📌 Editor’s Note:

This post was written in August 2025, during a time of intense public discourse in the Philippines around government corruption, political dynasties, and ongoing lifestyle checks on public officials and their families. It is a personal reflection anchored in the national conversation—one that continues to evolve.

I don’t usually talk about politics. But today, I will.

More than two decades ago, I worked in a large government agency. I was 24-29 years old, earning a salary most people my age could only dream of. My position was high, my pay was even higher—equivalent to that of a VP or top-level manager.

How did I get there?