by Alex Roldan
It is such a relief to learn that integrity was not completely compromised in the case of the controversial speech delivered by Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan during the last commencement exercises of the Ateneo de Manila University. It turned out that unknown to him parts of the speech had been lifted from statements made by some famous people. There is a name for it: Plagrism. That civility is still around was shown by MVP, chair of the biggest telecommunications company in the country, when he took full responsibility for the faux pas that was evidently committed by his speechwriters, instead of protecting his own backside.
You can surf the Internet on the subject and come across the reactions of disheartened readers, particularly Ateneans who put the blame on Mr. Pangilinan for bringing shame to their beloved Alma Mater. But, did he?
Their reactions are right about the unethical infringement of intellectual property rights that Mr. Pangilinan had inadvertently made in his speech. However, his reaction to the criticisms heaped on him as a consequence of the blunder is worthy of our full admiration and respect.
Everybody knows that his writers had “stolen” the ideas of other people and incorporated them in his speech. Only very few corporate executives write their speeches. However, not once did we hear a word from him that would point to his speechwriters as the culprits responsible for this setback to Ateneo’s prestige. For all we know, the writers are Atenean themselves!
What he did was tender his irrevocable resignation as a member of the school’s Board of Trustees, the honorable thing to do.
As far as he was concerned, the buck stopped with him—period! No ifs and buts, he assumed full responsibility for the spoiled speech! I can sense the embarrassment he felt from that deplorable incident, but he demonstrated courage by doing the right thing. As a seasoned corporate gentleman he showed that maintaining one’s integrity is more important than following unreasonable rules. He bit the bullet when he had to, this victim of circumstance.
Mr. Pangilinan’s decision to do so reminds us of the virtues that are almost lost in our generation – that admitting mistakes is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Virtues that Ateneans should be proud of. He proved his humanity by his noble actuation following the tragic slip-up. Most likely, he has forgiven himself for admitting that he is less than perfect. The finest attitude that I admire most about him in this incident, is that he did not betray himself!
Virtues that I wish would be emulated by our political leaders!
-oOo-
The insult goes deep into the guts of the government Career Service Executives upon learning that the President’s manicurista had suddenly been promoted as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pag-Ibig fund.
Becoming a Career Executive Service Eligible in the government is not easy. They undergo a series of tests over a number of years before the lucky ones can be finally conferred as eligible and considered worthy of occupying third level positions in government. Tormented every time they take the test, the hopeful government servants shiver at the prospect of failure and all their efforts wasted. But they brave these hardships because they believe in the system. They believe that this is their ticket to an improved professional career, and of course, the benefits that goes along with it.
Their hopes that run high whenever they see posted positions that require Career Executive Service Eligibles were devastated by no less than the Chief Executive of this country! The only reason that Malacanang gave was that, the President’s personal “nail technician” holds a plantilla position in the government and therefore eligible to represent government employees in the BOT of Pag-Ibig.
What else can we hope from this Administration? One that is known for its reckless disregard of official policies and system. Their only concern is to make sure that the booty from their so-called governance goes to their loyal and preferred individuals!
This sets a very dangerous precedent in the minds of those working in the government. I am sure that job applications even from current government employees are piling up to fill the recently vacated position as the President’s personal manicurista. Why go through the hassle of passing tests and job performance assessments when there is an easy way? I still have to hear what position the personal masahista of the First Gentleman will be promoted to, or the nannies of their grandchildren. God forbid!
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