MikeLigalig.com

Written by Loy Palapos

There's no denying it…Atty. Danilo Apduhan Bantugan (DAB) is not a man in a hurry, nor a snail-pace whining charlatan, but a well-motivated young legislator who knows when to press the right button, depending upon the situation he is confronted with. Now on his third term at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, there's no denying either that he is loaded with sense when he mobilizes his thoughts. His being a lawyer has added color to his innate charisma, honed after 6 years of legislative exposure.

After 2 terms as a City Councilor, what is his next step? Obviously, progressive-mindedness is his cup of tea. He is one of the front-runners for the position of PCL (Philippine Councilors' League) Representative to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. That he is ripe for the distinction as the voice of the Municipal and City Councilors all over the Province of Bohol and the City of Tagbilaran, is no mean guess-work.

For all intents and purposes, he is gifted with a glib tongue and the brain that propels balanced rationalization.

Even as a student Dan Bantugan was an outstanding presence in the classroom.

As a mentor, he inspires confidence even in a world gone berserk with indecision.

As a lawyer, he completes an endless circle of knowledgeability that leaves nothing to be desired, especially if compared to his peers who want a bite of the pie at hand.

Trying to have a 10-minute appointment with Atty. Bantugan for this interview was an illusive game, until I stalked him for a few days. The golden minutes came after the weekly session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod last Wednesday. His alert mind and gift of gab shortened the tête-à-tête to only 6 minutes.

LMP: What has politics done to you?

DAB: It has made me a better person.

LMP: In what capacity have you become a better person? As a husband? As a father? As a citizen?

DAB: As a citizen, I found the real world of politics is an enriching experience.

LMP: How about your obligation as a father and as a husband?

DAB: I joined politics in 2001. I already made it clear that public service will take precedence over everything.

LMP: Is that understood by the family, especially your wife?

DAB: Yes, especially my wife and my children.

LMP: Was this your dream right from the moment while you were studying? I still remember you wanted to be a priest.

DAB: Number 1, I wanted to be a priest, and number 2, I wanted to be a stage actor. Well, these led me here, to what I am now. There hasn't been much detour.

LMP: You did not really plan to become a politician?

DAB: I did not really plan it that way. It just happened.

LMP: You just took things as they came?

DAB: Yes. But, what I noticed is that in all my life I have been dragged to public exposure.

LMP: Meaning, you are not an island all alone by yourself? You need to relate to be fulfilled?

DAB: Yes. I function more if I interact with all kinds of people.

LMP: No regrets?

DAB: I am very happy. I feel very blessed of what I am now, and what I would be in the future.

LMP: Let's go to your first three years as a Councilor. What were some salient accomplishments you made during those years?

DAB: In the first term, from 2001 to 2004, I tried my best to give the best shot that I could because, I landed number 3 in that election. So, I came up with vital legislations.

LMP: What in particular? Can you name some of them?

DAB: I cannot pinpoint, but the subjects were more on Social Legislations.

LMP: How about the second term?

DAB: Number 1 is Integration of the Multiple Intelligence Scheme in the Day Care Centers; then the establishment of Sangguniang Panlungsod that gives vent to the voice of the populace.

LMP: Do you believe that in governance it should be the voice of the public which is very important?

DAB: Participatory governance is the trend.

LMP: After that, what else? What other legislations?

DAB: As a member of the City School Board and as Chairman of the Committee on Education, I see to it that all the steps that will lead to the preservation of the culture and the arts will be duly given prominence.

LMP: That's already a part of education, isn't it?

DAB: Yes.

LMP: You're into it also?

DAB: Yes.

LMP: What are some of the projects that you have along this line?

DAB: Just like the establishment of the First Tagbilaran City, Pop Music Festival, and other literary-musical activities in our schools.

LMP: Is that a project of the city, not the national government?

DAB: It is a joint undertaking by the Provincial CCAD (Center for Culture and Arts Development), and here in the city we have a counter-part in the City Council for the Cultural Arts.

LMP: And now, you are running together with some other aspirants as a representative of the Philippine Councilors League. What prompted you to make this decision?

DAB: I just feel that I am right to serve.

LMP: I heard that concerning this you need backers?

DAB: Yes.

LMP: You know who your backers are?

DAB: That is a livid practicality, especially that the same presidency is expected to be a bloody battle. The incumbent PCL President, it is a public knowledge, trounced his rival candidates in 2004, simply because of a sufficient war chest.

LMP: If you represent the City Council in the PCL, won't you be neglecting your job as a City Councilor?

DAB: No, because as PCL President I am mandated to attend the sessions of the City Sanggunian as well as Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which do not fall on the same day.

LMP: What about the demands? When there is a conflict, which do you prefer?

DAB: It's the City. Whoever makes it to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will be there as a member only. He remains the receptacle of outpouring sentiments coming from the Councilors. I have worked as a Legislative Staff Assistant in the Provincial Government of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and I have observed that the PCL President becomes the voice of the Councilors.

LMP: In your present state, have you forgotten that one time you were a mentor?

DAB: I am and I will always be a mentor.

LMP: Meaning to say you are teaching now?

DAB: Yes.

LMP: What subjects?

DAB: I am teaching at the College of Law at Holy Name University, and I also handle subjects in Political Science in the undergraduate courses.

LMP: That makes you a full-time teacher or a full-time Councilor?

DAB: It's a matter of balancing your time.

LMP: Time management. Now, this is your third term after the third term what?

DAB: As they say in politics "hindi ka pwedeng magsalita ng patapos". I want to borrow the line of saying, "we will just cross the bridge when we get there."

LMP: Are you still open to other options?

DAB: I am keeping my options open, but the legal profession is still and will always be the best option.

LMP: One advantage that you have compared to the other politicians is that you have a fall-back position. In your case, is your being a Lawyer the biggest advantage that you have being a politician?

DAB: Not really more of advantage, but it's more of a challenge, because being in public service is always part of the job, and you cannot expect to generate much. So, I have my fall-back profession which is teaching and the legal practice.

LMP: Will you be a politician forever?

DAB: As I have said, we can never tell. I have to keep my options open.

LMP: When you become the Representative of PCL, what are the things that you will do, considering that this involves the entire province?

DAB: Yes. Number 1 is, there is an outpouring of complaints from among city and municipal councilors regarding the transparency of the Philippine Councilors League.

LMP: What do you mean?

DAB: There is no activity, no accounting. We do not have any particular project.

LMP: Is it because of the present Representative?

DAB: Yes. That's the problem.

LMP: What are your expectations?

DAB: I consider the PCL election as an entirely different compared to ordinary local exercises, because we have the City and Municipal Councilors as the voters. They are not just ordinary hoi poloi who can be cowed. Each knows his direction. They know what the PCL needs and who can effectively represent them.

LMP: Do you believe the will vote wisely?

DAB: I am positive. There could be some quarters who may intimidate them, or even offer them a lot; but I am very sure they will vote guided by their conscience.

Call it gents, and the perseverance to get things done, plus his ability to communicate. Add his educational qualifications (a Masters Degree in Public Administration and above-par batting average as a lawyer), and you have a legislator who can deliver no matter what the odds are. Atty. Danilo A. Bantugan epitomizes the young generation of lawmakers whose giftedness extend beyond personal interest.

As a radio broadcaster he has long exhibited his skill at reaching out to varied audiences, not only in terms of convincing them to his line of thinking, but also persuading them to positive actions. As a columnist, his nuggets of wisdom as a newspaperman are well appreciated and admired. He could still be of more service to the province if he makes it as the PCL Representative. High hopes are already envisioned along this angle of public service.(published by the Bohol Sunday Post 6/17/2007)

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