MikeLigalig.com

By Loy Palapos
Bohol Sunday Post

The family name Inting is an indelible print in Bohol politics, even long before Tagbilaran became a city. This is a legacy Beben Inting wishes to uphold and continue. His grandfather, Eugenio Inting, was a Municipal Councilor of Tagbilaran, whose brother, Bernardino Inting, was a Concon Delegate and Provincial Board Member. Atty. Venancio Inting, his father's brother, was the Mayor of Tagbilaran until it attained cityhood. Leo Inting and Boy Yayong Inting were the latest contribution of the clan to the political firmament as members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

It is therefore incumbent for the clan to preserve and propagate this priceless legacy through the generations. Lately, the task falls, albeit reluctantly accepted, on the shoulders of a Certified Public Accountant with very nil political exposure, he being a banker for several years. Bebiano Mutia Inting (BMI) has now fully understood and accepted that responsibility, barely six months after being elected to the City Legislature.

It may be said that he is still feeling his way in an effort to be an effective lawmaker. There is wisdom in taking things in stride, considering the risks in haste.

He comprehends that his responsibility requires rationalization in the highest order; thus, time is of the essence. He cannot rush things up without weighing the facts, decision-making being subject to some soul-searching. To be a legislator is not a job that needs a lot of back-patting, nor is it a contest in public relations. It needs wisdom and intensive discernment.

All these Kagawad Inting understands. If he conducts himself sans loud-speak, it is because he knows that advertising his thoughts is not a mark of a decision-maker. If he communicates direst to the point; it is so, for circumlocution is not the way of the wise. Even his dignified manners encapsulate an in-depth understanding of his role at City Hall.

He studied and finished Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Accounting, at the Divine Word College (Holy Name University), where he passed with flying colors. He took and passed the board examinations for Certified Public Accountants right after graduation. The Philippine National Bank of Tagbilaran City took him in. later, when he decided to marry, he and his wife decided to transfer to Parañaque City; the main reason was his wife's job at the Philippine Air Lines.

After 21 years at PNB he opted for an early retirement, went to California for a while, and decided to settle back in Tagbilaran with his family.

LMP: What is the main reason why mibalhin ka, from being a banker to a being politician?
BMI: Actually, wala gyud koy plano nga mo-entra sa politika. When I came back here sa Bohol, I was planning to start a small livestock business, pero diha man gud toy reunion sa mga Inting. They urged me nga modagan kay dili man gyud sila kalimot nga mga politiko ang among pamilya. One of the reasons why I joined was to continue the family name. At first, mibalibad gyod ko, because I thought that I was not that effective when it comes to politics. Usa pa, there's a good legacy sa among apelyido, unya basin ug ako na hinoon unya ang makadaot. But daghan man kaayo ang mga mi-tambag. I realized later on, nga I can also be an asset sa politics.

LMP: Will you still be around in the next political derby?
BMI: I think so. There might be a possibility

LMP: As a newcomer in politics, unsa nga mga problema o mga adjustments ang imo nang nahatagan ug kasulbaran?
BMI: Pagsugod gyud nako, morag wa pa ko kahibalo unsay buhaton. Everything was divided into two. Wala ko kahibawo kong asa ko mupanig. Later, I realized that you have to trust your instinct to survive.

LMP: What were the changes nga nahitabo sa imung lifestyle when you entered politics?
BMI: In the corporate world man god, all you have to do is to please your boss. Whereas karon, you have to please everyone, sa ato pa mas dako pod ang responsibility. Although I know that I cannot please all no matter what I do, I can be effective in my job if I always instill in my mind that the greatest good is for the greatest number.

LMP: What is the reason why naa ka sa Lakas and not in any other parties?
BMI: Ang akong pamilya ang nag-ingon nga ari sa grupo sa pikas. Unfortunately, wala pa ka decide ang pikas nga grupo kung kinsa ang ilang dawaton. Hangtod nga nagka-duol na ang election, naka-decide ko nga anha ko sa Lakas.

LMP: Para nimo, ang usa ka political party ba can be considered a big thing?
BMI: For me if you can stand on your own, then there's no need for any political party. But a political party, I concede, can help make a candidate win.

LMP: What are the Committees nga ikaw ang Chairman or Vice-Chairman?
BMI: I'm the Chairman sa Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Vice-Chairman ko sa Committee on Appropriations and member sa Committee on Tourism.

LMP: Unsa man ang imong involvement sa Committee on Ways and Means?
BMI: What concerns the Barangay, concerns me. If adunay mga problema, ani nako kadong.

