FEBRUARY 23, 2026 — The Senate just got a new sheriff in town — and he’s not here for bad moods or half-baked work. Mark Llandro “Dong” Mendoza, freshly sworn in as the 23rd Secretary of the Senate, wasted no time reminding employees that “public office is public trust.” He insists that every frown, every shrug, every shortcut inside those halls echoes into the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

Mendoza, who once served as a Batangas congressman and later as House secretary general, knows the machinery of government well. His message during Monday’s flag ceremony was clear: professionalism isn’t optional, and integrity isn’t a weekend hobby. 

“Frowning, being grumpy, and especially being lazy are not allowed in our ranks,” he declared, drawing cheers from Senate staff.

Now, some might laugh at the idea of banning grumpiness — after all, who hasn’t dragged themselves to work on a Monday? But Mendoza’s point hits deeper. In a country where bureaucracy often gets blamed for inefficiency, his call is a reminder that attitude shapes service. A smile at the counter, a sense of urgency in processing papers, a willingness to go the extra mile — these small things ripple into public trust.

Filipinos are tired of government offices that feel like waiting rooms for eternity. How many of us dread even just the idea of renewing a passport or applying for yet another government ID? Doing so will take up an entire day, if not more, and will require you to take a leave from work! 

That’s why Mendoza’s push for humility and honesty isn’t just pep talk; it’s a challenge to prove that the Senate can embody the values it legislates. If employees take this seriously, we might just see a cultural shift in how public service is delivered — less red tape, more respect, and maybe even a little joy in the process.

The bigger question, though, is whether this energy will spread beyond the Senate walls. Because if one office can demand integrity and positivity, why can’t every government agency follow suit?

Will this call for cheerful, honest service finally break the cycle of “pwede na” culture in Philippine bureaucracy?

(Image: Senate of the Philippines | Facebook)