MikeLigalig.com

By Loy M. Palapos
Sunday Post

      “The best thing going for me at this point is credibility.”

      “People know that when I say one thing, I mean it. When we are on the same side, you can rest assured that when you wake up, nothing has happened to your CONA.” Thus, were the exact words of the incumbent Vice Governor of the Province of Bohol when we met last week. And in an earlier question, when he answered “… we honor our commitments…” I told myself: “Here is one individual who says what he means, and means what he says. “A man with enough principle to gain anybody’s trust.

      As Mayor of the Municipality of Calape, he had proven his managerial and administrative skill, aside from his prowess for developmental strategies. His three terms as Vice Governor, most particularly his adept leadership of the Sangguniang Panglalawigan, have inter-woven into his capabilities in executive know-how that makes him ripe-for-the-picking as the next Governor of the Province of Bohol.

      For indeed, Atty. Julius Caesar Falar Herrera (JFH) has, in his political career, reached that point when his brand of public service fits the vision of his beloved Province.             

LMP: You have been known to be with the administration party these past years. What was your feeling and reaction right after you were informed that Lakas–Kampi–CMD has chosen another person to run as Governor for Bohol?

JFH: Let me correct that. I resigned from Lakas before the official candidate was announced. It actually made it easier for the party because they no longer had to make a choice.

LMP: Former Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo, Jr. has always been identified with Governor Erico Aumentado. Now that he is your running- mate, does it mean that you have the support of Aumentado?

JFH: That is always one possibility although I do not want to speak for the governor especially as far as his choice for governor is concerned. Of course, it cannot be denied that many of the governor’s loyal supporters are comfortable with us because they know we honor our commitments.

LMP: Is Atty. Tomas Abapo, Jr. your personal pick to run as Vice Governor? Or was he endorsed? By whom? And for what considerations?

JFH: I would be lying if I say Atty. Abapo is my only choice. There were many potential candidates to choose from. In the end, I chose him because it became clear that we would complement each other. I listened to many people but I knew I would be the one to make the decision. After all, I will be working with my running mate and not with those who make recommendations. If by considerations you mean horse-trading, there is no such thing.

LMP: With Governor Aumentado accusing Congressman Edgar Chatto and Congressman Bob Cajes of discrediting him in the administration party, and with the  Cajes couple challenging him in the Second District of Bohol, it follows that Aumentado won’t be supporting the two in their respective candidacies. Is this good news for your political side of the fence? Why?

JFH: I would be a hypocrite if I would say this is not good news. To support one whom I had supported in my official capacity is very good news. Actually, it is now up to Cong. Chatto to prove that he is supporting Gov. Aumentado, the official candidate of his party, over Mayor Judith Cajes, who is an independent.

LMP: What would you consider as three of your top accomplishments as the Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for almost 9 years?

JFH: Under the legislative function, the SP passed notable legislative measures that contributed significantly to poverty alleviation to development initiatives. Of course, it should be stressed that the legislative department makes it a point to go in the same direction that the executive is headed for. Second, my personal initiatives included  assistance to thousands of barangay health workers, barangay tanods and barangay livestock aides and institutionalizing the SP committee secretariat. Third, education and human resource development, such training on Barangay Legislation which is a first in the country and being replicated nationwide.

LMP: Among the incumbent Municipal Mayors, how many are endorsing your gubernatorial candidacy?

JFH: If we go by the headcount, they are a minority up to this point. But many are sympathetic to my candidacy and most are only waiting for the right timing to come out. Of course, even the municipal mayors will admit that their support alone will not be sufficient. When one wants to be governor, he will need the support of the majority of the people because it is not just about winning the election but of winning the battle against poverty and the obstacles to their aspirations for a better life.

LMP: What platforms of governance are you disseminating in the campaign trail?

JFH: The priority at this time is agriculture development to put food on the table. My office has been distributing vegetable and coconut seeds to nearly all barangays. Of course, it always takes to two to tango. I am glad that Gov. Aumentado has thrown his unconditional support to this project. Health and social concerns include pumping more funds for the devolved ten hospitals and providing and empowering barangay officials of the need, such as medical and tanod kits. On education, the province is looking for ways to provide more funds to build more buildings for public schools because the DepEd can hardly cope with the growing population. We are also providing scholarships for students who desire to pursue their education but are financially challenged.

LMP: You were on the same side in the political fence with Congressman Chatto. Now that you are rivals for the same elective position, how does it feel? Is he still your friend? Or, enemy?

