The Damalerio brothers are presently following the footsteps of their late father, Atty. Alfonso Damalerio, who passed away at the prime of his career in public service. The late Board Member of Bohol must be smiling now, for his children have not disappointed him in their career paths, especially the three brothers presently occupying positions of big responsibility at the Provincial Capitol.

Abeleon Rafols Damalerio (ARD) is the third Provincial Legislator in the family; and all observers chorus that he is doing a good job. Not bad for one so young. And his willingness to master the ropes of his profession is further augmented by his zeal to walk the extra mile as an effective communicator and as a leader – two skills he developed while still a student, and perfected now that he represents the First District of Bohol in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

This are excerpts of an interview in “Nangutana Lang,” my 30-minute radio program at DYRD-ZD daily (6:30 – 7:00 PM) except Sunday.

LMP: Who is Abel Damalerio?

ARD: I am a public servant. At present, I am a Board of Member of the 1st District of Bohol, and Chairman on the Committee on Environment and Agriculture. For two years, I am sincerely serving the Boholano people the best way I can, and accepted the challenges wholeheartedly for the good of everyone.

LMP: What is your stand on the Sin Tax Law?

ARD: There are two approaches which served as grounds in formulating the said law. One as a regulatory measure and second, revenue measure. Both ways are the objectives of the Sin Tax Law. Regulatory, wherein the health sector is involved in order to control or eliminate such vices like, smoking and drinking which are hazardous to one’s lifestyle. The revenue measure involves the taxes to be collected, and was projected to be bigger compared before. Let us give ourselves the chance to appreciate the noble purpose of this law, and why it is beneficial to us and to our country.

LMP: Many are complaining that this law serves as punishment to those people with vices.

ARD: The foundation of the law was based from the point of view on where the person comes from. If he is a consumer who is directly affected, definitely his conclusion would be negative. But if the over-all welfare of the society is his main concern over his personal interest, he will be able to understand the benefit of the Sin Tax Law.

LMP: On both counts, do you believe it will increase the income, and lessen the vices of the people?

ARD: This would be another concern because the increase will affect the projected income. There is a possibility it would not be realized as the purchase consumption decreases. Well, the law was just implemented recently; it remains to be seen if the income projection will be achieved.

LMP: How was the implementation of the Sin Tax Law? Was it easy?

ARB: Most of the tax codes implementation in our country is evaluated as to the level of achievement. Basically, it is on the actions taken to address the loopholes. There are instances that businesses resorted to tax avoidance which is not illegal but it creates a dent on the actual projected income.

LMP: Let’s talk about the Reproductive Health Law. What is your stand?

ARB: The main objective of the law is the provision that the government provides the necessary measures and benefits concerning Reproductive Health. For me, it should not be obligatory in nature. The decision to raise one’s family is still a moral choice of the couple.

LMP: Are you against the one-child policy in China?

ARB: I don’t think it is practicable. The long-term effect of the one-child policy is not seen upon implementation but years after. Like what happened in other countries, the population of the elderly outnumbered those of the young ones. This becomes their biggest problem now.

LMP: You are running for Board Member for the second time.

ARB: Yes, I am running for re-election as Board Member of the 1st District of Bohol.

LMP: Would like to say that after your first-term, if you were a Benjamin before, you are now a Solomon?

ARB: For the many years as a public servant, all the trials and triumphs that I have encountered were gauged on the appreciation of the people based on my performance. They are the best barometer whether a second round is still possible this forthcoming election for Board Member Abel. (Laughs)

LMP: People know that you have never been a silent person in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. In every issue that needs your output, you are always ready to provide your ideas. What we don’t like are those legislators who only know how to “second-the-motion.” I am one person who know that you are very functional on your job.

ARB: I am just doing what needs to be done on the responsibilities handed to me. The SP works as a collegial body. The free discussion, debate, and all those interpolations are very necessary to come up a logical legislation, and sharpen it through the collision of ideas.

LMP: Can I have your reaction on the withdrawal of Leon Calimpusan of his candidacy as Congressman of the 2nd District?

ARB: I was surprised of his decision. But at any rate, I’m sure he underwent a thought-process before he come up to that conclusion. On my case, I limit my analysis based on the statement he gave to explain his withdrawal. I respect whatever his decision is.

LMP: What are your plans on your second-term as Board Member?

ARB: In my first-term, I was able to create four major legislations as an ordinance for the Province. I will continue the brand of service that I have, which serves as a foundation of my political career. Legislation must be proactive. As what Gov. Chatto had said, “The best legislations of policies are crafted from the experiences of our people.” That is why, I practice consultative governance in the committees I Chair. They know how I handle my committee deliberations, and in that way, many would back-up our policies or decisions because it was the fruit of our consensus including our stakeholders.

LMP: It follows that you have been going around consulting with your constituents. What is the number one problem of the people?

ARB: Number one is unavailability of opportunities. We have a lot of talented and skilled students who cannot afford to pursue their studies, which is the reason for a limited employment opportunity for them. And of course, the dynamic system of the government to go over the remote barangays is affected because the social services are gravitated in the areas near the Poblacion. We should always remember that the people are the ones who put us in this position. So every time they invite us, we are grateful for the chance not just to make discussions or interactions but to personally see their situation. It helps me decide easily because I do not need a second persuasion because of my personal experiences during our barangay visits. The essence of public service is not during the election period but on the first and last day of governance.

LMP: Before we end this interview, I will mention some names, and please, tell me the first word that comes to your mind. Let’s start with GMA.

ARB: Ten years.

LMP: Noynoy Aquino.

ARB: Inspired.

LMP: Kris Aquino.

ARB: Queen.

LMP: Edgar Chatto.

ARB: Humility.

LMP: Rene Relampagos.

ARB: Vision.

LMP: Conching Lim.

ARB: Steadfast.

LMP: Dan Lim.

ARB: Frank.

LMP: Nuevas Tirol

ARB: Loyal.

LMP: Finally, Abel Damalerio.

ARB: Service.

Just like his other siblings, Atty. Abeleon R. Damalerio must have been deeply influenced by his father, who reached his peak serving the Boholanos. He equates his name with “service,” which can only be possible if there is affection shared. His first term at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan can attest to his altruistic attitude.

Abel has all the skills and talents needed to legislate. Six years more at the Provincial Legislative Body will put to good use the nurturing he imbibed from his parents. He really is his father’s son.

(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy_pal@yahoo.com; cellphone: 09498345957)