Called to Serve: Insights into Public Service

Written by Ella Marie M. Mercado, Micah Marie F. Naadat, and Maria Georgina T. Silva

When one thinks of public service, the image that often comes to mind is that of a traditional politician—one who is adorned by a myriad of supporters in campaign sorties, along with tarpaulins consisting of witty slogans to capture the attention of voters. With election season hanging upon us once more, the familiarity of this imagery is just one of too many.

Still, there are other facets of public service that must be brought to light. Amidst the staunch machinery of political dynasties filled with giveaways, raffle prizes, and backup dancers, there lies another side of public service–one that entails late working hours, unseen sacrifices, and a strong moral compass that only a few can live up to. Indeed, many are called, but only a worthy few are chosen.

A Twist of Fate: Associate Solicitor Aaron S. Gemora 

For some, public service was a calling; for others, it was born out of circumstance. Such was the case for Associate Solicitor Aaron Gemora, a Bedan lawyer, whose journey began with an opportunity. 

Back in 2017, Associate Solicitor Gemora was a 3rd year law student searching for work while on his completion year—mostly for economic reasons and to avoid being “stagnant”. He then kick-started his career in public service as a Technical Consultant for Policy and Legal Research with the National Anti-Poverty Commission. Later, he joined the Department of Health during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, working with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Malasakit Program Office.

Three years since he signed the Roll of Attorneys and six years since his first job in the public sector, for Associate Solicitor Gemora, public service started as an opportunity he seized, but it was a conscious decision to stay. Now, he still works in government as Associate Solicitor II at the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

“‘Nung na sa loob na ako ng gobyerno, I realized, ‘this must be it for me.’ Because ‘di ko na makita yung sarili, sa ngayon, na umaalis and venture into solo practice or corporate practice,” he disclosed.

For Associate Solicitor Gemora, public service is noble – not everyone will be given the opportunity to serve, but more than that, it is a “calling” and one must have passion for it. 

“[Because] public service is bigger than yourself. ‘Yung mga cases na hawak ko, hindi naman para sa ‘kin, wala naman akong makukuha sa mga cases na ‘yon. Ang makikinabang do’n is the people.”  

Working at the OSG, he realized it was more than about Political and Constitutional Law, saying that this was a “common misconception” among lawyers outside the firm. Being a Solicitor entails adept knowledge with tax cases, special civil actions, special proceedings like quo warranto or expropriation cases, as well as criminal cases. It is rewarding as it is hard. Not knowing what kind of case will fall on your desk on the daily, every day then becomes a new opportunity to learn and to improve yourself as a lawyer.

As a proud Bedan lawyer and former Editor-in-Chief of thebarrister, he is grateful to San Beda for honing him to be the person he is now. “Kung baga, ano pa bang ‘di ko kaya lagpasan, San Beda nga nalagpasan ko, ‘di ba,” he fondly shared that the challenges he faced within the mighty red school has prepared him for what it was like to become a part of the legal profession.

While the journey of Associate Solicitor Gemora within the four walls of the concentration camp for legal education was far from easy, his determination and persistence to finish his degree and pass the bar not only fulfilled his dreams, but also gave him the opportunity to be of service to the people.

Balancing the Scales of Justice: SACP John Carlo Gil M. Sadian

For Senior Assistant City Prosecutor (SACP) John Carlo Gil M. Sadian, the true meaning of public service lies in seeing it as a means to contribute to the common good, rather than seeking economic gain. “Public service – just like the practice of law – is a noble profession, and those who see profit as a primary consideration in choosing this path have no business being here,” he remarked.

Having graduated from San Beda Law in 2011, SACP Sadian’s many achievements, whether they be in government service or in private practice, have certainly shown his unparalleled skill with the pen and his tenacity as a lawyer. From April 2008 to June 2010, he was a full-time working student at the Presidential Management Staff and at the Office of the Press Secretary, serving as junior speechwriter to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and ghostwriter for several books published by her administration. In San Beda, he also wrote for thebarrister and later served as its Associate Editor. After being admitted to the Bar, he went to private practice, cementing early on his legacy in the SCRA as counsel for one of the petitioners in the landmark case of Atong Paglaum v. COMELEC.

