Navigating leadership through discipline, self-reflection

It was midmorning at the Quezon City residence of a prominent political family from our province.

My father and I were invited by the patriarch, then a sitting congressman. While we waited on the patio overlooking the quiet street, a familiar figure appeared — the man who was to take over from his mother as governor.

The eldest son was jogging back and forth, tennis racket under an arm, most likely having come from a match, but still doing his laps.

My father turned to me and offhand said: “Look at him. Look at yourself. You’re enjoying that pastry and coffee. He’s doing his laps even at this time of day. Paano maipagkakatiwala sa iyo ang bayan, kung hindi maipagkakatiwala sa iyo ang sarili mong katawan at kalusugan?”

(How could we entrust the country to you if you cannot care for your body and health?)

A straightforward line; it hit deep. I knew he didn’t mean it to hurt — but it did; not out of bitterness, but because there was truth to it. These words I carried for decades.

It wasn’t about fitness — it was about discipline and readiness. It was about respect for the body you’ve been given, and the responsibilities you have to bear. That young man wasn’t just exercising, he was preparing for something larger than himself. Even then, it showed.

On the other hand, I had grown used to indulgence. I had dreams, yes, but dreams without structure are just fantasies. That moment made me realize: I wasn’t ready, not mentally, not physically, not emotionally.

I wasn’t the son my parents hoped would carry the legacy forward — not yet, maybe not in the way they envisioned. But perhaps that legacy can take other forms — ones I am still discovering.

Over the years, I would see that young leader again, always more grounded and focused. While others chased attention, he remained steady, quietly working and listening.

Recently, over dinner, I asked him a personal favor, to which he agreed without hesitation, only requesting that we meet somewhere near his place.

Thus, my wife and I arrived early. As the clock neared our meeting time, I watched the window. He was usually punctual, but a message came: he’d be late. I saw him jog past, but he didn’t enter just yet. It was only after several more minutes that he walked in, apologizing.

The reason?

He was doing laps before his flight to San Francisco later that evening and didn’t want to miss his run that day. He ordered only iced tea. He stayed a reasonable time and promised to help.

And, there I was again — watching. Older now. Still carrying the weight of my father’s words.

What I saw wasn’t just discipline; it was the same quiet preparation from years ago — mature and consistent. That kind of focus doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a choice, made every day. I hadn’t always made it.

In an election season, we’re drawn to speeches and slogans. But authentic leadership, I’ve come to believe, is found in daily discipline — how a person treats their health, time, and sense of duty long before they hold office.

That young man never asked to be noticed, but I noticed — again and again. And each time, I saw preparation that led to performance. Just the other day, I learned that a bill on which he was one of the principal authors has been enacted into law as RA 12160. I thanked him for it, for it benefits us, those away from home, the most.

As for me, I still carry that question my father asked.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s why I write this.

Not to wallow — but to remind myself that discipline can begin again. That legacy isn’t fixed in form. And that some paths take longer, but still lead forward.