WE MUST BE uncompromising with dishonesty. But, in the same way, we must also praise and honor honesty.

All these years, Land Transportation Office Chief Norman Saril has stood as one of those who has held his nose clean in a very sensitive office, crawling with fixers who make fast bucks with some motorists.

The other day, a friend Pol Escobia texted me, he thought Norman Saril honest but there were drivers who told him that by paying P500 they got a yellow car plate.

I forwarded the text to Norman. I like Norman. He got ballistic and answered that in his many years at LTO, he has never asked for a single centavo for the plates. I like his words, “I never feed my family with stolen money.”

He dared people to come and personally accuse him. He said, he has been 37 years at LTO and no one has raised a finger on his honesty. I, for one, have been a witness to that. Saril has always faced accusations. So many have been interested in his position but he has always been supported by his bosses.

He said, he has long wanted to resign and retire, but was prevailed upon to stay. His wife, daughter of the late Bacolod Postmaster Gela, works as cashier, at NFA and has also kept her name clean. The problem has been with people upstairs.

Their children, I think, are all professionals now.

* * *

I like Saril standing up and daring accusers. I forwarded his text to Escobia and Escobia’s phone number. Escobia texted me, Saril should have thanked him for blowing the whistle.

I felt Pol Escobia should have come up with a name or names. It’s unfair to come up with accusations, especially singling out an official. I applaud Norman Saril for raising his voice. We should if accused unjustly.

We must defend our honor to our last breath.

I know Norman. What I know the values of one’s father are always carried to his children. Norman’s father, Cesar Saril was in the 60s head of the Motor Vehicles Office, the old name of LTO and changed, just like NFA, because it was always hounded by controversy.

I remember it was in 1960. I applied for a driver’s license with MVO. Cesar Saril made me fill up the papers and told me to take the driving test.

I took the written and actual test. I passed it. Cesar Saril was also known for his honesty. I believe, that was also his article of faith, never to feed his family with stolen money.

Salute to you, Norman Saril.

* * *

I would like public officials to stand up against anyone who accuses them unjustly. Dare people to come up with evidences or witnesses. If you are clean, you have nothing to fear. We in media will support you.

I am referring to our public officials. Stand up to erring critics and who may be irresponsible media people. Follow what officials in Cebu do.

In Cebu, I was told, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña would tell news or opinion writers straight to their face during press conference that what they were writing was wrong.

And there would be arguments putting to shame a media man too. That puts one in his right place. I hope our officials would do that too. In a press conference lambaste the erring media men. I want media men to fight back!

That will be news to other media people. I believe it is proper to carry the news that a media man was “scolded” by a public official in a press conference.

This will make the media man more responsible. Otherwise, he will also lose his credibility. Next time, he will be very careful.

Next time you complain to me of a public official, naming him, be sure you have a witness or document because I will pass your complaint to the official, identifying you and your cell phone number. I don’t entertain complaints from people I do not know.

* * *

I encourage people to complain against the corrupt but, I repeat, you have proof or can witness to it. Unless you tell me to hold your name in confidence. But it is unfair, you should come out. If you are afraid to come out, shut up. Somebody must substantiate his complaint. That is to be fair to all.

We have been known to be the most corrupt because people are afraid to complain. So the corrupt think they can do it.

People are now braver to come out. The Bishop and the priests are leading. And cheers to the many policemen who arrest people who try to bribe them. And arrest even their fellow policemen who commit crimes.

So, Norman Saril, salute to you again. Denounce the irresponsible critics. Lead the way and many others will follow.

* * *

Cheers to Gov. Pidio Zayco. With Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer he will meet with officials of China Water and Electric Inc. on the complaints of farmers on the delay of irrigation repair and the laborers not paid promptly because CWE is delayed in paying sub-contractors.

The Governor is concerned about our rice production.

Leave a Reply