Government service is imbued with public interest and a public servant must ensure that public interest is served above all else. The conduct and behavior of government officials should be beyond reproach and one who occupies an elevated position in government must be free from impropriety.

At times, constituents are not happy with the way a public servant conducts their affairs. On many occasions, I have witnessed public servants unworthy of taxpayer funding; they were rotten apples tarnishing the goodwill of a government agency. I will not mention the agency specifically, but most Filipinos would agree a lot of government employees do not serve in the public’s interest.

While passing the civil service examination is an uphill climb, it does not guarantee a person will be a good public servant.

Government is unlike the private sector, where employees are bound to certain rules and regulations, along with the availability of programs and mechanisms to develop leadership and managerial skills. By comparison, private sector employees are far more efficient with a better work ethic. With public workers, things like avoiding tardiness and adhering to compliance, which are incumbent upon them as government employees, are disregarded; plus, some have a superiority complex and believe they know everything.

Such a culture is tolerated because nobody among the higher ranks has the will to confront erring employees. Poor management skills are apparent in government and the saying still rings true, “government is not a good manager” – good leadership, sad to say, can only be found within private organizations.

There are many non-governmental organizations dedicated to their missions and are contributing to uplifting society. While they often partner with government, the latter makes it hard for them to operate. Government must ensure their partners feel like equally important players in governance./WDJ