MANILA, Philippines—At a time when controversies have become daily fare, what can each Filipino do to help uphold the good?

Simple: Be positive. Pay taxes. Volunteer. Vote.

Leaders of Kaya Natin!, a movement for good governance, made the checklist when asked what every Juan and Maria could contribute to the advocacy for ethical leaders—a seemingly rare breed in a bureaucracy where even the highest officials are embroiled in anomaly.

For Governors Grace Padaca of Isabela and Teddy Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao and Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija—three of the government leaders belonging to Kaya Natin!—responsible and well-informed citizens are the key to changing governance in the Philippines.

For one, it will help if Filipinos take a more optimistic view of their country, said Padaca, who holds a Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service.

“Stop feeling helpless that the Philippines is hopeless,” Padaca told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an e-mail exchange.

She added: “There are many good Filipinos who can serve us best as leaders. Let us just please help them get to office first instead of killing their spirit by asking too much from them and expecting them to spend millions just to get our votes.

“They are offering themselves, their lives, to change the country. Let us not just watch them. Let us encourage and strengthen them.”

Discernment

Padaca also called on Filipinos to “be discerning” of what was being said about government leaders.

“Sound bytes and screaming headlines are not enough to judge people ... Let us thus pray for God’s wisdom and leading and follow it,” she said.

For Baguilat, the national constituency should pay taxes instead of wasting money on the illegal numbers game “jueteng.”

“[Paying taxes is the] most telling sign of a good citizen,” said the Ifugao governor. “Don’t bet on jueteng ... [It] makes some sleazy politician and police chief rich.”

Voting, volunteering

With the new year expected to jump-start campaign-related activities for the presidential election in 2010, the Kaya Natin! leaders encouraged citizens’ participation in the polls both by voting and volunteering to guard the ballots.

“Register so you can vote,” Lorenzo said. “When you register, it enables you to become responsible. Cast a discerned vote. Choose the candidate with a clear plan for the community and the country. Know your candidate’s plan and platform.”

Said Padaca: “Volunteer for election watchdogs that you trust and believe in.”

Baguilat called for vigilance. With vigilance, he said, “we don’t have to blame ourselves for lousy leaders.”

Padaca emphasized the importance of every vote. “Start realizing what a big difference it can make in our lives if more of the right people are elected to government office, so that in 2010, we will make wiser choices,” she said.