My Kind of Leaders

I

Quite unbelievable, must admit.

Councilor Jesus “Jay” Sangil is no FB lover, but the love poured out to him in FB is heart warming.

Days before his _____th birthday (must I reveal?), his friends came to his FB page to greet him. But to that I am not surprised.

What I found to be amazing is how people from all walks of life who rarely troop to his personal account found the time to say thank you. If I must be clear though – the outpouring were posted not just during the current holiday season but from way, way back.

Expression of gratefulness for many things from many sectors.

For things like rice and powdered milk which may seem small but very important to these people as these are commodities that mean not just daily living but also sustenance.

There are provisions also of wheelchairs and walkers that help people with strokes not just to rehabilitate but to be productive once again. There are endorsements too from homeowners, fraternities, media practitioners, pastoral councils and what have you for his support to various needs and outreaches.

Not to mention here are the tags from people who matter, people who are movers and shakers. I’ve seen tags from IC Calaguas and Reina Manual – two important people in the life of Mayor Pogi Lazatin, who himself has tandemned with Councilor Jay on many issues in the City Council in the past.

Simple tags that constitute approval and support also come from media colleagues like Pampanga Press Club pillar Caesar “Bong” Lacson and even journalist-turned-diplomat Elmer Cato, who is now the Consul General in New York.

+++++

COMEBACK KIDS. Now, talk about people who matter especially those who should be in power, I cannot but emphasize the need for the following aspirants who are making a comeback in the Councils of twin cities Mabalacat and Angeles.

ROX PENA. We all know him as the environmentalist and a radio talk show host. But unknown to many, this man is a recipient

of MOKA (Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award) from several years ago. He completed three full terms or nine years as City Councilor in flying colors. While he has to abide by constitutional limit on terms of office, Rox was far from resting from public service. He continued to aid people, especially employees and companies affected by the COVID pandemic last year. He had to make sure that locator-firms at TECO are afloat at the height of the lockdowns, thus, sustaining livelihood for many workers and their families are assured of livelihood.

EDU PAMINTUAN AND ALEX INDIONGCO. These two fine gentlemen are not coming from a ragtag team who once ruled the city. They are men with true convictions and commitment to serve.

While those in their green team are still reeling from their losses in the 2019 local elections and had chosen to leave the political arena, Edu and Alex chose to tandem in a fight that is ruled by reds.

I would say they would win their seats in the City Council back.

Edu might have been unripe for the reaping as vice mayor three years ago, but he definitely is a favorite, winnable and deserving of a seat once again in the Sangguninang Panlungsod, in a heartbeat.

Prior to his run as vice mayor, he authored, co-authored about 600 ordinances and resolutions that deal issues on environment, education, peace and order, social services, arts and culture.

Some of them are useful and with significant impact like the free cinema admissions for senior citizens, free executive check ups at ONA for Barangay Captains, and many more.

I may not know Alex Indiongco thoroughly, but the mere fact that few weeks ago he answered my call at 4 o’clock in the morning to help receive the funeral entourage from Samar of media colleague Jess Malabanan means a lot.

I am not listed in his phone as that was the very first time I had to call him but he did answer this writer. This means that Indiongco can be reached anytime even those with unlisted number in his phone. He typifies the kind of leaders that we want – reachable, approachable, and helpful.