Silvestre Bello III, who trumpeted his unblemished public servant image, served the public under three presidents. He was appointed undersecretary of Justice under former President Corazon Aquino. Then, he became Secretary of Justice in 1990 until 1992. He also served as Solicitor General (1996-1998) during the time of Fidel Ramos and then again Justice Secretary. Under Gloria Arroyo’s administration, he headed the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Negotiating Panel which held talks for peace negotiation with National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army for 10 years.

In Duterte’s presidency, Bello is about to face the challenge of translating economic growth into employment opportunities.