Hon. Romeo M. Acop / Second District of Antipolo
That the Second District of Antipolo is blessed to have Romeo M. Acop as its Congressional Representative is a case of tit-for-tat. The no-nonsense lawmaker says “If you have been blessed, you have to give back”. In deciding to give back, Acop may very well be his district’s best blessing.
Romeo M. Acop has been in public service for a little less than 40 years. Bulk of it was served in the fulfillment of his military and police duties. Having wanted to be a doctor initially, the realization of his family’s humble means allowed practicality to rule over ambition. He joined the Philippine Military Academy instead.
Perhaps it is his ability to see and his willingness to accept reality that has made Acop the well-rounded individual that he is.
How he rose from the ranks and the impeccable record he holds, shows his drive to excel in his field. Wanting to join the CIS Division of the Philippine National Police, Acop was advised by his superiors that only law graduates are eligible to join the division. He did not consider this a let-down. Instead, he took up law at the Jose Rizal University and acquired the degree, cum Laude, in 1986. “So, I am a lawyer to serve a purpose” Acop says.
His knowledge of the law serves him well, now that he is on his second facet of his public service. As House Representative, Acop has authored, co-authored and sponsored no less than 40 sensible (!) house measures. He is a member of 9 House committees and, probably owing to his impressive record as a police general, is a Vice Chairperson of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety.
Will Romeo Acop will continue with an untarnished record? This seems to be non-debatable. After all, he has led a life based on discipline, has been taught by life’s experiences and is guided by a morally correct perception of what is right and wrong. Although relatively young, Acop speaks with the wisdom of a man who seems to have seen it all. “My take [on the matter of running for public office] is if you win, you have to continue sharing. If you lose, you have shared enough” he says. “But if you do not share, something will be taken from you.” Acop adds.
"Madaling lapitan pero galit sa sinungaling" observes his constituents
His straightforward nature is contrary to the archetypal “please everybody” profile of a politician. Still and all, people look up to him, perhaps seeing a refreshing alternative to the estilong bulok of seasoned politicians or wannabe public servants. Acop is definitely not the type who would stoop down to the pathetic ngiting aso and mahal ko kayong lahat performance. Neither would he engage in senseless kwentong cochero and pangakong napapako dialogues. Actions do speak louder than words and here lies the strength of this former kilabot ng mga criminal. “Bukas [open] talaga sya! Galit sa sinungaling si Cong. kaya yung kumare ko hindi sya natulungan kasi sinungaling eh” says Gumamela Esguerra of Maagay II, Barangay Inarawan. “Gwapo pa!” she adds with boisterous laughter.
So whatever happened then to his dream of becoming a doctor? “It’s okay, it’s partially fulfilled. I am very happily married to one, anyway!” he says, his pride obvious beneath the humor.
“I want to be remembered as someone who instituted changes … changes that made a positive difference” Acop replies when asked about his legacy. As for his “retirement dream”, Acop says he want to visit the Top 10 Philippine Destinations. “Mahirap naman na para tayong turista sa sarili nating bayan, di ba?” he reasons.
But who is talking about retirement? If the success story of Acop will be used to gauge the forecasted improvement of his district, then the Second District of Antipolo is headed for betterment. It is inevitable then, that the people of Antipolo will clamor for him.
Acop - refreshing, no-nonsense and intelligent
When this happens, the selfless person that he is may have to reconsider. Or maybe not. “Let us cross the bridge when we get there” he replies.
Romeo Acop is married to Cion Marrero. They have three children: Philip Conrad, Reena Claudine and Karla Marie.
at 7:04 pm
nice to have someone like you!=D the country is really in need of a straightforward person like you so continue doing what you’re doing and God bless you. I am proud to be your constituent!
at 11:22 pm
this is interesting! a policeman with a heart? as a political greenhorn, his enthusiast is expected. the true test, however, will be seen later. whether he is “swallowed” by the “system”, or he goes against the tide and emerge undisputed, will be his true test.
no politician will ever be completely successful without the help of his constituents. the people of antipolo city should also do their part. as the author of this post has declared that acop may be his district’s biggest blessing, so must they (people of antipolo) exert effort as well, to ensure that the blessings from the blessed will multiply.
with people like acop dipping their clean fingers into the murky water that is the Philippine political system, there should be hope.
the question is: where are the rest of them?
Lillian Yu
Hongkong SAR
at 12:00 am
“If you have been blessed, you have to give back” – Sounds like a GOOD Christian! Amen!
at 11:12 pm
nice article. We need a public servant like Romeo Acop that’s why we need to think first before we vote.
at 11:26 pm
“Acop is definitely not the type who would stoop down to the pathetic ngiting aso and mahal ko kayong lahat performance.”
This is something to be remembered!
Most of our politicians are cliches of these descriptions.
