The coming of Agustinus Varquez Gonzaga (AVG) to the local political scene stirred interest when he was able to convince another Mayoralty candidate to become his running-mate as Vice Mayor. Earlier there was not much hullabaloo, considering that he was based in Metro Mania for several years. Absence does not make the heart grow fonder; it makes the heart forget. Thus, his needed to give himself more exposure, which he has succeeded doing, mainly through print and broadcast media.

These are excerpts of an interview we made last January in my DYRD-ZD program, “Nangutana Lang...,” aired daily from 6:30 to 7:00 PM, except Sunday.

LMP: What is the feeling, especially now that the May 2013 election is forthcoming?

AVG: “Kulba-hinam.” (Laughs) Most of all, I am hoping for a peaceful election not just in Tagbilaran but all over the country.

LMP: If we summarize the qualifications of the candidates running for Mayor, the three aspirants are in a close fight, as perceived by everyone. There are some sectors who said, that you have an edge because you were in government service for a number of years. Could you explain it further?

AVG: Yeah, that is true. I finished my Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines. When I passed the Bar, I became a Supreme Court Attorney. I came back to Tagbilaran and was elected City Councilor in the year 1980-1986. After my political career, I was appointed as Deputy Secretary at the Commission on Appointments, the position I held until retirement. My 40 years experience inmy private practice as a Lawyer and in the government service are the best assets that I could share to the people of Tagbilaran City.

LMP: Why did you choose to become a Lawyer?

AVG: It was my childhood dream. Aside from my private practice, I was also an active member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines where we provide “Pro Bono” legal assistance to those who cannot afford to have a Lawyer. It was actually, not financially rewarding because the services were free, but I know God has something for me in heaven. (Laughs)

LMP: As of now, are you still accepting cases for free legal services?

AVG: It’s been years that I haven’t practiced my profession because I was working with the government. I don’t even have my office, and my books are still in Manila. But when someone asks for my help, I can always provide legal advice but I cannot join them on court because I haven’t renewed my professional tax yet.

LMP: Can you practice your profession when you become the Mayor?

AVG: No, I cannot practice law. That is prohibited by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. It is also advantageous on our part because being a Mayor is a 24- hour job, and it needs a lot of concentration. Any profession is covered by this law when the person is exercising an executive function like Mayor, Governor, etc.

LMP: You had been through the executive, judiciary, legislative branches of the government. Now, you are running for Mayor, would this mean, sooner or later, you will run for Congressman, Governor, etc? Is that a part of the game plan?

AVG: I cannot foresee my future, but I am not closing my door if opportunity comes. (Laughs)

LMP: What motivated you to run for Mayor in the City of Tagbilaran? You just came out unexpectedly, and all of a sudden your name is there in the paper and on radio.

AVG: I retired from the government service because it was mandated by law when upon reaching the age of 65. I talked to my wife and said, “I am still useful.” You do not retire experience. I believe I have the capability, and my physical condition is still very okay to serve. The only way to go back to public service is through elective position. I saw the problems of my hometown, and I am willing to share what I learned through my experience in order to solve these issues.

LMP: What is your stand on the Reproductive Health Law?

AVG: At the very start, when RH Law was still a bill, I was already against it. The faith that the Church teaches us must be followed. This is not a question of legality but on conscience and morality. I am pro-life, and I am definitely against the RH Law.

LMP: What are your plans on the economic sector, when you become the Mayor of Tagbilaran City?

AVG: First and foremost, I am the official candidate of the Liberal Party. We all know that it is headed by our President, Noynoy Aquino, and some of our higher officials in the Province are members of the party like, Governor Chatto and Congressman Relampagos of the First District. The budgetary need of Tagbilaran City in the past many years has always been an issue due to the lack of cooperation among elected officials. That is why, if given the chance to head the City, our projects would have proper fund appropriations since our President, Governor, and Congressman are on the same political fence. We should be investor-friendly so that the income will increase, and our economy becomes progressive.

LMP: What do you mean by investor-friendly?

