Who is Harvey Keh and what is Kaya Natin about?

  We are nearing the finish line in this unforgettable chapter in Philippine history and the much awaited closure of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.   Contrary to the nonchalance that some sectors display, the decision will indeed impact on the lives of all Filipinos. It may be timely to ask ourselves: What was I doing while all these events were happening?   Kaya Natin (KN) is the sanctuary for a group of individuals and leaders who have banded together with the common purpose of advocating good governance through effective, ethical and empowering leadership. We highlight government officials, both past and present, that performed dutifully as public servants and make them our champions. This is done with the hope that we inspire others through these role models. We send out the message that there are still many government officials who shun the culture of corruption and try their best to do well in delivering basic services to the people. We have Champions that are barangay officials, municipal councilors, city councilors, mayors, board members, governors, congressmen, some senators and even cabinet secretaries. They are joined by a group of volunteers who run the KN socio-civic programs in partnership with private institutions that help bring social services to the people.   We also have a Caravan of Good Governance program that has visited more than 150 colleges and universities all over the country. The speakers are our champions such as DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, former Gov. Grace Padaca and former Gov. Among Ed Panlilio who share experiences on the difficulties and challenges faced by government officials in the course of fulfilling their duties as public servants. Needless to say, in the fight of good versus evil, we have our own set of enemies. Those individuals that desire only personal gain exhaust all effort to see us fail. Thus, trials and ordeals encountered in propagating our cause have become a daily occurrence.   We are like a family that shares the same ideals and works towards a common goal. The individuals who constitute the champions, the core group and the volunteers have various political affiliations yet there is unity in our diversity. In addition, we work collectively yet respect each one’s individuality. We complement each other in order to enhance each one’s talents for the betterment of the Filipino people. The recent impeachment trial has tested the mettle of Kaya Natin once again.   The story of our Lead Convener, Harvey Keh, and the documents submitted to the presiding officer Sen Juan Ponce Enrile, at the impeachment court has been told numerous times in the media. Kaya Natin was praised for helping bring the truth out but has also been ridiculed. In our own circle of colleagues and friends, we’ve expressed our support and disagreements. There were affirmations and bickering. We thought of turning our backs and just seeking serenity. What kept us together was the firm belief in Harvey’s clean and noble intentions. We came together out of concern and fear for the welfare of an embattled comrade, an ordinary man whose only desire is to help our country. As former Gov. Padaca said, where do we go in a country with a judicial system that is so rotten?   I’ve learned through this trial that Mr. Anonymous is the Juan and Juana that we bump into every day. The realization that our country has nurtured an environment of fear is difficult to swallow. No one speaks up for fear of the ramifications. The price to pay is much too high for the average person to brave. Fate has allowed Kaya Natin to be an example that small acts by ordinary Filipinos can make a difference. Harvey Keh and other complainants found the courage to question the legitimacy of Chief Justice Corona’s wealth at the office of the Ombudsman. This set the ball rolling for a full investigation. What followed will go down in history.   Let me highlight the difference between the humility of an ordinary man who was chastised by the powerful senators and the impunity of the chief magistrate. On one hand, Harvey Keh braved the consequences of an act which was anchored on a deep respect for the presiding officer and the Senate impeachment court. On the other hand, Corona abandoned the court room wearing a cloak of arrogance brought by a title accorded to him by the Filipino people. Such is the state of crookedness that our country has fallen into. Someday, the annals of history will thank the brave complainants who saw it fit to perform their civic duty.   In this quest for good governance, Kaya Natin is often accused of being overtly righteous. I only have words of gratitude for these detractors. Thank you for seeing our effort. We are bound by our human frailties and despite the magnitude of the challenges ahead we always give it our best. There are times that it may not be enough but we can look you in the eye and say we tried to do our share to make this country a better place.   The impeachment trial will come to a close very soon. We in Kaya Natin try to nurture an attitude of gratitude. As an ordinary citizen, allow me to express my thanks, to the presiding officer who has earned the respect of the people; not by virtue of position but by excellence in his performance. Thank you, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile. To the senator judges, who have displayed professionalism and exerted great effort to perform their duty as impartial jurors, thank you. To members of both the defense team and the prosecution, thank you for valiantly defending your stands. You’ve shared your views eloquently and showed diligence to duty. To the spokespersons of both the defense and prosecution teams for elaborating on issues that needed clarity, thank you. To the members of the media, thank you very much for allowing the people to participate through your faithful coverage and employing measures to help even the poorest citizens understand the issues. Lastly, to fellow Filipinos who remained vigilant throughout the trial, thank you for being involved. I have no doubt in my mind that, whatever the verdict, it will be accepted by the people.   Finally, allow me to make a plea to those who continue to cover themselves with the shroud of apathy. We share one dream, a more prosperous nation. In our little spheres of influence there is much that we can do as individuals so that collectively we can attain our goal. I hope and pray that one day we completely shed that veil of indifference so we can reach out to our fellow Filipinos and hold hands in this journey towards progress. Marisa Yniguez Lerias is the granddaughter of the late Nicanor Yñiguez, who served as Speaker of the Batasang Pambansa from 1984-1986. She is also a core group member of the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership. Comments are welcome at knmovement@gmail.com