I hope Acop will share his principles to aspiring youth leaders of today so in the future, our politicians will be more of “gawa at hindi puro salita.”
at 11:36 pm
I think these words are “cliche” to those people who have always been wannabee politicians. I just wonder what the laws are that he already made to make this country better. I don’t want to be harsh but i need more time to justify my comment here. lol!
at 12:15 am
You have indeed instituted change in your own little way that made a huge impact in your district. More power Cong. Acop!
at 11:37 pm
He is the leader that we need in the Philippines..His straightforward nature is a sign of being true to everything he does.
at 11:14 pm
” Romeo Acop”
a man of principle..
definitely be an inspiration to the youth. A very rare kind of politician who doesn’t focus his career in pleasing everybody but a true servant of our country.
I salute you for that plus two thumbs up!
at 11:22 pm
He’s doing a good job improving the lives of his people through his governance. Though there are things that he can still work on, I’m sure that he can do this with the help of his constituents. Antipolo is slowly becoming more and more urbanized as evident in its infrastructures. I just hope that they’ll be able to maintain the ‘nature’ part of the city.
at 11:00 am
MGA ALITUNTUNIN:
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE
1.SUMUNOD SA PATAKARAN
2.PAIRALIN ANG DISIPLINA
3.WALANG PALAKASAN
4.BAWAL ANG TAMAD
BY:CONGRESSMAN ROMEO M.ACOP
at 12:44 am
Good job Ninong, keep it up. Godbless
at 12:52 am
Well its good to know that there is a person who is truly straightforward and very dedicated in his service. Hoping that there are more like him so that we could have great changes in our politics.
at 6:34 am
A- Aim High
C- Common true changes
O- Organized Community
P- Peace and Order
SUMUNOD SA PROSESO PARA MA-ASIKASO
at 11:52 pm
His straightforward nature is what we need in our country…
at 2:02 am
Acop is one example of a good leader that each cities and town of the Philippines should have. Nice Article.. Hats off….
at 12:40 am
His doings show every Filipino what a real leader must be!
As for me, I think he’s just doing what’s right for our country.
Let’s help him make big changes!
at 4:40 pm
good day…im one of your follower i salute you for your excellent performance as a congressman of district 2..my comment is regarding to one of your employee in your ofis.in antipolo city she has a very bad attitude in dealing with people..the person i am talking is jasmin capillan..mangyari noong sabado ganap na ika.3:30 to 4:30 ng hapon tumawag po ako sa opisina at nag confirm kung may mahihiram po kaming upuan para sa coronation nigth nmin d2 sa penafrancia mang yari po kc ng mag punta kami sa ofis.at nag pa recieved thursday po un sat.po nmin gagamitin ang upuan ang sabi sa amin tatawagan daw po kami ng friday kung walang mahiram na upuan so nung friday walang tumawag kaya po umasa kami na meron kaming magamit na upuan kaya tumawag po ako ng sat.para i confirm naging mahaba po ang usapan nmin.at ang sabi nia wala na daw pong maipahiram na upuan ang sagot ko po ‘AY GANUN?baka may note po na naka lagay sa req.nmin ang sagot po nia di daw nia hawak ung req.nmin wala daw sa kanya.. so ang sabi ko PUEDE PO BANG MALAMAN ANG PANGALAN NG KAUSAP KO,ANG SAGOT PO NG KAUSAP KO SA TELEPONOAY’AKO SI JASMIN BASTOS KA HA..ISUSUMBONG KITA KAY ELPIDIO GAERLAN AT SA BRGY.CUPANG SABAY BAGSAK PO NG TELEPONO MARAMI PONG NAKARINIG NG PAG UUSAP NMIN NG ORAS NA UN KC PO NAG AAYOS PO KAMI NG STAGE NMIN PARA SA CORONATION NIGTH NG PENFRANCIA SPRING VALLEY 1V..isa po ako sa opisyales ng (PHHAI)hinihiling ko lang po na sna ay maging maayos at magalang ang mga nsa opisina ninyo…at gusto ko rin pong hilingin sa inyo na mag sorry xa sa mga nasabi nia,hindi lang po ako ang nag rereklamo marami na rin po akong nka usap na suplada raw po xa pag nakikipag usap sa kagaya nming maliliit na mamamayan ng antipolo..kung kinakailangan pong mag harap kami mag hihintay lang po ako..eto po ang cel.# 09066854846..maraming salamat po at sana wag syang pamarisan ng hindi masira ang magandang pangalan ng congressman ng district 11..god bless po…
at 12:11 am
Cong. you deserve to be in your position. Despite not being a Doctor, maybe its not your line! But instead to be in your position to serve your country as well as serving your constituent in 2nd district of antipolo.. KEEP IT UP CONGRESSMAN!!!