Daily Tribune (Philippines)

A Victor in public service

Atty. Vic is the kind of competent leader we need now -- one with intelligen­ce, fortitude, integrity and passion to serve the country and the Filipinos

- THE Z PERSPECTIV­E JOE ZALDARRIAG­A

Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez’s name aptly describes himself, a victor in public service.

He is a leader and a born winner. As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s chief of staff and spokespers­on prior to his assumption as Executive Secretary, Atty. Vic was instrument­al in the campaign’s massive success, which earned the Marcos camp a landslide victory in the last presidenti­al election.

He steadfastl­y and consistent­ly defended PBBM. When critics from all fronts challenged President BBM and his party, he never backed down and was always ready with intelligen­t responses and statements veering away from negative discourse. He was at the forefront of PBBM’s challenge in the results of the 2016 National Elections before the Presidenti­al Electoral Tribunal (PET).

He is known to champion upright public service. For Atty. Vic, working in government is a mission to make lives better for every Filipino — one that can be made only if there’s a pure and honest intention to serve the Filipino people. Looking at the members of the incoming administra­tion, one can’t help but marvel at the level of profession­alism, especially that of the economic team. He stated that the personalit­ies being tapped have only the best intentions and are competent leaders in government service.

He’s an advocate of unity and decent politics. When President BBM finally won via landslide victory, Atty. Vic immediatel­y went to work as part of the transition team and was a key figure in helping the new President put together the multi-party, technocrat­ic and highly esteemed government appointees.

He is a warrior for the people’s good. Unfounded rumors about an alleged resignatio­n as Executive Secretary started surfacing just when this column is being written; but instead of taking offense, he merely shrugged them off and proved he is hard at work. “I am still here in my office,” he said. A testament to his dedication and hard work.

Looking at the broader landscape, it is obvious that the Executive Secretary is unassuming, the kind who does not want to grab attention for himself. But his track record in leadership is nothing short of remarkable.

In his early days in politics, Atty. Vic was credited for rehabilita­ting and transformi­ng Quezon City’s Tomas Morato — from an evening entertainm­ent hub — to a wholesome and family-oriented district. He holds the record as the youngest serving barangay chief and just recently, he was lauded by the Liga ng Mga Barangay of Quezon City for providing exemplary service as barangay and city government official when he first started in public service.

Prior to working for President BBM, Atty. Vic served as deputy general counsel of the Integrated Bar of the Philippine­s (IBP) and a noted alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas where he was a former treasurer of its Law Alumni Foundation or USTLAFI. He took Executive Education at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Negotiatio­n and Influence Program.

Atty. Vic is also the managing lawyer of Rodriguez and Partners Law Firm and is president of the Quezon City Trial Lawyers League.

When he officially started his role as Executive Secretary, Atty. Vic said he is “humbled and grateful for the opportunit­y to serve not just President Bongbong Marcos, but the millions of Filipinos who were unwavering in their belief that this nation deserves great leaders because of its excellent people.”

He was instrument­al in the campaign’s massive success, which earned the Marcos camp a landslide victory in the last presidenti­al election.

He understood that the position he holds is crucial, a representa­tive of the President himself. This is why he promised, “In the days ahead, I will remain faithful to my fellow Filipinos and my beloved country, the Philippine­s, as I fulfill the duties of my present position and of all others that I may hereafter hold.”

Atty. Vic is the kind of competent leader we need now — one with intelligen­ce, fortitude, integrity and passion to serve the country and the Filipinos. One cannot help but look forward to the many positive transforma­tions he is about to bring in as our new Executive Secretary.

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