Good housekeeping plays big part in "clean" advocacy

CEBU, Philippines - The seal of good housekeeping for LGUs is playing an important role in the “Matuwid na Daan” advocacy of President Benigno Aquino III.

This was said by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo during a conference held by the Archdiocese of Cebu at the Cebu Mariner’s Court yesterday about the discernment on political engagement of public servants.

“Malaking bahagi ho ‘to sa matuwid na daan. Ang paniwala ho ng pamahalaan, mahalaga ‘yung simbahan, mahalaga ‘yung civil society, para ho maisaayos natin ang pagpapamahala. Kami ho, ginagawa namin ito, hindi lang sa Cebu, kundi sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa. Na sana ho, magising yong mamamayan na ang tunay na kapangyarihan ay nasa kanya,” Robredo said.

One of the prime movers of the gathering, Fr. Carmelo Diola of the DILAAB Foundation said the idea of having the conference is to bring together public servants for constructive engagement.

“The original scene of graft and corruption is the way we conduct our elections. Makautang na because it’s money politics. So where do you get the money? From the legitimate as well to illegitimate sources. Kadtong nagpautang nimo mamawi gyud na,” he said.

He also said a lot needs to be done ahead of the upcoming 2013 elections.

“We need to prepare for the 2013 elections already from the voters education, poll watching, PICO’s machines. We also help emerge good and credible candidates. Because kung walay mapilian, mao rang estoryaha. Kung naa say mapilian, pero wala sa’y magpaluyo ug motabang, mao ra gihapon estoryaha,” he said.

“As a priest, I cannot be partisan but there is a process and a mindset that we are endorsing that will help people emerge good candidates,” Diola added. 

A signing of a covenant was also made between the participants, the bishops and priests witnessed by Robredo.  (FREEMAN)