focus
on balancing Philippine budget, Socio-economic planning and on governing Philippine economy,
peace and order, and disaster preparedness.

As these officials engage themselves in their field of work, we bid some assistance:

1. Be CRYSTAL CLEAR

Since they serve the public, it is their duty to share information with the citizens.
Philippines will have good and just governance if elected officials will provide information on
how they conduct public business and if they will prepare a readily obtainable and easily
understood data on how taxpayers’ money are being spent.
If they are open to press and public, budget may be assessed by each person and the
laws and verdicts are exposed to discussion. It’s just so sad how transparency gets easily
damaged during the times of proactive disclosure, campaign finance disclosure, and requesting
of public records.
If you're undertaking the public's business, be an open book.

2. Don’t breathe down somebody's neck

Micromanagement is an unprofessional conduct, and under it, the elected officials, the
citizens, the country, they all suffer. It’s like a brake on Philippine progress. You were elected
because we held on to your platforms so set policy and regulation, look after taxpayers’ money
over and done with the budget procedure, and protect our natural resources.

It's not to situate yourself in an executive's seat of your domesticated sector. You take it
accurately or metaphorically.

3. Think of those you serve

Numerous individuals want your time and attention now. Please, remember who you
work for: your citizens. We expect you to build relationship with us so the work will get done.
Lead systematic conversations with us. What is operational? What is not? Make decisions with
us. Your job is not to satisfy superior benefits, and it's without doubt not to build relations for
your upcoming personal achievement.

Nobody assumed that your job would be laid-back, yet it is very significant for all elected
officials — both newly elected and veterans with familiarity of work— to hold the opportunities
of new terms with a taste on working as one to amend budget proposals and provide excellent
services for taxpayers.

Now is the time for the real work to begin, do your task. You are about to face extremely
problematic concerns, and please make a recall of these reminders.