Now it can be told: City Mayor Dan Neri Lim’s choice of an heir-apparent is his elder brother – Dr. Abraham Lim. Although he was not categorical just as yet—whether he is running for city mayor or not, Dr. Lim gave a preview of what he is made up in a no-holds barred radio interview. Dr. Lim was the special guest during the top-rated radio program “Cuentas Claras” Wednesday morning edition where according to its main anchor Boy Guingguing he was ushered into a ‘lion’s den’. In the same radio program, the elder Lim acknowledged that he was open to the idea of running for mayor when the term of his younger brother expires in 2013. As proof of this, the US-based physician did the rounds of his brother’s barangay leaders to be introduced to them and to feel the pulse.

The reaction was positive and so Dr. Abe did the second of his tour, this time not just of political leaders but to any barangay resident who would be interested to size him up. Wednesday’s interview saw many phone callers apparently excited at the prospect of a doctor being the next mayor. Cool and articulate, Dr. Lim appeared at ease in answering pointed questions even those that bordered on the controversial. One controversial question that Dr. Lim answered with flawless ease was on the possibility of his brother meddling in the affairs of the city once he will be at its helm. Those listening him over the radio must have thought that he would be caught flatfooted of the loaded question, but no! Dr. Lim blurted without batting an eyelash, saying this early, he wanted to make it clear “I am my own man”. Of course, he said, during the brief transition, he would have to make consultations with brother let alone those that pertains to some unfinished businesses of the outgoing administration.

On the possibility that he is sure of his political plan, Dr. Lim made a guarded pronouncement saying that first of all, he wanted to clarify that he has not yet made a decision and that he was still in the process of consulting the people. “If ever I finally decide to run, I will bring my family over,” he added. A medical director who would have to give up all of that if he accepts the challenge, it would definitely be no small amount of sacrifice not only on his party but also of his family. Dr. Abe made it clear he was not open to the idea of running only because he happened to be the brother of the incumbent mayor but because of the love for Tagbilaran. He recalled that early in life, this was instilled in the family by his father, former councilor Segundo Lim who demanded nothing less from them.

The eldest of four children, the doctor said his father taught them not only love for Tagbilaran but in fact to be willing to make sacrifices for it. This explains why he is prepared to give up a comfortable life in the United States just to serve the city. Mayor Lim also brushed aside criticisms of nepotism. “Why are they raising that issue only in Tagbilaran? Why were they silent on the fielding of relatives in Balilihan, Valencia and Loon?” he asked. The mayor pointed out that when Gov. Edgar Chatto did not seek reelection for mayor in Balilihan, he was replaced by his cousin, incumbent Mayor Dominisio Chatto. “Not to mention that his mother also became mayor and his elder brother was elected vice mayor,” he added. The mayor also noted that when Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim could no longer seek reelection, she was replaced by her niece, Mayor Henrietta Gan. In Loon, the mayor said Board Member Cesar Tomas Lopez was replaced by his younger brother, incumbent Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez. Lim also pointed out that the Lopezes are first degree cousins of Rep. Rene Relampagos.

The mayor said that unlike the last-minute announcement of candidacies in the other towns, he is declaring ahead of time the possible candidacy of his brother so the people can reflect about it. “Which is worse: denying the candidacy until the last minute like what the other politicians are doing, or subjecting this to an open discussion and criticism like what my brother is doing?” he asked. The mayor pointed out that in the United States, Pres. John Quincy Adams was elected the sixth US president in spite of being the son of Pres. John Adams, the second president of the US. In recent memory, he said the 44 th US President, George W. Bush is the son of Pres. George H. W. Bush, the 41 st president of the country. He also reminded his critics that in the Philippines, two presidents, former Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and incumbent Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III, are children of former presidents. “It would be unfair to deprive Dr. Abe of his chance to aspire for public office just because he happens to be my brother,” the mayor concluded.