Go ahead, Mam Sam!

ILIGAN CITY: I know, as everybody does, that she is not perfect. She's just like you and me, human, subject to err. But what she did and has been doing for the welfare of our people is worthy to emulate - some kind of a quality found only in a good leader.

That is why when Ms. Samira Gutoc-Tomawis visited me to seek for a brotherly advice on her being groomed as a senatorial candidate, I said: "Mam Sam, why not? You have proven your worth as a true good leader, though a woman and your people need you there. 

"In your commitment to our environmental well-being, you accepted being a Basura Buster that only a few among us would do.

"You have guided other Moro women's leaders, especially Maranao women, to express their grievances, sentiments, and aspirations.

"You lead the convening and convincing of political candidates every election in Lanao del Sur to accept and sign a Covenant for Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections (HOPE) that has made elections in the province almost, if not, zero-violent. 

"You resigned as a commissioner from the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which drafted the BBL now made into law as Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) because as a Maranao woman you could not take the rape-joke by the President at the height of the Marawi Siege. 

"You have been leading such strong multisectoral groups as the Kazalimbago Movement and the Ranao Rescue Team, among others, because of your members' confidence in your ability, competence, integrity and dedication as a leader. 

"You have been in the streets to fight for the rights of not only your Bangsamoro people but all of the Filipino people. Without fear, you defend human rights, especially of the poor and the marginalized citizens."

And there are many other good things that can be said about her, so I said: "Go ahead Mam Sam." 

Yes, for the sake of God, country, and people. what we need are leaders who possess those traits and qualities like what Mam Sam has shown us. - RSP