There are many no-nonsense government leader-servants like the late former Mayor and DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.  A lesser but significant number are service and reform-minded like Jesse Robredo.   But few could be likened to Robredo’s aptitude to listen, understand and learn from ordinary people; his attitude of breaking the wall of invincibility borne by a person in authority and relating with people; his tenacity to make things done the righteous way; and being responsible and accountable.  As the saying goes, marami ang mahusay na lider, pero hindi lahat ay mabuting lider.  Jesse is a good and kind leader.  One who is not only respected but also loved.

On its 34^th day, the Senate acting as trial court on the impeachment case against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, suspended its proceedings as Congress takes recess and a number of senators already have booked flights for trips abroad.  Trial resumes on May 7 when Congress resumes regular session.  By then, senators, hopefully, have arrived from trips –happily or officially.

                 President Benigno Aquino III finally demonstrated in 2011 his political conviction to clean and make government efficient and transparent. The President stood his ground on his pronouncements and ably commanded the national administration and his political forces and allies to march accordingly to his positions. P-Noy pushed his political leverage and forced Merceditas Gutierrez to resign as Ombudsman.

The Institute for Popular Democracy launched its two publications in December 8, 2011. These are the Handbooks on: Keeping People Healthy and Far from Hospitals: Holding Local Governments to Account for Outpatient Cure and Diagnostics, and So-called Socialized Housing is not for the Poor – Towards workable solution concepts for securing a place in the city.