In a country like the Philippines, which is working toward better governance and positive change, purity might seem unrealistic. But for Filipino government workers, purity—which means honesty, strong morals, and full commitment to serving the people—is not just important; it's urgently needed.
In government service, purity means three key things: First, integrity of motive serves not for personal benefit but for the good of all. Second, clarity of purpose: faithfully upholding the Constitution, promoting justice, and serving everyone fairly. Third, moral uprightness: living and working with honesty, avoiding corruption, bribery, and lies. Simply put, a public servant who is pure has a clear conscience and serves with honesty and transparency.
Why does purity matter in public office and service? Filipinos trust their government workers—from barangay staff to national leaders. When that trust is broken by dishonesty, carelessness, or misuse of power, it harms more than just the government—it affects the whole nation. That’s why purity isn’t just a personal value; it’s a responsibility to the public.
Purity in public service is a noble but difficult calling. Every day, government workers face temptations like bribes, political pressure, or fear of backlash. These challenges only show how important it is to stay true to what is right. As President Ramon Magsaysay, the seventh president of the Philippines and known as "Man of the Masses," once said, "I believe that he who has less in life should have more in law." His words remind us that purity in public service ensures the protection of the weak, not their exploitation.
Here are practical ways to uphold purity in public service: One, personal reflection: Regularly check your motives. Ask yourself, “Am I truly serving others, or just myself?” Two, transparency in work: Keep honest records and clear processes. Be ready to explain your actions truthfully. Three, courage to say no: Stand firm against bribes, favors, or actions that go against your conscience or the law. Four, choose the right company—surround yourself with mentors and colleagues who share your values. Five, stay rooted in faith and principles. Let your belief in God and love for the Philippines guide your actions.
Today, the Philippines needs more than just efficient governance—it needs leaders and workers with pure hearts. Not perfect people, but sincere ones. Not without flaws, but courageous enough to do what is right. Purity may not always make headlines, but it quietly transforms lives and builds nations. For every Filipino public servant, purity is not merely a personal choice—it is a sacred duty. Let us serve with both competence and conscience, for the future of our nation depends on it.

​The latest campaigns and election period for us Filipinos are like taking a board examination where we choose the best. Many candidates compete for votes, aspiring to be in the seat of the nation’s leaders. We have been hoping for a better Philippines through the candidates we hope will win. We sometimes faced failures as a nation, and we sometimes blamed it on those on the rank. We are hoping for better leaders to lead us, but are we also hoping to be better Filipinos to work with them? The realization that the status of our nation reflects our status as Filipinos. Building a nation is not a one-man team; we need each other. Our nation does not rely on specific individuals only; it relies on us.

Interdependence works with the word together. It is being, building, learning, and growing together.  As the Almighty Creator saw and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” We should realize that we are bound to help each other. If we want to build something, we need to recognize our and other’s strengths and weaknesses. We must seek to improve what we have, not to compete with each other but to complement each other as part of the family, an organization, a working force, and a nation. Being independent has the pitfall of self-reliance and pride where there is no room for asking for help from others. Each one of us needs a helper to build something great.

One blessing of interdependence is protection and strength; King Solomon said, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” A nation with people who are intertwined with each other will always be secure and strong. Interdependence teaches us to protect each other and not to destroy each other. It brings us to a realization that our nation needs interdependent citizens with one collective goal of building her up.

Independent ones are strong but become stronger when they humbly recognize their and other’s strengths and weaknesses and pursue interdependence. Hellen Keller once said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” Re-elected Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto once said we cannot change the system alone. We need to realize, as Filipinos, that we should not look for a savior. Change does not rely on only one person. We differ in many things, but we can build a better Philippines together. Together, start where we are now!

​In the recent election, candidates reacted differently upon learning the results, even before all the votes were counted. We hear stories of electoral protest, suspension of the proclamation of the winning candidate, expression of intent to seek a recount, and much more. However, the most admirable response came from those who quickly conceded and congratulated the winners.

Conceding to the result of the election reveals one’s strength of character. It demonstrates humility, stripping away pride and embodying professionalism. Those who concede genuinely grasp the political feat they have embarked on. They understand that it is about public service and not for personal aggrandizement; not for fame or personal glory but for the service of all. They embrace the wisdom in the saying, “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant”. This is congruent to what Louise Penny, an author, said: “Sometimes the only way up is down”. Indeed, this truth remains – “those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted”. 

Humility is easier said than done. It is a testament to inner strength that requires ‘death to self,’ or a battle of the self. It takes courage to be like the prodigal son in the Scripture, who said, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’” No wonder few are restored to their original state like the prodigal son and refreshed thereafter. However, those who embrace humility will experience refreshing, transformation, and reconciliation.

Humility is a powerful tool for reconciliation. It fosters harmony not only with God but also with others. It paves the way for constructive and wholesome communication. Compassion and mercy flow when humility is present. This is why formal court complaints are sometimes withdrawn following an admission of liability by an alleged erring party and with expressed willingness to restitute a loss or recompense an injury. Also, alternative modes of dispute resolution are increasingly encouraged in the judicial system, as they are less confrontational and promote peace.

Besides being a tool for reconciliation, humility also plays a crucial role in preventing administrative offenses that a public servant may commit, such as insubordination, discourtesy, abuse of authority, and oppression. Humility, thus, becomes a pathway to embody the qualities of an honorable public servant. 

Understanding the positive effects of humility, let us respond with unwavering commitment. We should put in our utmost effort to practice humility in all aspects of our lives, whether personally or in the discharge of our public functions.