Through my parents, I gave letters of request for an interview to a selected

set of councilors and to the Vice Mayor of Quezon City. The night before the
interview, we contacted Councilor Bayani Hipol to confirm if he would be available.
He said he was available and was looking forward to it.

Tuesday, JULY 22, 2009, my mother and I went to City Hall right after
dismissal time. We first brought some of the letters to the Councilors and set an
appointment interview with the Vice Mayor on the same week. He was free on the
Friday, July 24, 2009 after classes, so I grabbed the opportunity. Then, we went to
the office of Councilor Bayani Hipol, and we were ten minutes early. However the
Councilor was absent and seemed that he forgot to remind his staff that he had
made a commitment for an interview. It was depressing and annoying when we left
his office. Upon going home, someone called my mother’s cellphone. I was
Councilor “Bong” Liban. He told us that he was willing to give an interview on
Monday morning, July 27, 2009. He was also willing to help me interview other
Councilors on that day.

We gave a letter of request with an attached set of interview guide questions

to the Barangay Secretary of Barangay U.P. Village last JULY 23, 2009, Thursday.
The letter of request stated that the interview would be on Saturday, July 25, 2009.
We tried to communicate, with my father’s help, with the Barangay Captain, Virgilio
“Leo” Ferrer III, to confirm if he was free on the requested date. The Barangay
official confirmed that he would be glad to have the interview, but suggested if we
could reschedule the interview on Sunday at 6:30PM because he has other
appointments to attend to. I agreed upon the schedule of the Barangay Captain.

On the afternoon of JULY 26, 2009, my mother (my camerawoman) and I

went to the Barangay Hall to interview the Barangay Captain in his office. We
waited for awhile and a car drove into the Barangay Hall grounds and it was the
Barangay Captain. I greeted and shook his hand. Then, he escorted us to his office,
where we held the interview.

I started with the preliminaries; “I’m now with Attorney Virgilio Ferrer,
Barangay Captain of U.P. Village…” I asked him my first question “Why did you

1
choose this kind profession?” He stopped for awhile and answered, “Well actually,
it’s not really a conscious effort on me choosing a particular profession it was more
of an outcome”. There was this general assembly around 1993 and during that time
I was able to understand the situation of the Barangay. So, I eventually ran as
“Barangay Kagawad” , after which in 1997 I ran for Barangay Captain, by the
request of the previous “Punong Barangay” because he no longer wanted to serve
the Barangay, and I won. I needed to equip myself on basically how to govern the
Barangay and to get know the Law, so I studied Law as my degree. From 1997 up
to the present, I’m still the “Punong Barangay” here in U.P. Village.” I continued my
queries, “Sir, who influenced you to choose your profession? Was it your parents,
your peers or your own beliefs?” He substantiated, “It was more on my own beliefs
and my background when I was in the university. My course then was Community
Development and I was then working with Non-Government Organizations. I saw
the need to go into politics because it was necessary in order to make policies and
to handle the funds of the Barangay. I didn’t look at it as a profession, it was more
of a calling because if you say it is a profession, it is your bread and butter, but
really it was a temporary kind of thing, a profession is something permanent.” I
continued, “Sir, what motivates you to do your work as a public servant?” He
exclaimed, “Motivation! My source of motivation is more on public service and
getting a sense of fulfillment in seeing the plan, in helping people, in seeing things
work and in seeing lives change.” I gave a follow-up question, “Sir, what is the
nature of your work? What do you do exactly?” He explained, “The work of the
Barangay Captain has three folds: the legislative, the executive and the judicial. If
we say executive, it’s basically management. You manage the budget and disperse
it accordingly. Legislative, you make ordinances and resolutions. Judicial, you try to
debunk the courts with certain cases by hearing it on the Barangay level including
the “Lupon Tagapamayapa”. It’s quite complicated because it’s a three-in-one
office. All of the function of the national government is within the Barangay…” I
spontaneously asked, “Sir, how do you evaluate yourself and your success as of the
nature of your work?” He responded, “If I would evaluate myself based on the
nature of my work and my council, it’s a thinking effort. It would probably be 80
percent in terms of good governance. 80 percent because we were able to save a

