We find it rather surprising that Board Member Dionisio Balite has suddenly become interested in an education-related issue, which, to the minds of the public, is not an issue at all. His impassioned privilege speech delivered at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) session was just an interlude to a series of radio barrage all dedicated to a single issue: graduate studies of Capitol employees. But we understand the oozing passion of Balite, his anger, his disgust, his hatred against government employees who avail of off-campus lectures for their pursuit of masters' education using a room at the Capitol. After all, Balite owns a school in Tagbilaran City. Whether or not Balite owns a school in the province, we do not really care about it. That is his business. That is his territory. That is his interest.

To be fair, we cannot also stop him from questioning the executive prerogative of Capitol officials. As a taxpayer, Balite has the right to question anything, everything. Former Bohol Gov. Victor Dela Serna has said that there is nothing wrong in an activity that is intended to benefit the public. If it is for public purpose and if it is not disadvantageous to the government, Dela Serna said, then there is no reason to freak out. The former governor was rather blunt when he said that Balite was wrong with what he has been doing lately - that is relentlessly attacking the Provincial Government of Bohol for its efforts to enhance the knowledge and skills of government employees through off-campus lectures. So much energy and resources had been spent on the part of Balite defending his position on this issue. Is it really worth all his efforts?

Truth to tell, and Balite must be sensitive about this, the public is already annoyed by his endless ranting about something that is not life-threatening, that does not inflict harm on humanity, on something that does not ruin any public or private property. And of all social issues that weigh down our daily lives, Balite has become overreacting on something that is "personally" close to his heart. We all have advocacies. We are all encouraged to participate in discussing issues that affect our community and our nation. However, it is entirely a different story when our advocacies would only cater to our personal interests especially if we are elected public officials. We can talk all day long against this and that, but at the end of the day we have to ask ourselves: "Why am I doing this? Will it benefit my constituents? Do I serve the interest of the public or do I serve my personal interest?" That's why it is important that we have to define our role as a private citizen and as a public servant. The word "inhibit" is of course not a colloquial term in any profession. This word is very common, yet we often forget its implications. The word "inhibit" can teach us decency. This word can save us from shame and alienation. Balite, as owner of a school and as an elected public official, must have inhibited from this issue. The Boholano people would be more appreciate if the next time he opens his mouth he would talk about horrible city roads, human poverty, rising criminalities, etc. etc. etc. rather than about trivial matters that would just put him in bad light.