It's been fifteen years since my father last run for public office yet I could still feel the lingering effects today. While being the son of a former mayor has some perks and advantages, let me tell you its horrible parts. First, I could sense that others seem to think that I am part of the corrupt system that's been entangling us all these years... but the truth is, I have no knowledge whatsoever of any corruption my father is involved in. Then there are some people who think that I've just benefited from my father's successes in his career... that I am not at all deserving of my own achievements in life... that I've only succeeded because of my father, etcetera etcetera... the truth is, I study hard. I try to succeed on my own. I rarely ask for my father's assistance because ever since I was in second grade, my parents inculcated in me the sense to strive on my own. I have never asked anybody to do my projects, to do my assignments, to finish my theses, to finish my feasibility studies (of which we were awarded as the best group). Not even my own parents. As to others who think that I'm such a privileged animal for being born to a sort-of well-to-do family (even though I don't claim it myself), I am deeply offended by your assumptions. I practice vow of poverty more than most of the people you'll ever meet. I rarely ask my parents to buy me anything - this includes birthday gifts, mind you. When I was about to get my college degree, I chose Bicol University over Ateneo de Manila. When I was about to take up law, my eyes were all set for UP because I don't want my parents to spend so much for my education. Even when I left that school, I didn't choose to transfer to Ateneo or San Beda even when both schools would be very much willing to accept me. Instead, I chose FEU for the same reasons. Even today, I only buy cheap cellphones, some of which were handed over to me and some were free. The only time that I've ever spent so much was when reviewing for the bar - but that's because I have no other possible options. Even when I did ask my parents to spend 20k per month for boarding and a few thousand more for electricity and water, I tried my hardest to save money as much as as I can, and that includes turning on the electric fan instead of the air-con. On top of all these matters, I actually chose to study law because of some higher calling that I wish to fulfill. As to my being a consultant in Congress, I accepted the job for the purpose of serving and the salary that the Congress regularly gives me was only a by-product of my desire to serve. I have rarely ever dreamed of buying the most expensive, most luxurious clothes and gadgets. And never have I dreamed of living in a mansion. All I ever wanted is to be of service... and to have a comfortable and convenient life. To all of you who have made the above-mentioned assumptions, I can never make you change your thoughts...