2
lot of funds, raise a lot of funds and disperse funds accordingly without corruption.
The rest of the remaining 20 percent is a space wherein we could do better. There
should be room for improvement! There is success, and as well as failures, because
in management there are some goals that are met…“ I kept on pressing, “Sir, are
you saying that, your basis of success is the tangible effects of the councils’
projects and programs?” He bragged, “Yes! It should be tangible, success should be
tangible! For example, we were able to save a lot of funds and scrutinize every
expense. Basically, that’s how we value success. Also, being recognized is one
measurement of success. We were able to get an award for the Best in Solid
Wastes Management for the whole of Quezon City. So, those things are what we
could find as tangible.” I asked him again, “As a politician, what are the
disappointments in your career?” He chuckled, “Well, not all people are alike. When
you say politician, sometimes it bears a negative meaning, but the true meaning of
a politician is to look after the welfare of the people. The disappointment is, not all
leaders are looking after the welfare of the people. We are doing our part here in
the Barangay level but in the national level they are not doing their part, it is very
disappointing. We can only do so much. I followed up with another question, “We
all know that there is a stereotype that stigmatizes politicians that shows they are
corrupt and only follow personal interests. How do you handle these criticisms?”
The Barangay Captain gave a sigh, “First, of course, you need to understand they
criticize you because probably they experienced it. Second, I always remind myself
that corruption is a coin. It has two sides; the government and the private sector. It
takes two to tango! It is the Private Sector who gives the money to the Politicians
for favors and it is the Politicians who ask money from the private sector. When you
say corruption, it’s not only the politicians’ doing, it’s a system. If you want to get
rid of the system, you need to focus on these two aspects. The best way to combat
corruption is a proper government system. I just stop criticizing others and I just
focus on the responsibility vested in me. I have this philosophy, it’s hard to talk and
talk if I can’t do something about it. Sometimes, I just keep quiet. This is the
responsibility that the people trusted in me.” I tried to lighten up the interview and
asked, “What is the most rewarding and the most fun you’ve had in your career?”
He looked at the ceiling and said, “The most rewarding is when you see the fruits of

3
your labor. Maybe I might not be recognized now or later, but anyway, as long as I
do my part to serve our Barangay and our Nation, that’s enough for me.” I
continued, “Sir, what virtues can you share with us?” With his eyes popping and a
big smile, he blurted, “Wow, virtue sounds like middle ages!” He repeated the word
“virtue” and said, “There is a passage in the scriptures, “The faith of the Lord is the
beginning of understanding.” So, I think that’s a basic virtue. Having the particular
ideal that there is someone up there helping us, to whom we are accountable, is
number one. Number two, the importance of discipline; I owe the way I think and
decide to my parents. If you have God, your family and your education, being a
graduate of the University of the Philippines, and you have people around you, and
the community has the same ideals, it will eventually develop you as a person and
will mold you into someone who can effectively serve the country. I asked my last
question, “Sir, what can you advise us students who dream to be a politician?” He
thought deeply, “You should be open to what is happening around us and learn how
to build alliances to build change. As students for now, equip yourself with the
proper tools and training in order to serve the country. Of course, it is also
important that the students would be involved at the Barangay level and its
activities, because it is the basic unit of governance. If you are involved in the
Barangay, you know what is happening in the Barangay! If you want to serve the
country, you need to start with the basic, which is the Barangay. He signed a
certificate of appearance and we chat for a while on matters like sustainability
development and children’s participation in governance. He escorted us as we left
his office.

Monday, JULY 27, 2009. My parents and I joined the City Flag Hoisting
Ceremony in Quezon City Hall while I was wearing my school uniform. The stage
was where the City Politicians sat. Both the Mayor and Vice Mayor were present but
the councilors were not in complete attendance. It started with the flag raising with
the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and was followed by an invocation.
While Councilor Ramon “Toto” Medalla said a short inspiring message, other city
councilors seemed to wander their eyes and Councilor Voltaire Liban, a Claretian,
saw me and my mother and waved at us. In a way, it was a signal that after the
ceremony we need to get to his office and interview him.

