MAR Para Sa Mahirap

"Naniniwala akong maka-mahirap si Mar Roxas! Naniniwala ako sa Daang Matuwid!"

I met Tirso during Quezon City United's Palengke Run at Murphy Market in Cubao several Sundays ago. He was busy setting up a new store just outside of the market yet, he didn't hesitate to affirm our call to vote for Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo.

Tirso personally witnessed how Mar Roxas as DILG Secretary intervened during a demolition work in Sta. Mesa which was eventually halted. He quoted Roxas: "Bakit tuwing may demolisyon laging sa mahihirap ang bawas? Hindi ba dapat 50-50?"

I tried to search for any press release or soundbite online that would back Tirso's account of Mar Roxas. I have found nothing that quoted Roxas or trumped his leadership in the negotiation but I found some news that coincide with the details that were provided by Tirso.

This is Mar Roxas: a quiet worker who is unafraid to displease the rich, not for personal reasons, but for the common good.

It is unfortunate that he is often misconstrued and unfairly portrayed. I am swayed to believe in this good side of Mar as this has been a characteristic of his that has been consistently coming out in unsolicited stories such as this, the encounters of those who know him best personally and professionally, and most importantly, in the way that he conducts himself.