In an era where politics often gets entangled with personal ambition and blind loyalty, one public servant chose to rise above partisan convenience in favor of clarity, principle, and genuine service to the people.
In a deeply personal and powerfully articulated privilege speech before the august body on the 3rd regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Hon. Tristan Royce R. Aala of the 1st District of Davao del Norte, announced his formal resignation from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), a political party with which he had been affiliated.
His words struck a chord—not just with his colleagues, but with the very spirit of public service that transcends colors, banners, and alliances.
“I believe that political affiliation should never be a prison, nor should it be a veil for silence, compromise, or moral hesitation,” he declared.
The decision, he emphasized, was not made out of bitterness or political calculation. It was the result of deep reflection and an unwavering desire to serve with authenticity, free from the confines of partisan obligations.
By stepping away from the party, Hon. Bong Aala has chosen to step more fully into the space of inclusive, people-first governance. His speech was a call—not just a personal transition—but a reminder to all elected officials of what we are truly called to do: to lead with conscience, to listen to the people, and to act in their best interest—even when it means walking away from familiar paths.
Indeed, in a political landscape that often rewards silence over truth and loyalty over leadership, it takes courage to stand alone. It takes even greater courage to walk away, not in anger, but in clarity.
This powerful moment should inspire all public servants to ask themselves: Whom do we truly serve? Is it the party that carried us, or the people who trusted us?
In the words of Hon. Bong Aala
“My loyalty remains where it has always belonged: to the people I serve. Not to colors, not to alliances, not to slogans—but to the voice of the ordinary citizen, to the principles of integrity and good governance.”
Let this serve as a timely reminder: The highest form of political allegiance is not to a party—but to the truth, to the public good, and to the future we all share.
And as the great statesman Winston Churchill once said:
“To each, there comes in their lifetime a moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and asked to do something for their country. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unwilling.”
Let us not be found unwilling.
