More than being secretive about her escape away from the jurisdiction of all government authorities, dismissed mayor Alice Guo had been in full circles in nooks that law enforcement authorities could hardly find. The simple issues regarding her true identity led to many more issues that unmasked the entry into the country of foreigners, mostly Chinese people, some of whom were reportedly with criminal records.

It took so much time and resources for the senate investigating committees to conduct hearings with the aim of finding the truth. In all the hearings conducted, the dismissed mayor was too evasive answering questions. She had a retinue of lawyers providing counsel on how to answer the questions raised by the investigating committee.

Meanwhile, all concerted efforts by law enforcement authorities could only end in mere sightings of the dismissed mayor who started getting sick and unavailable for the hearings. It slow development in tracking the whereabouts of the dismissed mayor became another concern. Even the public who were following the investigation were getting dismayed over the inaction of the law enforcement authorities.

By all indications, the dismissed mayor had good links and connections with government officials who appear too cooperative with her moves. It was not surprising to all observers that the raids being conducted by law enforcement authorities are steps to late than the evasive moves of the dismissed mayor. Reports of the dismissed mayor moving from one lair to another had embarrassed the authorities as they have ample funds to conduct surveillance operations.

The temerity of the dismissed mayor to be forgetful on basic information about her life in the purported farm and the story about her parents and siblings were insulting the intelligence of the people who were keenly following her incredible story. The confusing tales are tough to believe and concerned people started providing information to belie her story about her life in the farm. Indeed, she was a classmate to many in a private school and her story about being under a tutor was a lie.

Surprisingly, her lying before the senate investigating committee was met with kindness as she was only threatened with contempt. She got off the proverbial hook for lying under oath, not being cited with contempt, much more jailed for her dastardly acts. Unlike other resource persons who easily get cited for contempt and held under detention,
With all the kindness and accommodation extended on the dismissed mayor, she surreptitiously packed her things with the help of all her supporters both with her private connections and with her government connections. Finally, she slipped from all government authorities simply with her furtiveness.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

Some lies when repeated often becomes truth, at least to some!

Corruption has long been a pervasive issue in the Philippines, deeply embedded in various levels of government. This persistent problem not only hampers economic growth and development but also significantly erodes public trust in government institutions. The sad reality is that corruption scandals among public servants have become so rampant that they have created a culture of cynicism and disillusionment among the Filipino people. The cynicism is no longer simple but complex.

Corruption comes in all forms and sizes . Bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and power abuse are just a few of the ways corruption appears in the Philippines. Public monies meant for infrastructure, healthcare, and education, for example, frequently wind up in the pockets of corrupt officials, depriving the populace of services they need and rightfully deserve and aggravating poverty and inequality.

How much of an impact does corruption have on people’s perceptions? Public trust has significantly decreased as a result of the frequent revelation of corruption scandals. People become distrustful and despairing when they witness their leaders participating in dishonest activities without suffering serious repercussions. Because it calls into question the authority of governmental institutions and the rule of law, this erosion of confidence is harmful to the operation of a democratic society.

The consequences of rampant corruption are far-reaching. It leads to inefficient and ineffective delivery of public services, as resources are misallocated and projects are left incomplete or substandard. Moreover, corruption distorts policy-making processes, as decisions are often influenced by personal gain rather than the public good3. This not only stifles economic growth but also perpetuates social injustices.

There have been initiatives in the Philippines to fight corruption in spite of the dire circumstances. Transparency and accountability have been encouraged by the establishment of numerous anti-corruption laws and organizations. Unfortunately, because corruption is so pervasive and enforcement is so lax, these restrictions have frequently had little effect. The first measures in resolving this issue are to strengthen these institutions and promote an environment of accountability and integrity.

The rampant corruption among public servants in the Philippines is a sad reality that continues to erode public trust. It is imperative for the government and civil society to work together to combat this menace There have been initiatives in the Philippines to fight corruption in spite of the dire circumstances.

Last night , we saw again a case study of corruption and the intricacies was at the very least perplexingly bitter . Sometimes we are more afraid of the person and the persons position than the truth and the legal implications or the possible incarceration.
When will they ever learn ? When will WE ever learn?

WE need to understand these words Christ addressed to the apostle John who complained that he saw someone casting out devils in Christ’s name but did not follow the apostles. (cfr. Mk 9,38)

Of course, Christ forbade him, telling him that no one can do a miracle in Christ’s name and would soon speak ill of Christ. Christ, in effect, was warning John and the other apostles to be wary of what may be termed as an exclusivistic mentality, a danger quite common among those who may be regarded as active in Church life, usually in the parochial level.