AVG: Businessmen should be encouraged to invest in our Province, and must be treated equality. This would create employment opportunities, and our productivity will increase.

LMP: Another issue is the total “Gun Ban.” What can you say about it?

AVG: If they totally ban guns, criminals might rule all over the place. It should be rationalized that in giving licenses, the person needs to undergo several tests and orientations. Nowadays, there are a lot of loose firearms, and if they would confiscate those of the regular license holders, the unlicensed still remain. How would they control it? It is very important to rationalize this gun-control law and the licensing procedure.

LMP: One of the issues weeks ago was the withdrawal of candidacy of the Mayor of Loboc. What is your assessment towards the issue?

AVG: First of all, I respect his decision. He has his personal and official reasons. This is the second time there that a political candidate has no opponent, and democracy does not work that way. In principle, election is the time when people exercise their right of suffrage.

LMP: I got a chance to talk to some people from the 3rd District, but I would not name names. They said, “Wa na sila’y uwan-uwan, kay wa ma’y kontra.” (Laughs)

AVG: That’s the material side of it. It’s one of the reasons why I want to reform the electoral system. But I am hoping that money would not be the end-all in choosing their candidates this coming election, but what their conscience dictates.

LMP: What is your comment on the issue of Governor Gwen Garcia of Cebu?

AVG: For me, it is a mixture of illegal and political issue. The Department of Local Government has the authority to suspend officials facing administrative complaints. Let the rule of law follow its course.

LMP: Another thing is, many have said that nowadays the political party is not anymore important because it is only an identification tag. It is the person who counts and not the party. Can you make a comment on that?

AVG: Election is composed of three components. The products are the candidates, the party, and logistics. These three should go together, and that’s where the party comes in. But when it comes to party principles, this matter is very loose, not only here in Tagbilaran but the entire country. Each of us has our own ideology. Like for example, I am anti-RH Law but the party where I belong is pro. My affiliation with the Liberal Party is a way of strengthening my candidacy. Aside from that, I want to be with people who have the same advocacy as mine, and goals for the good of Tagbilaran City and of the whole country.

LMP: To end this interview, let’s have first the word-association game. I will mention names and please tell me, the first word or phrase that comes to your mind? Let’s start with... Ferdinand Marcos.

AVG: Dictator.

LMP: Cory Aquino.

AVG: Patriot and leader.

LMP: Joseph Estrada.

AVG: Actor.

LMP: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

AVG: Past President.

LMP: Noynoy Aquino.

AVG: Our President. My President.

LMP: Ninoy Aquino.

AVG: Hero. Patriot.

LMP: Edgar Chatto.

AVG: Good Governor.

LMP: Rene Relampagos.

AVG: Achieving Congressman.

LMP: Vice-Governor Conching Lim.

AVG: Inahan sa Kanunay’ng Panabang.

LMP: Che Toribio-Delos Reyes.

AVG: My good friend.

LMP: Sharleen Lim.

AVG: Also a good friend of mine.

LMP: Dan Lim.

AVG: Another good friend of mine.

LMP: Nuevas Montes.

AVG: An acquaintance.

LMP: Baba Yap.

AVG: Young.

LMP: Abe Lim.

AVG: Good Doctor.

LMP: Finally, Atty. Dodong Gonzaga.

AVG: The next Mayor of Tagbilaran.

It is Friday morning (March 1) at this writing. This afternoon, from 3 to 5, Atty. Gonzaga would “face-off” with two other contenders in the race to the City Hall’s Helm. He was the Best Man of Dr. Abraham Lim when the latter married. John Geesnell Yap is his friend... so “face-off” is not an accurate term for what would transpire this afternoon. Consequently, “Candidates’ Forum” is more appropriate.

They are not adversaries, not enemies... they are friends. Who just happen to have the same inclination: to serve Tagbilaran City in their own capacity as ccomplished individuals.

Just like in love stories, where suitors target the heart of the same girl... “May the best man win.”

(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy.pal@gmail.com; cellphone: 09498345957)