Generals cry, too

Save the institution,” those were Secretary Angelo Reyes’s words at the end of our meeting on Jan. 5, 2005. His directors and myself were invited to a Senate hearing by the 13th Congress. I had discovered and so likewise had a senator that the school I was working for was, in all probability, used as a clearing house by a bureau attached to the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Cautioned, we went through that tense session and the chief officer’s words strengthened our suspicions. He answered, it was “traditional” to accept checks with millions written on it and forward it to the sender. That was totally contrary to the rules and regulations of the Department of Budget and Management because all entries and exits of money must be recorded in the school’s accounting and budget offices. Still, we kept mum for the sake of the institution. Nothing came out of the hearing anyway and the next day and henceforth we were back to our daily routine at the A. Francisco Gold Condominium II.

My head is spinning with vivid images — as clear as today’s sky — of Angelo Reyes. Seeing him briskly walking to his office, reading reports, dispensing orders — one after another — to Gina Alvarez, his “sentry.” You couldn’t get by without Gina, his secretary of seemingly centuries ago to assist you immediately. Likewise, his admin officer, the young Emer Angulo, the major, with a ready smile.

The general ate lunch at 2:20 p.m. and he hardly finished his food. His telephones incessantly rang — now with the Anti-Kotong Task Force that made him knit his eyebrows, next he was insisting on the No Plate, No Travel Policy, then it was the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF). On the line next was the President. He never consumed the food on his plate. Gathered and witnessing that at the dining table in the Secretary of Interior and Local Government’s room were trusted companions Gen. Melchor Rosales, his lawyer Atty. Armi Borje, Tesam Castillo who reviewed correspondence, his aides Ramos, Rael, Manny, hovering around waiting for orders and myself or whomever he had invited if he heard an undersecretary hadn’t eaten yet.

When we looked for him in the morning, he was either in Camp Aguinaldo or his mother’s house for breakfast. He saw her every single day anytime —early morning or lunch or before midnight to eat Mamang/Nay’s fruit salad.

He told me, “I sit with her… and sing to her and dance with her…” What a playful son he was and how he loved, loved, loved Mama Purificacion.

“Nandiyan na si SILG,” Egoy or Ashlyn would say. 

The wang-wangs were fashionable and every secretary had the privilege to use it with a security aide. His Reynante Rafael. Every day SILG complained about the tiny and “geriatric” elevators for 670 DILG employees, who’d line up daily to be accommodated. Finally I made it my exercise climbing eight flights of stairs every so often.

Given his physique — chest out, shoulders back — and his straightforwardness and a reputation as a precise administrator, we sort of feared him. Yet in time our precautions turned to admiration for his working habits and his disarming smile.

Our affections for him grew as he answered his cell phone whenever I or any undersecretary called. We were treated with respect and he manifested his appreciation for us. He’d promise, “I’ll call back,” and he would, even at midnight. One time I had to be sure I made the right decision and he went further that sleepy night to reinforce my stand with wiser reasons. He never left his co-workers unprotected. He taught us the essence of team- work and family.

“She taught me compassion, tolerance, sensitivity and patience — traits that complement the firmness and decisiveness which we picked up from our father,” said Angelo Reyes of his mother Purificacion.

All the time he advised us to stay pat and firm in our decisions, especially the time when my cadets suffered from a horrible poisoning, consequently diarrhea. First 170 of them crowded the infirmary. Then a week later 280, including those transferred to a Laguna hospital. Considering I was their “mother,” the general in charge had to be swiftly reprimanded and further meals were to be prepared by a new provider and not the general’s staff. I decided to relieve the school director. Administrative work shouldn’t match self-interest. Delicadeza, honor and honesty meant not taking advantage of cadet’s allowances to give any officer an income. To strengthen my decision, he ordered a panel of five with Col. Jose Antonio Salvacion and Usec. Marius Corpus to investigate the matter. Reaching a decision, the said officer was relieved and the SILG signed the termination orders for me. I assuaged the cadet’s parents’ and the academy was spared from further abuse.

Remember, “Save the institution.”

When he entered the crowded conference room we’d stand as Gen. Rosales announced, “the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government” for our father, son, brother, boss, si SILG. We were a close-knit family, and being of different dialects and pronunciations he teased us about it. SILG Reyes was most particular about using correct English grammar in all our field and investigation reports. Our meetings were first serious and tense and ended up with jokes from the Secretary himself, which served as an inspiration of leadership.

Agnes Devanadera was always outspoken at DILG meetings, analyzing provincial politics. Usec. Andanar asserted the local government rights. Asec. Panadero advised employees to contribute to DILG progress while the field DILG directors informed him of the local government officials’ complaints. The Fire and Jail requested for additional budgets. Their photos showed progress, not dilapidated buildings, so that SILG Reyes chided them, “Show them how run down your building facilities are. Show them the truth.” The Local Government Academy and PPSC’s curriculum was explained to the PNP. NAPOLCOM policies were announced regarding sanctions and exams. The PNP explained the reasons for crime escalations.

Another time it was a test of service. We should have known the answers to this question. “What do you mean by a Component City as opposed to a Chartered City?” I ran out of the room to grab a Local Government Code. Finally, we knew. The next time we didn’t know what the seal of the DILG stood for. We saw it every day and took it for granted. “How can you work in a government department when you know nothing about its goals through its emblem? Silence. See, people Forming the Circle, representing 16 regions of the country holding hands typifying the capability-building for development. The Shield with Three Stars represents Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The sun draped by a dove-shaped flag symbolizes peace and security. Its being in the center reflects the government concern in bringing about a peaceful and secured community.

“We must have the commitment to defend the Constitution of the Republic. Pass memos nationwide to all DILG officers informing them,” he said.

Disturbing tales will continue about him and all will be intriguing. We cannot help but wonder about his incredible mind and energy. Every assignment he adjusted to. He went full speed ahead with diligence. His mind, he thought, could protect him from abuse but in the end every evil act seemed to be inflicted on him.

He last visited me in September 2010 with his favorite Inspector Domondon. “I am confined to quarters at home,” he said. How dejected he was that the Comelec deprived him of his congressional seat while Mikey, whose case was the same as his, became a congressman.

He said, “In politics, one must be ruthless.”

I added that politics is expensive and ungrateful. He told me he funded 1-Utak and protected his party list. When 1-Utak’s turn came to assert their victory through him he was rejected by his group for the second nominee. A gesture grossly unfair.

What’s the end of my story? No greater love I know existed between a mother and son than Sec. Angie Reyes’ and his mother. And that a smile can conquer and — lastly — Generals cry, too, like my favorite boss, Angelo Reyes.