The year 2015 is the unofficial start of political campaigns for 2016. As months go by, names and faces of candidates, the positions they intend to run for will slowly unfold. But our leaders should not forget as they plan their next career move that they have constituents who greatly depend on them, and the real reason they are where they are is because of the people who elected them and trusted them with their votes. Don’t let them forget the true meaning of being a public servant, which is exactly what the words are: to serve the public.
Read on as friends share with us the New Year’s resolutions they wish for our country and leaders.
Bea Zobel Jr., philanthropist and advocate for Philippine handicrafts
I wish for the country’s safety, transparency from the government and happiness for all Filipinos.
Mayleen A. Bernardino, businesswoman
May the amount raised in taxes be given back to our citizens through infrastructures and services to complement businesses. May government spending be fair to leave an impact on the lives of the marginalized, the abandoned, the helpless, who are victims of social injustices and deprived of opportunities that can improve their quality of living. May our nation’s leaders moderate their greed and self interest and be the people’s voice for equitable share in our country’s resources. And may advocacies for education and health, and care of the environment remain their priorities.
Mother Mary John Mananzan OSB
I can only make a wish or prayer. I cannot make a resolution for anyone. They have to do that themselves. My wish or prayer for our country is that it becomes a real haven for our people where all have their basic necessities fulfilled and have opportunity to enjoy real kaginhawaan. To make this possible, leaders on all levels should develop a genuine sense for the common good, should resolve to refrain from all corruption and truly work hard for the benefit of the people, especially the poor and the deprived. For myself I make the resolution to continue to work for justice, for the rights of people, especially women, and remain a contemplative activist!
Dr. Vicki Belo
I pray that our countrymen and our leaders make these resolutions not just for 2015 but for the rest of their lives: that before we act on medium and big issues we should pause, reflect and pray, asking if what we are about to do would be pleasing to God. Just by doing this we would all become kinder, more loving, honest and less selfish. Our country will be blessed and we will finally achieve the greatness God has planned for us while being an example for the rest of the world. To God be all the glory.
Karen Davila, multi-awarded broadcast journalist
I wish our leaders would have the resolve to change their myopic mindsets and look beyond, move towards competing with and growing like our Asian neighbors! Our 7.2 percent growth was impressive but the World Bank says it won’t be inclusive until we grow at that rate for the next 10 years. How I wish our leaders would stop politicking and invest all their energies in making the country more industrial, modern, educated, job centered and our cities livable in every aspect. We have so many leaders but many, sadly, don’t have their hearts in the right place and let’s face it — some are just lazy, not cut out for the job. We need revolutionary thinkers, doers and passionate drivers to take the country forward.
Former Senator Nikki Coseteng
Our country’s leaders must prioritize elevating Philippine sports to a respectable and democratic level by removing those who have contributed to its failure and embarrassing status. To strengthen the justice system so criminals are not coddled and not block the wheels of justice from turning. To identify those who make it convenient for criminals to escape punishment. To energize the national environment for economic opportunities to be made available to all sectors and leveling the playing field.
Kim Atienza, TV host, triathlete, family man
My New Year’s resolution for them is to work hard, quietly, anonymously with genuine Christian love in their hearts so they earn treasures in heaven and not media points for more votes.