IF Rico J. Puno were a doctor, he would never run out of patients. We discovered this for ourselves when we visited him at his cramped office on the ground floor of Makati Regional Trial Court.

As early as 9 a.m., five days a week, people from all walks of life wait patiently for Councilor Rico J. Puno, mostly for financial assistance. We were informed by Osang Valdez, Rico's executive secretary, that the long queue outside has become a common sight and people never go home empty-handed.

Since Rico became a public servant, his daily schedule has been a series of social and civic activities. He receives endless invitations for every conceivable occasion like weddings, baptism, birthdays and gracing basketball tournaments. And believe it or not, Rico always finds time to be present--provided it doesn't fall on a Tuesday, which is reserved for session hearings.

Wednesday nights find Rico doing the rounds of the funeral parlors comforting the bereaved families of his constituents. Later on, Rico told us: "For me, secondary na lang yung mag-abot ng abuloy. Being there and showing your concern is already a big help to them."

Thursdays and Fridays are devoted to department head meetings and coordinating with the barangay captains for whatever assistance their barangay needs. Mondays are for promoters who want to seek the services of Rico as an entertainer.

According to Rico, he never aspired to become a politician. "I was more of a campaigner hanggang sa may nagsulsol na tumakbo ako bilang konsehal. I thought it was a joke but when I saw my name among the line-up of candidates, hindi ko nakuhang umatras," he said.

Dealing with the masses is never a problem for Rico since he is an entertainer. He keeps on winning them through his songs both here and abroad.

Although serving the people gives Rico satisfaction, he still considers singing as the biggest passion in his life. "Something would be missing if I abandoned singing. Parang pinutulan mo ako ng paa," he confessed.

Singing is Rico's legacy to his children, 19-year-old Camille Tozca and 14-year-old Rocs. As a father, Rico feels proud that two of his children have good singing voices, but he advises them to finish their studies before pursuing a singing career.

What advice would he give today's young singers?