We have to be aware that in the Church there are different gifts, charisms, spiritualities and ways of doing things, all of which are meant to build up and strengthen the Church as the living, if mystical, body of Christ. We just should learn to respect each other’s charism and see how we can cooperate with them so as to make the mystical body of Christ as organic, effective and fruitful as possible

St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, expressed this truth of our faith when he said: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we are all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—ad we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (12-13)

This, of course, requires us to be as open-minded as possible, an open-mindedness that can only be properly derived and developed if based on the true spirit of Christ.
It’s indeed good that we be faithful and loyal to the particular vocation, spirituality or charism that we have. That is a God-given gift that we should try our best to be most faithful to. We just have to see to it that such fidelity and loyalty do not prevent us from appreciating the other spiritualities, vocations and charisms within the Church.

More than that, we have to learn how to work in tandem and in solidarity with the other Church-approved spiritualities, no matter how different they may be from ours. In this, we have to take the initiative to know more about them and to see what we can do to be able to work with them for the good of the whole Church, since every spirituality, vocation and charism is meant for building up the Church.

We have to be wary of the danger of falling into some restrictive and exclusivistic lifestyle that would isolate, if not alienate, us from the others. This, sadly, is a common tendency among the many Church institutions and groups, giving rise to petty rivalries, jealousies and gossips.

Obviously, the higher authorities of the Church should exercise the prudence of how to orchestrate the different institutions with the different spiritualities in play. But each institution should do its part of coordinating and establishing linkages with the others.

There has to be mutual respect among them and the legitimate differences should be acknowledged, respected and made to work along the lines of complementation and supplementation in order to work for the common good of the Church.

We have to remember that no spirituality, vocation and charism has the exclusive possession of the universal essence of what is to be holy, of what true love is, etc. And every spirituality, vocation and charism is not a frozen thing, but a dynamic one, alive and always open for further enrichment, deepening and adaptation to changing circumstances.

In business, showing appreciation to customers, clients, and employees is a fundamental aspect that fosters loyalty, trust, and a positive work environment. Recognizing the value that each of these groups brings to the table is not only a gesture of gratitude but also a strategic move that can yield long-term benefits for any organization. From personalized thank-you notes to employee recognition programs, the ways to express appreciation are diverse and impactful.

Customers are the lifeblood of any business. Without their support, no company can thrive. Therefore, it is essential to show genuine appreciation for their loyalty and trust. One effective way to do this is by providing excellent customer service. Paying attention to their feedback, promptly resolving their issues, and exceeding expectations to fulfill their requirements can significantly contribute to fostering strong relationships. Additionally, sending personalized thank-you notes, offering exclusive discounts, or organizing customer appreciation events can make customers feel valued and appreciated.

Clients, on the other hand, are key partners in the success of a business. Whether they are individuals or other businesses, expressing appreciation for their trust and collaboration is crucial. Recognizing their contributions to the growth of the company can strengthen the business relationship and lead to repeat business and referrals. Hosting client appreciation events, sending thoughtful gifts during holidays, or simply expressing gratitude through a personalized message can deepen the bond with clients and set the foundation for long-term partnerships.

Employees are the backbone of any organization. The business thrives on their diligent efforts, unwavering dedication, and strong commitment. Recognizing and appreciating their efforts is vital for employee morale, motivation, and retention. Employee recognition programs, such as “Employee of the Month” awards, peer-to-peer recognition, or performance bonuses, can boost employee engagement and job satisfaction. Moreover, creating a positive work culture where appreciation is a core value can enhance teamwork, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Increase a positive relationship among your customers, clients and employees by taking steps in making them feel how they are recognized and appreciated. These are some other effective ways to show appreciation in a professional setting include:

1. Sending personalized thank-you notes or emails to customers, clients, and employees.
2. Recognizing and praising individuals publicly for their contributions or achievements.
3. Offering small tokens of appreciation such as gift cards, company merchandise, or handwritten cards.
4. Organizing team lunches, dinners, or social events to celebrate successes and milestones.
5. Providing opportunities for professional development or growth to show investment in employees’ well-being.
6. Implementing employee recognition programs that highlight outstanding performance.
7. Asking for feedback and actively listening to suggestions from customers, clients, and employees to show their opinions matter.

These gestures can go a long way in fostering a positive and appreciative atmosphere in a professional setting.

In the current competitive business environment, demonstrating gratitude is not merely a gesture of kindness but a vital requirement. Research has shown that organizations that prioritize employee and customer appreciation tend to outperform their competitors. A study by Harvard Business Review found that companies with a strong recognition culture have lower turnover rates and higher employee engagement levels. Likewise, companies that shows importance on customer gratitude experience elevates customer retention rates and enhanced customer lifetime value.

In conclusion, showing appreciation to customers, clients, and employees is a powerful tool that can drive business success. Whether through personalized gestures, recognition programs, or creating a culture of gratitude, expressing appreciation fosters loyalty, trust, and positive relationships. By valuing and recognizing the contributions of these key stakeholders, businesses can create a virtuous cycle of success where everyone wins. Appreciation is not just a one-time event but a continuous practice that should be ingrained in the DNA of every organization that aims for long-term growth and sustainability
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!