Politics wastes principles

Confession is good for the soul. I heard these words as an opening statement from a politician, now retired, during a non-political forum many years ago.

- Aven Piramide [e-mail]

Former congressman Eduardo Rivera Gullas, addressing a graduation ceremony of the University of the Visayas College of Law, proceeded to speak how confession frees the conscience of a man of his guilt. Absolution, in a manner of speaking, restores man's spirit freed from condemnation. Believe me, I thought Sir Eddiegul, in his exposition, was more of a bishop than a lawmaker. Well, maybe because he was then in his last term as a legislator after decades of government service.

After his introductory line in that commencement exercise, the university president, shifted gears. He confessed not being a perfect leader but he wove profound principles and real governance in a stirring speech. Gullas explained to the graduating class the importance of serving the government with the strictest adherence to scruples. "Principled politics", he called it as he praised his membership of the Nacionalista Party. He said politicians must adopt and uphold uncompromising principles in everything they do. Political ideals of elected leaders in government must NOT be wrapped in selfish interests. After all, public office is a public trust.