In a nation where politicians seek to hold on to power though discredited, pretend they will not run though their electioneering materials are ubiquitous, or aspire to remain in office till death, Cebu Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale’s firmness against seeking reelection is refreshing.
Magpale said she feels that she has lived the best of her years in politics and that age has caught up with her.
A career elected public official, Magpale said she looks forward to finding a suitable running mate for Gov. Hilario Davide III when he seeks reelection next year.
She also said she will help Davide campaign to the extent that her physical ability will let her.
What a stirring example of detachment, humility, and grace.
What a strong reminder for public officials to do their best because according to time, none of them is indispensable.
We recall in contrast the dud set off years ago by then-President Gloria Arroyo, who having succeeded the ousted Joseph Ejercito had pledged that she will not seek the presidency in 2004, only to go back on her word with a Hello, Garci scandal to boot.
We note with consternation the drama that has been inherited from then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 of telling everyone that he is not running but in the end filing a certificate of candidacy.
His daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and his assistant, Christopher Go have been telling audiences repeatedly that they will not run.
They will have to prove their honesty when they let the deadline for making a candidacy pass without a fuss because their indifference to de facto campaign materials for their benefit appearing on and offline indicate a testing of the waters to see how far any swell of support for them goes.
Magpale for her part will be well-remembered for working hard during her time and for recognizing that she can serve with the wisdom and wide horizon of retrospection anyone regardless of political affiliation once she stands in the kind halls of retirement.
Having a heart to embrace a retreat into the background is not automatic.
It is born of the confidence that one has done her best with the time that was given her, so the act of receding is an entry into rest, thanksgiving, and counting of blessings, not a hard struggle brimming with regret for things poorly done or left undone.