Reputed as “The Nation’s Fiscalizer”, ex-Senate President Jovito Salonga was born on June 22, 1920 in Pasig City. Born in poverty, his father Esteban Salonga was a Presbyterian pastor, his mother Bernadita Reyes was a market vendor and was the youngest of five brothers: Isaias, Benjamin, Serafin, and David.
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| BACK L - R: (Diko) Benjamin Sr (Ka) David who is my father, Jovito Salonga (Bunso), (Kuya) Isaias and (Sanko) Serafin FRONT L - R: Consuela San Buenaventura Salonga, Lola Bernardina Reyes Salonga, Lolo Esteban, (?) and Esther Salonga. |
In the span of over nine decades, Jovito had his share of struggles and successes – from being tortured in the hands of the Japanese during the WWII, to topping a bar exam, acquiring a Harvard master’s degree and doctorate in Yale University, consistently topping three senatorial elections under three different regimes, to the fatal Plaza Miranda Bombing in 1971, to his unlawful detention during the Martial Law years, to being assigned Chairman of the PCGG, to leading a group of senators rejecting the RP-US Bases treaty and more.
After his retirement, he continued work in public service through Kilosbayan, Bantayog ng Mga Bayani and Bantay Katarungan. He also received the Ramon Magsaysay Award on August 31, 2007 for “the exemplary integrity and substance of his long public career in service to democracy and good government”.
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| Book Launch in December 2009 |
To date, he has written around 15 books including “A Journey of Struggle & Hope” and “Not by Power or Wealth Alone”.
Wikipedia has an entry about him, but the entry does not give justice to his life’s journey. As a tribute to man who dedicated most of his life to his country, I thought I should share to the world how I see him back stage.
Growing up, I have always seen him as just a responsible man who’s committed to his church, family and community. The first memory I have of Uncle was the time when my Dad took me to his home office; Dad was bragging the “First Honor” medal I received in grade 1.
I remember looking at all the certificates he has on his wall and how my Dad used to inspire me to follow his footsteps. I remember seeing people come and go, lined up in front of the house to ask for his help but didn’t really put too much notice; maybe we all got used to it. To me, he was a very helpful man in the community… he’s simply my Uncle.
I remember seeing an album of my father’s pictures during Uncle’s campaign, the red posters “Salonga for Senator”, how my Dad would broadcast my Uncle’s speeches through two big loud speakers on our rooftop and Mum fearing for our safety during the Martial Law.
Dad was a rebel in his own right but luckily enough, was also big enough to get protection in our community though our house is located right in front of the Baranggay Hall. It was obvious, Uncle Jovy’s got a strong influence in the family and that everyone would fight with, and for, him.
After his return from the US, I remember celebrating at Uncle Ben’s birthday party in Pasig April, 1985 with the Salonga clan then him visiting our house to investigate our bathroom where my Dad had died from a heart attack August 4 of the same year.
My Uncle paid for the apartment my Dad was planning to purchase for us, where all my brother and sisters grew up as a gift to Dad and our family.
I remember the times when he delivered a heartfelt speech on my Dad’s funeral, attending my previous wedding (and making a comment on why of all days I had to pick 21st of September, it being the day when Martial Law was declared), he always accommodate to see us every time we go back to Manila for a visit and informing me via fax at work that Uncle Serafin passed away. We were a normal family; Uncle is a loving father, brother, Uncle, and friend.
Then my Uncle decided to come to Sydney late 1990’s – this is when I found out more about the man behind all the admiration.
I was arranging for security for his arrival and he thought it was not necessary; he embraces health, peace and the simple life. He prefers walking, practicality (unlike most people who likes to be treated as VIP) and humility.
During their short stay, I had seen a hard-working man who would wake up 5AM reading books, faxing/communicating with his office in Manila, passionately talking about our country and our people.
This is the same man who asked me if I was doing the right thing by giving up my Filipino citizenship and opting for the Australian one – reminding me that we are losing a lot of skilled people our country desperately need.
Back then, aside from hearing a few of his speeches, I never really bothered reading some of his books. And only during his stay I found out about my family – how poor they were, how they were tortured (including my Dad), how much they have sacrificed to fight for democracy and freedom and how important our Filipino people are to my dear Uncle. I completely saw his other side without any hint of arrogance – in fact he radiates humility, honesty, integrity, selflessness and more – things I have not seen in a while from a lot of politicians I know. It was truly a refreshing eye opener.
I was amazed how people (Pinoy) would recognize him and stop to pay respect wherever we go – in Sydney, Manila and even actors, TV personalities and politicians. It’s quite overwhelming – and yet, to him he will always be their servant – of the people.
I didn’t realize how popular he is until I started dining out with him. He also has this amazing memory – you mention him your surname and he would guess your town and at times even tell you your family history. He delivers his speeches with such passion because he writes them himself – from the heart. Unlike most politicians, who pay ghost writers to conduct research on their behalf.
I used to ring him on Christmas time and on his birthday.
There would be times he’d be out and I’d assume he would be partying. But no, the maids at home once said he has purchased some computers to give away for the poor community as his birthday gift. Now, who would do that on his birthday and remain anonymous? Most politicians would use that opportunity to market themselves and yet, here is a man who selflessly gives without expecting anything in return.
So far I believe I have established he’s very responsible, loving, simple, humble, hardworking, honest, selfless, patriotic, dedicated, passionate and generous but would like to share that this man is also funny, romantic and practical. The woman who provided a tremendous support to this man I am giving tribute to was my late Aunt Lydia. Uncle Jovy never got tired of talking about how they met and all those times we went out, they shared food even when we are in public. On their 60th wedding anniversary where Tito Jovy dedicated the kundiman song “Ikaw Lamang” to his lady love. He’s very generous to us but also practices his skill on practicality – flashing his “Senior’s Card” when we eat out. Well, the man has to watch his expenses, he was never corrupt hence he truly worked hard for his money.
There are plenty of stories to tell yet what stands the most is the fact that this man is no ordinary man. He has been a fighter, a man of God’s words and most of all a brilliant inspiration to all Filipinos especially to me whom he has nothing to prove – all I see is a man of character – true to his words and thoughts.
My Uncle is truly a rare kind in this dirty political world.
Originally posted at The Filipino-Australian
http://emanila.mobi/log/jovito-salonga-a-rare-kind-in-a-dirty-political-world/
