As speculations and apprehensions mount as to who would succeed outgoing Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, it is becoming more apparent that the leadership of the former has only produced more servile followers and not leaders.
This is apparent in how the present constitution of the city council owes their position to the mayor when they subscribed to the “ubos kun ubos, gabos kun gabos” principle promoted and exalted by Robredo. This is apparent in the council’s acquiescent silence in the face of legitimate criticisms against the much lauded mayor of Naga City. This is apparent in the quasi-cult of personality found among the supporters of the mayor.
Of course, these phenomena, it may be objected, are not unique to Robredo’s leadership. It may even be furthered that it is but natural that charismatic political leaders will attract—dare we say it?—rabid following. Yet, it must be pointed out that such kind of following do attend charismatic leadership, but, that of the traditional politician or the trapo. And not that of the kind which Robredo’s leadership is posing itself to be: authentic, ethical and transparent.
Authentic leadership produces more leaders and does not spawn cult followers. It is not afraid of unpopularity for the sake of effecting the right decision. Ethical leadership generates genuine empowerment of the people enabling them to engage critique and improvement. Transparency in governance promotes a culture of critical inquisitiveness among citizens about the dealings and decisions of government. It, therefore, does not dismantle or prohibit political space for dissent and critical commentary.
If we are to assess Robredo’s 16 years of leadership by these standards, how would they fare? Will his leadership be considered authentic, ethical, and transparent? Or perhaps merely a step or two above the mold of the trapo and not the kind of leadership IT TOUTS ITSELF TO BE?
As Mayor Robredo’s stay in office nears its end, the apprehensions mentioned above give rise to questions about his leadership and even that of whomever will replace him. We ask: how many among those eyeing to succeed Mayor Robredo are actually seeking his endorsement, and thus, dare not raise criticisms (legitimate or otherwise) against his administration’s policies? How many of them are, in fact, not only capable of independence but are morally courageous enough to take to task the outgoing mayor? How many of these would-be candidates for the mayoral position of Naga City are really leaders and not just obsequious minions of Robredo?
Apparently again, not many.