Life of a Senate Staff

...and still counting

I am now 3 months and 3 days in office.

I remember, on my third day in office, I was asked by the Chief of Staff to draft a resolution that needed to be passed after an hour. I was only provided with multiple pages references and a Senate Resolution template. Obedient and as a nascent government employee as I was, I dutifully did it. I successfully passed the first resolution I drafted on that day…and considered that as my baptism of fire. Boy, was I wrong! That was very far from the REAL baptism of fire…

baptism of fire

Couple of weeks ago, I received last minute instruction from my boss to attend the forum that she was supposed to attend. Knowing the usual round-table-discussion type of forums, I was afraid I would be provided with a special seat with my name on it and a microphone. It didn’t help upon knowing that two senators would also be there. And one more thing, I was not equipped with knowledge on the topic they were going to discuss. I asked my boss if there was any issue she would like me to raise and/or ask. Her instruction was simply, “Just don’t talk unless asked.” Ahem, that would make my life easier and I was relieved upon seeing the arrangement. No seat reserved for me after all. I could just sit down, blend with the crowd, listen, take notes, and best of all,  eat the usually palatable food served by the caterer. I just had to be there and disappear after, as easy as that, or so I thought…

I was initially informed though that the sponsoring group might pin us down, the very same reason why they wanted to have a forum for the first place. I was instructed not to speak unless asked. Ahem, so I could just keep my mouth shut, easy, ayt? But no! In the course of the discussion, their strong resentment to my office became very apparent. I was sweating! Just imagine being in a conference where your boss is being pinned down…and you could not even react.

As instructed, I kept quiet (I didn’t have choice anyway since I did not know what they were talking about)…but during the closing remarks, the speaker asked if anybody is representing my senator boss. ..Oh boy,…I successfully denounced my job..I did not raise my hand!!! I was scared!!!

one big LIE

But then realizing what I had done, I hurriedly approached the panel after the discussion…and well, made a very big WHITE LIE.

“Mr. X? I’m Trinie, staff of Sen. V. I am sorry, I was talking to somebody (so not true, I didn’t even know who my seatmate was) and we were actually engaged in a discussion when you asked for someone representing the office. I was kinda late in raising my hand and so decided to wait until you’re done with your speech. Anyway, we have an official (written) statement, if you want I can give it to you.”

I remembered being introduced to several people, staff of Sen. A, Sen. B, etc..and others. I was in a hurry to leave thinking they might ask me more. Sure enough, they tailed me to our office and asked me to schedule them for an interview with the senator. Oh boy, did they not know? Senator has an executive secretary. And that’s not ME.

moment to shine

AND, just last week, I attended a national conference that was sponsored by the same group. Armed with information, I courageously went there…probably the venue also helped me since I am comfortable being in UP. I didn’t want to attract attention from people so I hid my ID all the time (switched it over so that the back cover will be the only one visible). I blended with the crowd, and made friends with my seatmates who then knew I came from the office of the senator. First day was good, they did not mention my boss’ name. All were positive. I was not supposed to attend the next day’s session, but then I received a tip from a priest friend (from the conference) that they raised some critical issue concerning my boss. I made it to the afternoon session and the organizers, with lack of coordination from the registrar and the speaker were left unaware of my presence. The speaker just made one big mistake in her life. She made one bad accusation to my boss with me there. Since I was there, and since I knew the truth, I stood up and spoke in front of everybody. An estimated 200 people from the Philippines were there. (Until now, the facial reaction of the speaker when I stood up is still clearly plastered in my memory. I almost choked to laughter after.)

I couldn’t remember the exact words I’ve said, but one thing is evident, I defended my boss so well that the next speaker even said “Sana may ganyan din akong staff” (I wish I had a staff like that), and people cheered.

babae po ako

Working in the Senate had probably crossed my mind once, but I never thought I would actually work here. ..especially after rereading the following:

THE PHILIPPINE SENATE is looking for a Full Time Legislative Staff (Economics Division).

Qualifications:
- social science graduate (preferably economics major) – I’m in!

- good analytical skills – check!
- w/ background in research – mmm...check!
- has great writing skills – don’t like to write that much, but I can
- has political savvy – didn’t care bout politics till now
- willing to work long hours – can make night into day..and vice versa

- flexible – well I am! I can bend and touch the floor, oh wait... different kind of flexible you mean? :D

- computer savvy – I can turn the PC on/off
- below 25 yrs old – thanks god I still am
- preferably male – hello! mahal magpaopera no?