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 We went to his office and waited for a while and then we started the
interview as soon as he arrived. I asked Councilor Voltaire Liban my first question,
“Sir, why did you choose this kind of profession?” He answered, “I chose to become
a Councilor because it is the closest in doing service to others. For me, I want to
help others because that’s how I grew up. I saw people always going to our house
asking for my father’s help since he was also a councilor before. I want to continue
what my father started.” I asked, “Sir is it true? Your father was the one who
influenced you to take this occupation?” He explained, “In entering politics, my
father influenced me at an early stage in my life. When I passed the bar
examinations, I became a lawyer and only practiced for a year, and then I already
started campaigning around the city. I wasn’t able to practice my profession as a
lawyer.” I asked him with a smile, “Sir, what motivates you in doing your job?” He
replied, “If you are able to serve people there is an intangible feeling that motivates
me. It is not about the money.” I asked further, “As a councilor, what is the nature
of your work?” He replied,”The work of a Councilor is legislative or to create laws
that govern the city. We also do Executive work like projects, which we fund from
our budget. In my case, I have five programs namely: infrastructure, medical
programs, education programs, livelihood programs and legal-aids.” He explained
his programs one-by-one. I waited until he finished explaining and asked, “Sir,
what is your basis of success as a councilor?” He said, “If the basic services needed
by the community were delivered, then that is the basis of my success as a
Councilor.” I responded, “Sir, what are the disappointments in your career?” He
muttered, “When you think you’ve done your best and you’ve delivered the basic
services to your constituents, and yet there are still some people who criticize you.
I just think about it in a positive way to improve my work as a councilor.” I asked
him, “Sir, there is a stereotype wherein politicians are corrupt and that they are in
power for personal interests. How do you handle these criticisms?” He banked, “I
take them positively, but on the corruption side, I have given back to the people
what they should receive. I am being transparent about my budget expenditures.
As you can see I am the only Councilor who builds seven daycare centers, which no
other Councilors in Quezon City have done! You know there is no real definition of
corruption as long as the people see and feel what you have done for them; this will

5
erase the stigma amongst politicians.” I asked, “As a public servant and a Claretian,
what virtues can you share with us?” He blurted-out in laughter, “For me, what I
am now, I owe it to my Alma Mater- Claret. I was molded to become a humble
servant of God and was also molded to help others. The best virtue that I got from
Claret was to be humble, which differentiates us from other Catholic Schools. I
asked, “What could you advise students like me who want to become a politician
someday?” He exclaimed, “First, study hard and finish your studies! The best ticket
to enter politics is through your studies… except if you’re good looking. To be a
good leader, you must be a good follower. How can you be a good follower? It is to
be a good son to your parents or to be a good student.” As for my final and follow-
up question, I asked, “Sir, how do you balance your political career and your
family?” He proudly said, “It is all about time management! As a father, I bring my
son to school three times a week; Monday, Thursday and Friday. Tuesdays and
Wednesdays are days when I go to the Barangay. When he comes home at lunch
time, I see to it that I go home and teach him his assignments. I take an hour for
him then return to work. In doing so, that is already a compliance of being a father
to my son. I think he treasures those most and it goes the same with my wife. She
appreciates sending our son to a weekend soccer class, where we bond as a family.

After finishing the interview, I shook the hands of Councilor Liban before
leaving his office. I let him sign a certificate of appearance, certifying that I
interviewed him and we captured two still photos of us in his office. We left and
rushed to Councilor Bayani Hipol’s office, however he wasn’t there. Walking through
the corridors, Councilor Hipol was in sight approaching us. I shook hands with him
and greeted him “Good Morning, Sir!” We entered his office again and sat down at
his receiving area to start the interview at once.