He went back to public service when he was appointed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as Director IV in the Office of the President, serving as the Chief Executive’s senior speechwriter. A few years later, he achieved his dream of becoming a prosecutor when the president appointed him as Senior Assistant City Prosecutor. He is also currently designated as review prosecutor in the Office of the City Prosecutor of San Juan City while serving as trial prosecutor in Branch 160 of the Regional Trial Court of the same jurisdiction.

For SACP Sadian, being trained by the toughest and most unforgiving law professors in the country conditioned him to put a premium on diligence and preparedness, acknowledging that even in the courtroom, dealing with circumstances beyond one’s control is inevitable. “[In San Beda Law], we have experienced the anxiety of one who, despite being prepared for a day’s worth of recitation or examination, is fully aware that all of his or her efforts will crumble just because of a mistake as petty as mispronouncing a legal term, or misplacing a comma or a semicolon. No matter how prepared we think we are, the results of our endeavors would always be at the mercy of circumstances or persons beyond our control.” This training influenced his approach to work, so whenever he presides over preliminary investigations or inquest proceedings, he not only prepares for the factual and legal arguments that will determine the outcome of his cases, but also for unexpected situations that may be completely out of his hands.

Aware that his decisions could alter the direction of a person’s life, SACP Sadian believes that lawyers must learn how to look beyond what the law provides, taking into consideration the human aspect behind the pleadings and complaints brought before him. He recognizes that in every case that he handles, people will always have a different version of their side of the story. Still, he ensures that his findings are based on solid, logical, and precise legal grounds. For him, “it is more rewarding to see a respondent or an accused get exonerated from charges that would otherwise destroy his future or his life. After all, our goal as prosecutors is not to convict, but to see to it that justice is served – and that includes absolving an innocent man of baseless charges.”

SACP Sadian’s line of work does not come without personal and professional challenges. “There would always be people who would attempt to use money, power, or influence to sway us into deciding or prosecuting cases in their favor,” he stated. 

Nevertheless, he remains steadfast and loyal to the oath that he took as a public servant, always standing by the constitutional tenet – and his firm belief – that a public office is a public trust.

With SACP Sadian’s unyielding conviction and tireless dedication to his mandate, the speedy and impartial disposition of justice is truly in steady and capable hands.

Paying it Forward: Director Herbert D.G. Matienzo

Currently serving as both the Executive Director of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) and the Acting Executive Director of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), Director Herbert Matienzo views government service as more than just a profession, but as a means to improve the well-being of the community. 

Originally from the serene landscapes of Talisay, Batangas, Dir. Matienzo’s journey to serve the public is deeply intertwined with his upbringing. As the son of two retired public school elementary teachers, the value of public service was instilled in him at a young age. He further attributes much of his professional development to his alma mater, San Beda College of Law, emphasizing the importance of “Ora et Labora,” which instilled a strong work ethic and a sense of duty in him.

“Alam mo, sinasabuhay talaga natin yung ora et labora. You really have to pray, and you have to work. It goes hand in hand,” he emphasized, recalling his intense dedication to studying, particularly when he was preparing for the bar exams.

After graduating from the San Beda College of Law in 2011 and taking his oath in 2012, Dir. Matienzo honed his legal skills in a private law firm for five years. He then worked at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in 2015, and went back to private practice in 2016. He joined PCAB in 2017, which marked a significant step towards fulfilling the call to serve the people. Despite not coming from the construction industry, his commitment to serve made him eager to learn from colleagues and stakeholders. Now, after eight years in the field, he has gained a deep understanding of the industry’s needs, while also managing to finish his Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law with flying colors.

