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Lim backs Lim in rebel general’s Senate bid
August 20, 2009 00:15:00
Chito A. Fuentes
Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY—Detained Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim has a staunch supporter in Bohol province—his namesake Mayor Dan Lim of this city.

Mayor Lim on Wednesday declared his support for the detained general, who has signified his intention to run for senator in 2010.

“I will campaign like I’m running for senator myself,” the two-term mayor said.

Mayor Lim said he would personally take care of General Lim’s campaign not only in Tagbilaran but also in Bohol.

“I’m at my elements. Why not? When I tell people [to vote] ‘Dan Lim for senator,’ it’s virtually introducing myself,” he added.

The mayor admitted that he had always wanted to be a senator himself but that this was “not realistic.”

Lim also recalled that his life changed soon after General Lim was arrested for withdrawing support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006.

“I was asked to make a personal appearance when I purchased an airline ticket,” said the mayor, pointing out that he had often been mistaken for the general.

Mayor Lim said that if he did not mind the inconvenience when it was not fashionable to do so, there was no reason for him not to come out in the open this time.

“General Lim is a man of principles. He takes a stand in times of crisis and is willing to suffer the consequences of his actions,” he said.

Mayor Lim said that his commitment to General Lim was “unequivocal.”

“I will campaign for him regardless of what ticket he will be part of and whether he recognizes me or not,” he added.

Mayor Lim said the general has always advocated for reforms and the Senate would give him the platform to do that.

The mayor said that his namesake’s decision to run for senator proved that he was giving parliamentary struggle a chance.

General Lim is kept in detention for his alleged role in the Feb. 24, 2006, coup plot.

He was a graduate of Westpoint, a military academy in the United States and was involved in, but received amnesty for, the 1987 coup against the late President Corazon Aquino.

The mayor remained hopeful that the general would be granted temporary liberty to campaign nationwide.

“It would be a treat for me to be introduced with him during his campaign sorties,” he said.

He also expressed optimism over General Lim’s chances of victory even if he would be campaigning behind bars like Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who is also in detention for his role in the Oakwood mutiny.

“Contrary to what many people are saying, Filipinos are suckers for those who stand up for their convictions,” Mayor Lim said.


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