I asked him my first question, “Councilor, why did you choose your
profession?” He corrected me and said, “Being a public servant is not a profession,
rather it is an opportunity to serve just like priesthood. It is an opportunity to serve
the people and it is not a matter of choice because the people elected you.” I
followed-up with a question, “Sir, are you saying that being a politician is more of a
calling?” He affirmed by nodding and exclaimed, “It’s a calling!” I asked, “Sir, who

6
influenced you to become a politician? Was it your parents, other relatives or your
own principles?” He didn’t expound and just replied, “The people…” From there on,
he just spoke a little and seemed so tired. I just continued asking, “Sir, what do
you do as Councilor or what is the nature of your work?” He paused for awhile and
said, “As a councilor, we are supposed to do local legislation.” I queried, “Sir, what
is the most rewarding part of your job?” He started at the blank wall and continued,
“If you are voted by the people, it means they are satisfied.” I tried to clarify his
answer with another question but just repeated what he said. I questioned how he
handles such criticisms that politicians are corrupt and he said, “People will always
comment. It’s good that they comment because it urges me to do my
responsibilities better.” For my final question, I asked him, “Sir, what can you
advise students who want to be a politician someday?” He exclaimed, “Always study
and of course finish your education!” I finished the interview and shook hands with
him as he was signing the certificate of appearance. We left his office and my
mother told me that the Councilor had a mild stroke before, which makes a person
to have a hard time to recall. Maybe, that’s why the Councilor frequently pauses for
seconds and stares at a blank wall during the interview.

It was still ten in the morning when we interviewed my last Councilor for the
day, Councilor Francisco Calalay, since Councilor Dorothy “Doray” A. Delarmente
requested for our interview to be rescheduled. My mother and I went to the office
of Councilor “Boy” Calalay. He wasn’t there, but he was coming, so his secretary
advised us to wait. The secretary called up the Councilor and told us that he is
coming in a short while and that he is just in a meeting. We waited for a while and
when he came, we started the interview at once. With some preliminary checks
before the video interview, he reminded me to relax, and that he does not speak
English much because he is more comfortable speaking in the vernacular.

I asked the councilor my first question, “Why did you choose this kind of
profession?” He explained, “I didn’t choose this kind of profession. I believe it was
destiny. I never planned and wanted to be a politician. I started from being a
Barangay Captain and eventually became a Councilor. This is already my second
term as a Councilor.” I followed up, “Councilor is there anyone in particular who

7
influenced you to enter politics?” He replied, “My brother, the late Congressman
Rey Calalay, who influenced me to enter politics. I don’t know if you knew him. He
became a Barangay Captain for 16 years, a Councilor for 8 years and a
Congressman for three terms.” I asked him, “Councilor, what motivates you to do
your work?” He said, “There are a lot people who need our help and since I am now
a Councilor, I make laws and tailor fit it to the needs of the people.” The interview
stopped, when Councilor Calalay’s cell phone rang, he apologized but he really
needed to take the call. He apologized again for the interruption and we continued
the interview. I continued, “Sir what is the nature of your work or what do you do
as a Councilor?” He said, “As a Councilor, our work is legislative. We make
resolutions and ordinances that we think would be beneficial to our constituents.
We also make laws that came from the people for the people.” I queried,
“Councilor, what is the most rewarding part of your job?” He answered, “When I
see people happy and I could pass ordinances supported by all councilors, this is
what rewards me.” He chuckled and apologizes of his coarse voice. I inquired, “We
know, if there is success, there are also failures. There are goals that are not met.
Sir, what are those disappointments in your career?” He enlightened me, “There are
still some disappointments. Even if we always help, there is a point where you can’t
please everyone and sometimes it forfeits everything you imparted.” I probed, “Sir,
there is a stereotype amongst politicians that says that they are corrupt and only
forward their personal interests. How do you handle such criticisms?” He reacted,
“As long as you’re doing the right thing, you don’t have to listen to what others
may say because if I keep on listening to them, I cannot work well. I do what I
think is right!” I was inspired with his words. He was like a father telling words of
wisdom to his son. “What virtues can you share us?”, I solicited. He responded, “Do
what you think is right! Help others as much as you could.” For my last question, I
asked him, “Sir, what can you advise us, students, who want to be a politician
someday?” He prudently advised, “If you really want to be a politician to help the
people and to be a public servant, you need to be aware of what is happening
around us, study hard and just continue what you’re doing. If you want to be a
politician because of the position, don’t try pursuing it.”

