The Agora is thankful to our two gubernatorial candidates who have responded to some questions which it thought are basic in guiding the electorate on who to vote for this coming May 13 elections. It is unfortunate that the Agora can only get through to the two leading candidates for governor of the province of Bohol as even the Comelec could not provide it with contact numbers of the two other gubernatorial candidates. For this issue the Agora is featuring Mayor Conchita “Che” Toribio de los Reyes of Carmen who is contesting the gubernatorial post from incumbent Governor Edgar M. Chatto who was featured in last week’s issue of the Agora. The questions are practically the same so the electorate can gauge them on the same standards of measure. Here are the questions and answers:

“The Agora (TA): What makes you think you are ready for the governorship?

Mayor Che de los Reyes (CHE): It is not about readiness. I am running for governor because this is the call of the times. Since no one among those who are capable of serving as governor is running, I decided to do it myself. It is no longer what I think. The fact is that somebody has to do it to save Bohol.

TA: What do you think are the three big problems that Bohol and the Boholanos are facing today that need the attention of the Governor?

CHE:      First is poverty. No matter how impressive the reports the Capitol people are giving, there is no doubt that poverty is prevalent in the countryside. Since there are more poor people today than when the present administration took over, it means that it has failed in this regard. Secondly, peace and order. The killings that are taking place today may appear to be the politically-motivated. But where criminals are allowed to operate freely, you can be sure they will take over the place. The root of these two problems and other problems is the biggest problem in Bohol: leadership. When the governor is concerned only about his election, the people have no hope. I want to lead Bohol in these difficult times even if only for one term.

TA: What changes will the Boholanos see and feel during your first year in office? on the 2nd year? and on the 3rd year? What development road maps have you prepared?

CHE:      The first year will be committed to peace and order. You cannot talk about programs, projects and developments unless the peace and order is maintained. If there is a break down in peace and order just like what is happening now, forget all the talk of development. It is good only on paper but it will not mean anything to the people. On the second year, we will implement wider reforms such as the full utilization of the 20% development fund which is either underutilized or abused for partisan interest. On the third year, we will implement infrastructure projects after our programs addressing basic needs. I always believe that people should be first priority.

TA: What factor, and which you have, is crucial in winning this election?

CHE:      One thing that makes this election different is the people’s hunger for change. They say it best: “Mag Bag-o Na Ta!”, the motto of Bag-ong Bol-anon. They want something new, one thing which the incumbents cannot give which I and Bag-ong Bol-anon can offer.

TA: What is your cutting edge over Edgar Chatto and the two other candidates?

CHE:      Definitely, I am in control and in command. I am not like other people who “do not know” when there is a problem that has political risks. I am not afraid of being unpopular to get the job done. I may commit mistakes along the way but there is no doubt that I am in charge. Difficult times demand decisive leadership. The present leadership has failed in this regard.”

 There you are Boholano voters. The two candidates vying for the highest position in the province have spoken their minds on questions that would give you enough information to make an informed choice. You weigh your options.

Last week, incumbent Governor Edgar M. Chatto gave us his reasons why he should pass to his second term as Governor. Today Mayor Che has given us her reason why a new leader should take over the reins of government in Bohol. They both have given us a picture of who they are and what we can expect from their leadership. The choice is now ours.

In a democracy, leaders are only deserving as the choices of the people they lead, in the same manner that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.