Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Do you know what many fail to realize? That even when those of us in the media are given VIP access, pampered treatment, and privileges that sometimes make it seem as though doors open effortlessly—we are never above the law. We still line up for annual registrations, pay our taxes, comply with every regulation, and submit to the same procedures as every other citizen. Whether we’re paid to cover stories or doing it as a public service, we remain accountable—not exempt from scrutiny, not immune to criticism. And we should never be. Because every comment, whether small or scathing, helps us sharpen our craft and confront our shortcomings.
But accountability, as I have learned, also comes with humility.
When Raising a Concern Becomes a Misstep
The issue began with something seemingly trivial: the distribution of Bingo cards and the lack of effective communication among the unit owners of our building. What I intended was simple—to give notice of a faulty system so that the community could learn, improve, and prevent similar lapses in the future. It was never meant to insult, demean, or belittle. It was a call to do better.
Yet intentions, however pure, can be misinterpreted.
My words, sharpened by years of writing boldly against government inefficiency and systemic neglect, were not tempered for the sensitivity of a small community. What may sound like constructive critique in the public arena sounded harsh, even ungrateful, in this private space. And so, what began as an attempt to highlight a flaw was instead received as an attack.
Volunteers—those who carried the load of organizing without pay—retaliated by pointing out that unlike government officials, they were merely offering their time and effort for free. That they did not deserve criticism of their capabilities.
The irony is not lost on me. My letter, meant as an act of responsibility and a step toward better communication, was viewed as an offense. And so, in humility, I step back.
Choosing Humility Over Defensiveness
Let me be clear: there was nothing wrong with my intention. To call out a lapse in communication is not to dishonor volunteers, but to strengthen the community. Still, I take ownership of the fact that my tone was misaligned with the setting.
Instead of being defensive, I choose humility. I choose to admit that I failed to “read the room.” I choose to acknowledge that what I thought was clarity was heard as criticism. And though my frustration was valid, my delivery fell short.
I stand with those who say we must be role models. We gain nothing from counterattacks, from throwing back words at critics as though our positions make us untouchable. If I sounded ungrateful, it was never my intent. It was simply my burden speaking—one that my own wife, who also volunteers despite her demanding work, has had to carry too.
The Larger Lesson
For over a decade, my style as a writer has been bold, direct, and unyielding. It has worked when addressing public officials, government agencies, and national concerns. But here, in this shared space, I must adapt.
And that is the lesson. Leadership and responsibility are not about always being right—they are about knowing when to bend, when to listen, and when to humble oneself, even if the intention was never wrong in the first place.
Moving Forward
So I say this, not as an apology for having good intentions, but as a recognition that humility sometimes matters more than being right. Moving forward, I will strive to be more mindful, more sensitive, and more constructive.
If ever I stumble again, I ask that you remember this: my words may sometimes be imperfect, but my purpose has always been clear—to help build, not break; to strengthen, not divide; to lift this community we all share.
Because at the end of the day, accountability is not just about answering for mistakes—it is also about choosing humility, even when you know your intentions were never wrong.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
.jpg)
Post a Comment