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 The morning of July 27, 2009 ended with a happy heart. I have heard three
Councilors’ stories that have made me conclude on what path I am about to tackle.
I have realized that it was not only I who wanted to serve, yet I know how I can
differentiate other Public Servants like them. I was set to go home and review the
videos that I have taken, when Councilor Delarmente’s staff called my mother
saying that my interview with the Councilor has been moved to July 28, 2009, 6:30
in the evening.

It was July 28, 2009, my mother and I went to the Councilor’s office at 6:20.
The Councilor’s staff had been nice to us and offered us to wait inside her office.
They even toured us and showed the councilor’s collection, pictures and diplomas.
The Councilor arrived at 7:30 due to an earlier meeting. She hurried and kept on
asking an apology for making us wait. She went through the questionnaire I handed
her earlier for five minutes while trying to dry her sweat. While seated on her chair,
she gave me a wide grin, indicating that she was ready.

For my first question, I asked her, “Why did you choose this kind of
profession?” She reacted, “I am a doctor by profession and a politician by
occupation. It’s because of my family’s heritage. My grandfather was a Vice Mayor
in our province for almost 20 years and my mom was a Councilor here in Quezon
City for 9 years. I was influenced by my family to go into politics and I realize that I
get to serve people as a doctor but I get to serve more people as a politician.” I
probed, “What motivates you to do your work?” She exclaimed, “The fact that when
I go to work every day from Mondays to Sundays, I get to touch someone’s or a
family’s life because of other professions they go to work in and that’s it.”
“Councilor, what is the nature of your work or what do you do really?” I inquired.
She replied, “For Councilors, the nature basically is to make laws for the city. Every
Monday, we have sessions. We present our proposed ordinances and resolutions
then we deliberate and debate about it. Here in Quezon City, We are given by the
Mayor an opportunity to exercise an Executive role. We were given the budget to
exercise Executive roles, which fund projects for our District and to the citizens of
Quezon City.” “What are those disappointments that in your chosen career?” I
asked. She chortled, “A lot! I think the biggest disappointment is that even when

9
you have already helped, you still become the bad guy. Some people are hard to
please even when if helped, it’s still not enough. They are expecting so much of you
and you could only give so much. If you give your hand, they want your arm. If you
give your arm, they want your body. If you give your body, they want your soul.
We can’t please everybody. As politicians, we do our best to make people happy.” I
told her, “Councilor, politicians are stigmatized for corruption and that they are only
in power for their personal interest. How do you handle such criticisms?” She
answered, “I always say do not generalize, like in a basket there is always a bad
apple. Not all politicians are corrupt. There are politicians who are good and use
their power and resources for the good of their people. As long as I know I am
doing what is right and as long as I am doing my duties and responsibilities, it’s up
to the people to judge the kind of politician I am.” “Councilor, what virtue can you
share us, the youth.” I solicited. She responded, “There is a saying that my
grandfather taught my mom and my mom taught me. It goes like this: “Ang
tagumpay sa buhay ay hindi nasusukat sa dami ng iyong pera. Ang tagumpay sa
buhay ay hindi nasusukat sa taas ng iyong posisyon. Bagkus ang tagumpay sa
buhay ay nasusukat sa dami ng taong iyong natulungan.” I think this is a very
important virtue not j politicians need to know.” I continued, “Councilor, what could
you advise students who want and dream to be a good politician someday?” She
replied, “It’s hard! Working for the government is hard, it is doubly hard and it
takes a heart of steel and a lot of guts to not just be able to enter politics, but
survive in politics. Just do your best, strive hard, believe in yourselves and do your
best to achieve your goals and you’ll be able to reach it. As you reach your goals,
remember your motives because some people get into politics and they forget their
promises to the people. Just don’t get corrupted by the system and corrupted by
power. Keep your feet on the ground and make your country a better place.” These
words struck me most and gave me a wider grin than her. I thanked the good
Councilor as she signed the Certificate of Appearance I handed her. She handed
back her personal data with the signed certificate and was inquiring me about a
project proposal for children I gave her about a year ago. She escorted us to the
lobby since it was already 8:00 in the evening.

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