Discaya: Real change is serving, not just fighting corruption

Real change is not just about shouting what is wrong, but rather an honest and sincere response to the needs of the people, most especially the poor, according to Pasig City mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya.

Discaya, a successful businesswoman and owner of a quadruple-A construction company, said that fighting corruption is very important, but this should not be a reason for elected public officials to forget their greater duty—to provide better services to the people.

"Criticism is not enough if you don't have concrete steps to make life easier," said the 48-year-old philanthropist who also runs a charity foundation dedicated to helping the poor and needy through medical missions, as well as providing various assistance to the people, most especially her fellow Pasigueños.

Discaya pointed out that genuine service is not just a stand against corruption, but being generous to those in need.

"This is a leader who is willing to hear the grievances of others, one who has a heart to understand what other people are going through, and the one who has a hand that is always ready to help. [Public] service is not just about fighting—it's about hope," she said.

"I believe that we don't have to choose whether to fight for what is right or make the lives of others easier—because we can do both," she added.

Discaya also said that fighting against wrong must always be accompanied by concern for people.

"Every step we take for a cleaner system should have a corresponding step to raise everyone's standard of living. Because in the end, genuine change is measured not just by what we have fought for, but by how we improve the lives of every Pasigueño," she added.

Her husband, Curlee Discaya, has lashed out at empty political rhetoric about good governance and anti-corruption from the incumbent local leadership, which has been the battle cry for the last six years.

“The incumbent has already been in power for six years, but up to now, good governance remains the battle cry. This means that under his administration, the level of corruption hasn’t been addressed,” Curlee said in an earlier interview.

“He should have addressed it [corruption] during his first term as mayor of Pasig City, and the focus now should be on social services such as health, education, livelihood, and many others. Because if you're still focused on anti-corruption, it means that sometimes it's really hard to fight yourself if that’s the theme,” he added.

Curlee explained that corruption is not just about stealing money, but about depriving people of the basic services they deserve.