JFH: It would be all up to him. I had wanted him to be a friend always but the reality is that politics has a way of making enemies out of friends and vice versa.

LMP: As early as 9 years ago, before both you and Chatto started your 3-year 3 terms, Boholanos have been predicting that you would confront each other in the gubernatorial derby. The prediction has come true. What do you believe as your aces on your sleeves, which he doesn’t have?

JFH: I can always say my credentials, accomplishments and platforms are my aces, but those who disagree with me will say this is self-serving. The best thing going for me at this point is credibility. People know that when I say one thing, I mean it. When we are on the same side, you can rest assured that when you wake up, nothing has happened to your cona. People are also realizing that they can find me when there are problems and criticisms and not only when there projects to be inaugurated or speaking engagements. I have an advantage as far as being reliable and sincere is concerned.

LMP: Both you and Chatto come from the First District of Bohol. With the way things have turned out, people are predicting that Aumentado will support you in the Second District; Arthur Yap will support Chatto in the Third District; and the First District vote will be split. Is this a reasonable assessment?

JFH: It would be too simplistic to put it that way. I agree that Gov. Aumentado and Secretary Yap are crucial players in their respective districts, but there are many intangibles that come into play. In the final analysis, only the election results will validate which strategies are better.

LMP: There are many who believe that you have more right to the position of the Chief Executive of the Province of Bohol in accordance with the rule of ascendancy, you being next in rank to the Governor. Is this a valid conjecture?

JFH: If we consider the step ladder, yes. But that is not always the case. It should be stressed, however, that I prepared hard for executive responsibilities. This is the reason why I refused to consider running for Congress. If I did that, I would be throwing away everything that I worked for in the last nine years just for political accommodation. Many say I would have won hands down, but it will only be for political expediency and not sincere public service.

LMP: How strong is your line-up for the position of Board Members in each of the Three Districts of Bohol?

JFH: I am very confident that we will win the majority of the seats. Of course, this will be only a matter of opinion until the votes are tallied.

LMP: What criteria have your group used in determining your candidates to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan?

JFH: I have always preferred individual character, integrity, commitment to serve and teamwork. Winnability is only a minor consideration because the most important part is the task after the election.

LMP: Will crossing party lines be the mood in the 2010 elections? Why do you say so?

JFH: You cannot prevent people from switching party lines because the reality in Philippine politics is that there is not much difference between political parties. The truth is that there are only two parties: the administration and the opposition. In an election where the administration’s defeat is a foregone conclusion, we in the opposition feel that we have better chances to win the people over to our side than those who will no longer be in power after June this year.

LMP: In any Philippine election, one common denominator for winning is money to buy votes. Do you believe in this? Why?

JFH: Money is a crucial factor, there is no doubt about that. But it is not the only thing. This is the reason why I am trying to raise the level of campaign to issues and platforms and not just about bribing the people with cash on election day.

LMP: Do you consider being affiliated with presidential candidate Manny Villar, who is the richest among Senators in Congress, a plus factor in your candidacy? How?

JFH: When he became Speaker and Senator, Manny Villar was always the richest. I cannot see why his assets should be used as an issue against him now that he is running for President. Of course, it all depends on the colors of the glasses that you wear. Since I committed to support his candidacy, I like my chances because of this. Again, I do not want to reduce my campaign to money considerations. 

LMP: What are your parting words to the readers of this column?

JFH: Let me just point out, that I would prefer to go out poorer than when I came in if in the process the people become richer during my incumbency. I do not want to be remembered as one whose assets increased by millions when he was elected into public office.

      When the Roman General Julius Caesar exclaimed “The die is cast!” before crossing the river Rubicon, he knew what he was fighting for, and against whom. His was a formidable adversary, who was once a friend. A friend who, because of jealousy (the news about Julius Caesar’s victories, especially in conquering Gaul, made him the most popular Roman even among the powers-that-be in the Senate), saw in the victorious General a threat to his power, and wanted him eliminated.

      But Julius Caesar triumphed, and later became the Emperor of Rome, starting a dynasty that spanned several years in three continents. Rome at the height of its power as the City of Seven Hills, was Rome during the era of the Caesars.

      Will this feat be replicated in local governance? Not that Atty. Julius Caesar F. Herrera is putting up a dynasty, for this is not a part of his agenda. He just wants to be given a chance to a job that took him 9 solid years to prepare for. For this reason alone, he deserves the title.   

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