LMP: During sessions sa City Hall, aduna bay mga instances nga mangasuko ang ubang miyembro?
BMI: Yes, there are times nga nahitabo na. Naa man goy uban nga passionate kayo sa Committee nga ilang gihawiran. But after the session, kalimtan na ang kasuko. Dili kalikayan nga usahay motaas ang tingog. Apan pagkahuman sa ginagmay nga bikil maghangop gihapon ming tanan.

LMP: Do you have a problem about the fact nga the Mayor is in the opposite side of the political fence?
BMI: No. Unless adunay mga dili maayo nga mga decision. But if it's for the sake of the people then, walay problema. Regardless of political affiliation, we are convinced that we should always consider the good of the people we serve.

LMP: Let's talk about issues nga diha sa 2007 and until this year, naa lang gihapon. About the seismic survey, which side are you in?
BMI: I am against it because we are for the preservation of the environment.

LMP: How about the buy-back issue?
BMI: Para nako, we have to take into consideration ang track record sa gobyerno.

LMP: How about the drainage system, what is your comment?
BMI: It has been blown out of proportion. Miuyon ako nga angay gyud i-remove kanang illegal tapping.

LMP: How about the issue of the Agora. There is a talk nga adunay private group nga mo-develop ani, are you for it or against it?
BMI: Nahimo man ni nga election issue. Personally, gwapo ang ilang proposal.

LMP: Two years from now, if people will still want you to run again, are you up to it?
BMI: If its God's will nga mo-padayon ko, then ill be running for Councilor again.

LMP: Would it still be with the same political party?
BMI: Yes. I'll stay with the same party.

LMP: Ang prediction sa uban, Vice-Mayor Toto Veloso will be running for Mayor, mao ba pod na imong pagtan-aw?
BMI: There's a possibility. Anyway, he is qualified and capable man pod for the position. Anybody who is qualified and has the capability may run. After all, we are in a democracy.

LMP: Is there also a possibility nga mag bangga sila ni Mayor Lim.
BMI: Kong tan-awon nato ang mga track records, morag mao gyud nay mahitabo.

LMP: Unsa man imong pagtan-aw sa Tagbilaran as far as the economic aspect is concerned?
BMI: Hayag kaayo. In fact, sa usa ka seminar nga among gitambungan sa UP Diliman, daghang mi-suggest hatagan ug citation ang Tagbilaran.

LMP: Are you already at home when it comes to politics?
BMI: Yes, I am. There's still a long way to go, but I'm prepared na.

LMP: Is there a possibility nga aduna na poy Inting nga ma-Mayor?
BMI: Why not, if people will trust us, then, so be it.

LMP: Unsay imong mensahe sa atong magbabasa?
BMI: Unta hatagan ta ug pagsalig sa mga katawhan nga musilbi kanila. I'm ready to give advice and suggestions if they ask for it. I am working for the good of the people of Tagbilaran.

LMP: Any message to your colleagues?
BMI: Sa akong mga kauban, trabaho lang ta. Maabot ra nato ang atong mga misyon.

Kagawad Beben Inting may be a neophyte in the Legislative body of the City of Tagbilaran, but he is not wet between the ears when it comes to evaluating events and issues and rationalizing existing facts in order to become an effective presence in the Sangguniang Panlungsod. He knows his capabilities, which is not always a virtue of some decision-makers; and more significant is his awareness of his limits, which is a trait beyond the reach of a person whose assessment of himself borders on megalomania. Kagawad Inting's feet are steadily planted on solid grounds, for he is gifted with the ability to discern reality from baseless dreams.

In the love department, this guy is lucky, but he also deserves whatever good tidings come his way. His better half, Mrs. Gemma Inting, nee Manding, was an acknowledged outstanding beauty, and still is. One title she won was Miss Bohol, aside from many recognitions in the beauty-and-brains realm, as a student of the then Divine Word College (HNU). She decided to become a Flight Stewardess.

Philippine Airlines was just too willing to have her in its stable of beautiful ladies.

Until today she is still with PAL, as one of the most priced in its staff.

Cool as a cucumber, even if others are blowing their top, in the assessment of legislative measures, Honorable Inting stands out as a formidable presence in every session at City Hall. Nor is his named dragged into negative banters by media, for braggadocio is not his cup of coffee, nor flamboyance his turf.

This is only his first term and there are indications to show he has what others call "the staying power". Still young, and with the backing of his clan, and the support of people who know a great potential for city leadership, Kagawad Inting enjoys an edge. The political arena is now his domain. Watch him as he rises up to more challenges in local governance.

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