"Mar of the People" - Real Life Stories from Real Life People

Rappler's presidential profiles series kicked-off with "Mar of the People," a personality sketch of Mar Roxas based on the characteristics that best embody Roxas' ideal self.

"His team has highlighted improvements he led in aviation and transportation, the economy and information technology, as well as tax reform and cheaper medicines – painting a picture of a man focused on building practical, day-to-day solutions that quietly improve lives." - Patricia Evangelista &  Nicole Curato

Mar is often perceived as an elitist, being a scion of illustrious families -- the Roxases and the Aranetas -- who had the privilege of being educated in an Ivy League school and perhaps, who never had to worry about tomorrow's meals like most of us do. Yet, in spite of the comforts of Mar Roxas' life, Mar always strives to relate with the people:

• Once, I rode in an Uber car that was owned and driven by a retired professional who used to be Mar's neighbor in Cubao. He shared that when he was growing up, Mar and his cousins used to play basketball with him, which is contrary to the person who we perceive as an aloof elitist.
• Mar Roxas also used to ride the MRT back in his stint as DTI Chief in 2000, way before several politicians thought of getting on the train . Without the cameras and all the fanfare, Mar rode the train with the people from the Araneta-Cubao station (a few steps away from his residence) to the Buendia station (also just walking distance to the DTI office in Makati).
• A relative of Mar Roxas also shared that Mar enjoys driving so much that he would rather drive by himself than be chauffeured around Metro Manila. I heard this story a few days after I came across an old Philippine Star article where Mar talked about what he considers a simple date: buying fries from a drive-thru and just driving along EDSA.

Photo Credit: Rappler, as used in Mar Roxas and a Matter of Trust

Unfortunately, Mar's privileged background does not always work for his advantage. Many have unfairly criticised and taunted him for his efforts to be "of the people" to the point that pictures have been gravely manipulated, distorted and misinterpreted just to destroy the image of a man who is sincere with his intentions. These black propaganda are drowned by the facts surrounding the pictures and more importantly, the real, concrete results that Mar Roxas has accomplished for his country.

For every misinterpreted or misrendered photo of Mar Roxas, we may counter this with what Mar Roxas has done out of the experience. Mar Roxas always steps out of his comfort zone so he may get to know the people well and what their problems are... And when Mar learns these things, the wheels of his mind works. Coupled with levelheadedness and a deep resolve to help, Mar Roxas creates solutions so that he can be "with the people" when he is needed (read: Yolanda, Finding Jesse Robredo, and Leading the Arrival Honors for the SAF44 Fallen Heroes) and so he can be "for the people" all the time.

Here are some videos that explain how Mar Roxas is for the people:

1. Reynante Ramos, a security guard, now enjoys the benefits of tax exemption for minimum wage workers through RA9504 authored by Roxas



2. Rom Miramos, a call centre employee, who does not have to leave the country anymore to support her family, thanks to Mar Roxas' efforts to expand the BPO industry



3. Gina Lastrado, a former informal settler, who now lives in a decent house at a safe location as part of DILG's resettlement program under Mar Roxas' leadership