Photo by NPPA Images
Heidi Mendoza is one of graft and corruption's biggest opponents.
However, one will be surprised to know that this whistleblower doesn't really want attention.
Mendoza first joined the Commission on Audit (COA) in March 16, 1984. She joined the agency because she has always wanted to serve the government. Back then, it wasn't easy for her, as her father wanted her to work in her province in Lucena. Still, Mendoza was determined to go to Manila and work for COA.
At that time, she started with an auditing team in COA. Then, she was assigned to the Performance Audit Office running through the accounts of various government agencies.
"We only fight corruption if it hits our interest. Some businesses would only want to talk about corruption when the economy is bad and it's hitting their business," she said.
Her biggest battle was when she exposed the corruption activities of some of the officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. A lot of Filipinos admired her courage for risking her life in order to tell the truth.
Now, Mendoza is back on the Commission on Audit as a commissioner. In spite of everything that happened, Mendoza said she is still very hopeful for the nation. She encourages other government officials to "go beyond what is expected" of them in the name of public service.
As for running for a Senate position this coming election, Mendoza has vetoed the idea. "I am not crafted for public attention," she said simply.
But with all the good things that she has done, she may have to get used to all the admiration.