THERE IS HONOR IN DEFEATBy Atty. Danilo "Dandan" Bantugan
TO MY FELLOW LEGISLATORS IN BOHOL:I may have lost the battle in the race for the presidency of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Bohol by landing poor third in a three-cornered fight but certainly I did not lose the war in reforming the tarnished image of our aggrupation.
The 44 votes I garnered out of 469 ballots cast was a manifestation enough that not all legislators in Bohol are corruptible in an election marred by massive vote-buying and dirty maneuvering.
However, I graciously accept my defeat, no ifs and buts. After the 200th ballot was counted during the canvassing early dawn last Thursday, I already conceded defeat knowing that my campaign for the PCL presidency was solely based on mere platform and competence.
I congratulate Loay Kagawad Brigido Imboy for being re-elected as our president in the league. With the way he conducted his campaign from the start to the end, he has all the reasons to win. Let me also express my profound admiration to the courage of Garcia-Hernandez Kag. Tita Gallentes for putting up a gallant fight.
From the very start, I was already aware that it would be an uphill battle. But I was still hoping against hope that there are still city and municipal councilors in Bohol who are willing to vote conscientiously. And there were indeed, albeit a minority.
Perhaps, it would not even be difficult for me to pinpoint with utmost accuracy who are those who voted for me.
To City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, words will not suffice to express my gratitude for his being a true believer in good governance, transparency and competence which were the hallmark of my campaign. Ditto goes to his staff for being there when I needed them most.
To my family, friends and prayer brigade, I could not thank you more for standing up side by side with the cause for which I stood for.
Circumstances and the time may not be on my side. I am only consoled with the thought that I fought not a lonely battle. My loss in the PCL elections was an honorable defeat after all.
The road is still long and our journey has just begun…
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