The full digitization of PCAB’s services is evidence of Dir. Matienzo’s determination to improve efficiency and to serve the public effectively. This change, enabling contractors to apply, pay, and receive licenses online, reflects his desire to leave things “greater, better, or more beautiful” than when he found them, echoing the Athenian oath he learned during his studies at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, when he pursued his Master’s degree in Public Administration. For Dir. Matienzo, the positive feedback he receives from contractors who have benefited from these streamlined processes is a source of heartfelt satisfaction and reinforces his belief in the impact of his work.

As a proud beneficiary of public education, Dir. Matienzo’s commitment to public service reinforces his deep connection to his humble beginnings. His unwavering commitment and dedication to his work is a genuine attempt to help the Filipino people, especially those who, like him, had to put in the work to get to where he is today.  His journey is a reflection of his roots and heartfelt commitment to the nation, and his leadership is a compelling reminder that public service, when guided by purpose and vision, can drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact. Indeed, his is an inspiring story of paying it forward and giving back.

All Roads Lead to Rome: Usec. Mark Steven C. Pastor

“Government service is not a walk in the park, and it is not public service if there is no sacrifice.” As the current Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the Department of Transportation, Usec. Mark Steven C. Pastor has certainly dedicated a significant portion of his professional career towards serving the public, cementing a legacy of strength, resilience, and resolve through the projects that he has undertaken.

Hailing from Tayug, Pangasinan and a proud product of the public school system, Usec. Pastor is a true-blooded Bedan, having graduated from the college with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship and subsequently earning his Juris Doctor degree from the mighty red school in 2009. He is currently finishing his Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law. 

After being admitted to the bar in 2010, he delved into private practice and rose from the ranks until he was promoted as a firm partner, and eventually joined public service in 2017 as Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs of DOTr under the administration of fellow Bedan, then Secretary Arthur Tugade. In 2021, he was then appointed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as the Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the same department. He resigned from his post in June 2023 and joined the Office of Senator Mark Villar as his Chief-of-Staff. On February 26, 2025, he was again reappointed to the same undersecretary post by incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Transitioning from private practice to government service is no easy feat, but with dedication and hard work, Usec. Pastor found himself dipping his toes into both the executive and legislative departments through the professional opportunities that were presented to him. “I am in [my current] position based on merit and hard work, since I do not have the surname that provides political clout,” he stated.

For Usec. Pastor, public service also means sacrifice. As a committed father of three boys, he said that balancing time for work and family is the biggest challenge of his career since his children are at the stage where they need a solid father figure to look up to. Still, the struggle to balance his personal and professional life is almost invisible because of the many achievements of the department under his watchful eye. He envisions a more modern and accessible transport system for the people especially for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Under his leadership, the EDSA busway system and bikelane system were established, as he firmly believes that those who have less in life should have more on wheels and infrastructure. He stated that, “We want [the commuters] to move faster than those who have the luxury of using private cars because they have less in life. They need more time to make financial gains, and also more time to spend with their families.”

The grit, diligence, and mental fortitude that San Beda Law has inculcated in Usec. Pastor has certainly molded him into the kind of leader and public servant that he is today. “In San Beda, if you do not come prepared, mabobokya ka,” he remarked. Some of the projects under his helm needed a lot of political will to come into fruition, and the resilience and strength he learned from San Beda Law gave him the audacity to handle challenging government programs.

With Usec. Pastor’s steady leadership, quiet confidence, and genuine desire to be of service to people, the future of road transport and infrastructure in the Philippines is indeed blazing with hope and full of promise.

Public Office is a Public Trust

A public office is a public trust. And yet, not all those who hold a position of power have a heart for serving the people. This has been the reason why the trust in public servants has declined over the years, along with the seemingly invincible system of graft and corruption, the lack of accountability and competence among public servants, and even the lavish and luxurious lifestyles they live all contribute to the public’s distrust in the government and the system that it perpetuates––but there is always another side to the story.

For these public servants, they have heeded a personal calling, and where they are today was a result of determination, hard work, and perseverance for a community that needs them. With Bedan lawyers leading the pack towards a more progressive nation, the dream of a just and humane society that embodies our ideals and aspirations lives on.