MikeLigalig.com

By Loy Palapos

Youth is always an asset in a field where age is a prime factor that determines mental capability and physical prowess. Although politics is not a-hundred-meter-dash nor a long-distance marathon, the exuberant and the vigorous, both in mind and body, usually excels over the septuagenarian. Although there are exceptions, like Gandhi or the Dalai Lama whose brilliance accumulate through the years, the spring chicken usually beaks the fattest worms.

Our subject for this weeks’ interview is not a spring chicken in the strictest sense of the word, but he can be an eagle in the political air, if he makes the right decisions. Like, when he decided to run as a Member of the Provincial Board, and not for the same position as Councilor of Panglao (which those in the know believe he can easily hurdle just like a walk in the park).

The appointment was set: PRM office, ICM, at 3 PM. 

LMP: Since you were a child, did you envision or plan to be a lawyer?

VBA: Yes. It is because I was influenced by my 2 uncles, Judge Suceso Arcamo  and the former Governor Samuel Arcamo. They are my idols.

LMP: At what year in high school or college were you really determined to take  up Law?

VBA: I was determined to take up Law when I entered college. That’s why I  took up AB.

LMP: Where did you finish your AB?

VBA: At Divine Word College, now Holy Name University.

LMP: Where did you finish your elementary?

VBA: I finished my elementary at a public school in Cebu City, the Zapatera  Elementary School.

LMP: Where did you finish your high school studies?

VBA: At Abellana National High School also in Cebu City.

LMP: How come your parents were in Cebu?

VBA: My father was assigned as a salesman in Cebu. He was with Coca-Cola  Bottlers Philippines.

LMP: What year did you became a lawyer?

VBA: In the year 1998.

LMP: You had your private practice?

VBA: I was working in the Department of Agrarian Reform when I became a  lawyer. So, I stayed in the agency for 2 years. In the year 2001 I decided to quit and have my private practice.

LMP: What prompted you to go into politics?

VBA: I filed a certificate of candidacy because I wanted to serve the people of  Panglao, to legislate ordinances for the fast growing tourist destination.

LMP: Did you win?

VBA: Yes. I became a councilor in the year 2004 and was re-elected in the year 2007.

LMP: What did you find out when you were a part of politics? Was everything okey?

VBA: Something was wrong. I was frustrated.

LMP: What caused your frustration?

VBA: Politics, mainly, and the way it is practiced here.

LMP: Can you cite specifically what is it in the politics you don’t like?

VBA: Mostly, the self-interest of politicians.

LMP: Can you blame politicians for taking care of themselves first before the  others?

VBA: Politicians should be blamed, and partly the people. Politicians do what they can do just to be in office no matter if it is good or bad, legal or illegal, seen or unseen. It’s up for the people to judge on their doings. And it has long been proven many cannot always decipher the good from the bad.

LMP: You were a councilor for 2 terms. What were some of the contributions or projects you have made or bills filed as a Councilor?

VBA: I have to distinguish in these 2 terms because in my first term, I was with the opposition. We had to scrutinize all the programs and undertakings that the administrator and the Mayor had. We looked at all the programs the Mayor submitted; but it is sad to say, that not one passed the Sangguniang Bayan. In fact, I was the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations. We were able to have an official of Panglao being charged by the Ombudsman.   

LMP: For what reasons?

VBA: Because of infractions.

LMP: In your first term, what were the committees where you were the Chairman?

VBA: Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Good Government, and Committee on Human Rights.

LMP: How about in your second term?

VBA: The same Committees in my first term.

LMP:  What is the pressure of being the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee?

VBA: In my second term, I was not pressured because it was the present Mayor who was able to implement the projects intended for the previous year.

LMP: What happened previously?

VBA: Because the Mayor before refused to cooperate even to just a simple request. Refused to explain what these projects were for?

LMP: Usually what are these projects for funding?

VBA: It depends on what the Municipality confirms. Infrastructure, health, etc.

LMP: What were the projects which you had for the development funds?

VBA: Barangay roads, expansion of buildings, improvements of purchased vehicles for the municipality.

LMP: Panglao is fast growing as tourist destination. In fact it is number 1 in the country. What are some of the concerns that you did while you are still a Councilor?

VBA: Regarding water. That’s the foremost matter that until today it is not solved.

LMP: What else in Panglao that should be taken care of?

VBA: The liquid waste.

LMP: Does it mean that until now that problem is not yet addressed?

VBA: Not given any solution.

LMP: Now that you have been elected as Board Member, do you feel that it is a bigger responsibility this time?

VBA: Yes. It is bigger. But I accept the challenge.

LMP: Do you still believe that you are capable? Including the risks involved?

VBA: Yes, I do. I am ready.

LMP: How many municipalities do you represent now as a Board Member?

VBA: Although I represent the First District, I legislate for the entire province.

LMP: You encounter problems when you were a Councilor. What are the problems you expect when you sit as a Board Member?

VBA: I think, the Resources. But of this time I still can’t figure out.

LMP: What Committees do you believe you fit in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan?

VBA: As what I’ve heard, each member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan particularly the elected ones, has 2 chairmanship, 2 vice-chairmanship, and 2 membership.

LMP: In the chairmanship, if you are the given your choice what do you want?

VBA: Committee on Tourism and Committee on Cooperatives.

LMP: Why you prefer these two?

VBA: First, Panglao is now the center of tourism. Second, the cooperatives involve the people. I can mingle with the people, I can go to different barangays. I was the Director of the Cooperatives before when I was with  in the Bohol Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

LMP: Do they see the cooperative movement in Bohol a success?

VBA: Yes. Because of the Boholanos character.

LMP: You mentioned earlier there should be some regulations that should be done now, not later. Would this be possible in the near future now that you are with the SP?

VBA: We have to sustain and improve. Regulate the expected collateral effects that tourism brings. The tourism industry in Bohol is rising but the development of civic, cultural and religious aspects is not practiced by the stake-holders.

LMP: How, is your relationship with the Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlalwigan?

VBA: I think there’s no problem with that anymore. We can see eye-to-eye. So do with the Governor.

LMP: Do you consider yourself as an achiever, considering your accomplishments? What is your guiding principle in order to reach your goal?

VBA: I have a simple guiding principle which is, “Do what is right”. 

      I remember Benjie as a student at good old Divine word College. He was not the shallow-water-making-most-noise type, but the silent-water-running deep. His behavior patterns could only have been a product of a conservative upbringing. Calculating and not impulse-prone, he could be a cool head amidst a frenzied atmosphere. A trait beneficial to one who wishes to make the right decisions in life.

      Atty. Venzencio Arcamo is married to MCTC Judge Lindecita Cabaron-Arcamo. They have 2 children: 13-year old Christian Vincent, a first year student at the TCSHS, and 10-year old Apple Noelle, a fifth grade at HSS.

      With this young family the prospects are high; and in the case of Atty. Benjie Arcamo, he can be an eagle that can soar high.

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