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Herrera says Bohol’s interest comes first


Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera says that the interest of the province is his first consideration when making decisions on his political plans.

“I have to subordinate my interest to that of the province and its people,” he declared.

Herrera issued the statement as reports persisted that he is being convinced to run for first district congressman to give way for Rep. Edgar Chatto who is reportedly set to declare his gubernatorial bid.

The vice-governor said that if he is thinking only of himself, he will agree to the offer for him to run for congressman because it covers fewer towns.

Herrera however said that since the start, public service has always been a sacrifice for him so he is prepared for more sacrifices.

“If you recall, I agreed to run for vice governor in 2001 even though I still had one term left as municipal mayor of Calape,” he said.

Although it was a big gamble for him to jump into the provincial arena, Herrera said he did not hesitate to do it because he felt that he has the capacity to serve the province.

He admitted that he was interested to run for congressman at that time replacing his brother, former Sen. Ernesto Herrera, who was vying to return to the Senate.

As a team player, the then Calape mayor said he gave way to Chatto who still had one term left as vice-governor.

After ex-Gov. Rene Relampagos lost to Gov. Erico Aumentado in 2001, Herrera made preparations to run against Aumentado in 2004.

The vice governor however was prevailed to seek reelection instead under the unity ticket bannered by Aumentado.
“Although we came from rival parties, I agreed to support Gov. Aumentado because it was the best interest of the province that we work together,” he added.

Herrera recalled that true to his word, Calape delivered the biggest winning margin for Aumentado in the first district in 2004.

As vice-governor for three terms, Herrera said he worked closely with Aumentado without sacrificing his independence.

“We both know that while we cannot agree on everything, the mutual respect was there all the time,” he added.

Herrera said he worked to give the governor the legislative support that he needed to accomplish his priority projects.

The vice-governor said that he feels he is in the best position to pick up from where Aumentado will leave off in 2010.

“I am just being consistent that the best interest of the province is the primary consideration when making my next move,” he added.

Although he admits it will not be easy, Herrera made it clear he will not run away from the fight.

source: http://vgo-sp.bohol.gov.ph/index.php?module=announce&ANN_user_op=view&ANN_id=230

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