He is everybody’s friend, because everybody is his friend – even those who fail to appreciate a few of his quirks. With a sense of humor so contagious, he is always the life of any party. Even on a one-on-one verbal tussle, this funny bone could be a cause of unrestrained guffaws. Incumbent Councilor Leonides Lagura Borja (LLB) is an individual impossible to duplicate. Monikered Edi, he carries the name with the aplomb of an Apollo admired. He invited me for a breakfast during the May 1 fiesta, just like in the previous year, knowing that after 9AM I had to rush to several other invitations. The idea for this interview just cropped up while we were sipping the native tsokolate and munching mango after partaking of dried boneless danggit and nukos at his residence.

LMP: It is public knowledge that you are the Campaign Manager of Baba Yap. What prompted you to accept the job when there was a time, you were associated with the other camp?

LLB: First of all, when the job was offered to me, I made a serious thinking on which side I should be. I was at the other side of the political fence before but, in one way or another, I got a close encounter with Baba in the Council. I found him very sincere, honest, and a dedicated person. At his age (36 years old) I saw in him a different perspective of untiring service in reaching out to people.

LMP: Do you believe that he will make a good leader?

LLB: Yes. If he will be given the chance to serve the City of Tagbilaran, he would definitely be a good Mayor.

LMP: Would you say that one of the reasons you made that assessment is, you have observed him work as a Legislator, having won as Number One Councilor of Tagbilaran City? How is his performance?

LLB: In the City Council where he belongs to the minority group, he knows how to deal with his co-Legislators, very observant, and he is not afraid to emphasize his views and opinions. He can communicate well, without being circumlocutory.

LMP: You mentioned about the minority, was he not the Majority Floor Leader?

LLB: Yeah, there was a time he was. I think, it lasted only for 10 months, until he was voted out when the conflict arose.

LMP: At that time, you were also with the majority group?

LLB: Yeah. But June of last year, I became affiliated with the minority. It was manifested when the case of Faro Cabalit took counter-stage. We needed to decide who has the right to sit as ABC President.

LMP: Since the start of the controversy, your stand has been with Faro Cabalit?

LLB: Yes. There was a time when I was still part of the majority, I was one of those who voted out Faro. But in case there is a decision from the higher authority, like the National Liga, or any authority for that matter, who will make a ruling in the case, we must abide by what we agreed in a resolution we made. What made me change my stand was the pronouncement from DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) that the National Liga already made a decision in favor of Faro Cabalit.

LMP: So, that decision was based on the previous premise that if there is a go signal from the Liga, it should be followed as a legal basis.

LLB: Yeah, that was the agreement among the members of the Council. But I was surprised when the decision came, they still maintained their stand against Faro.

LMP: At this time, were you already associated with Baba?

LLB: Not yet.

LMP: Was it a decision which was made thoroughly? You really assessed everything? It was not a snap decision at all.

LLB: Yeah, that is true.

LMP: What have you experienced so far, as the Campaign Manager of the group?

LLB: Well, first and foremost, I feel so excited, especially that this election 2013 is a highly contested campaign for the mayoralty race. Usually, there are only two contenders for the said position, but now there are three formidable forces aspiring to lead the City. Whatever the outcome is this coming May 13, it will be credited to those who worked hard for the campaign, and to the supporters who believed in the party’s platform of governance. The people are the ones to decide who will be the best person that can serve the City best.

LMP: And of course, you are convinced that it is Baba, who can serve the people the best way?

LLB: Yes. We consider everybody as a friend, but we have to select the best. It is a public knowledge that Baba Yap never left Tagbilaran City, while his opponents were in absentia for more than 30 years. He has been exposing his advocacy, especially to the youth for the past 7 years, even before he became a Councilor.

LMP: As far as presence and being aware of the issues are concerned, you would like to say that Baba has the edge?

LLB: Yeah, the other two don’t even have houses here, and their families are based somewhere else. That is one of the factors that should be considered by the people, and how abreast the candidates are with the issues of the day.

LMP: Both of them are good, they are retired, right? What is the difference between a retiree, and somebody who is still at his prime?

LLB: First, the age. A man who retires is supposed not to burden himself with big problems. Second, we have to accept, Sir Loy, that the world is fast-changing. There are modern approaches when comes to IT. At 36, Baba Yap belongs to the computer generation. The physical dynamism, energy, and vitality start to deteriorate with age, compared to the one at his prime. Another thing that struck me about Baba is that he is very respectful.

LMP: How about his leadership, is he that skillful?

LLB: He has improved a lot. Everytime we have a meeting, he is there to preside. Although he solicits ideas and opinions from us, in the end he is the one who makes the final decision. I believe, he is matured enough to be at the helm of the City.

LMP: In the decisions that he has made, was there no objection from the group?

LLB: So far, not to the point of conclusion, but for discussion purposes. He listens and can easily make an adjustment.

LMP: Talking about Kit Oppus. Is she in a good tandem?

LLB: Yes, because Ma’am Kit is very much exposed to the different advocacies for women, and Baba has long been promoting programs for youth development. Both of them are reaching out to people to the best way they can, especially to our Senior Citizens. For me, if she will be elected as Vice Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsod can go a long way with her expertise as a Legislator. They make a good tandem.

LMP: How about the slate? Is this well-selected... because in some cases, especially if the party is being dominated by one person, that person dictates everything. Did it happen to Baba?

LLB: We made the selection process, and chose the candidates in terms of their expertise and profession. Modesty-aside, we are the only slate with a Doctor, Engineer, Certified Public Accountant, retired Public Teacher, etc. In short, one of the basis for the selection is sector representation.

LMP: If you are going to make an assessment, what is the future of the slate?

LLB: I have been involved in political campaigns since 1984, I never expect the excitement of the people during our visits to the Barangays. Based on the number of attendees, we could see the full support and enthusiasm of the Tagbilaranons.

LMP: Do you believe that the show of support could be translated into votes on May 13?

LLB: Compared to the previous groups I have attended before, this time, the number of attendees has doubled. If the supporters are brave enough to attend meetings or gatherings like that, it is a good indication that they will give full support throughout the campaign, inspite of the left and right attacks from other camps.

LMP: I noticed the other camps have him as a target. Does it not indicate that they believe he is the one to beat?

LLB: Definitely, correct. They have to annihilate Baba. (Laughs) Knowing for the fact that the only survey where Baba is not on top, was the one released by the other group.

LMP: I heard about it when I came back from the States. But there was a pronouncement from the HNU Research Center that it was commissioned survey, which means paid by them. And of course, if you commissioned a survey, there is always an indication that you are the one’s making the question. And, you have to see to it that the questions are in your favor.

LLB: That is the point I am driving at for the last two weeks. I told them during the interview, I am not questioning the result but I just like to correct the impression that it was part of the Bohol Poll. For me, Bohol Poll is a sacred exercise. What was intentionally publicized was independent survey. Definitely, if you have a commissioned survey, you are the one making the question to be asked. Always in your favor. You could even have a hand in the sampling. Like for example, you select more from this side because you have a greater number of supporters in that area.

LMP: According to the authorities of the Research Center, the three candidates are statistically tied as of now.

LLB: There was another survey that came out just last week, with Baba is still on top. Another thing also, based on our consultation with the people, asking them, “Who is the most favored candidate for Mayor?” the name of Baba always sprung out.

LMP: Do you believe your group will make a clean sweep in the polls?

LLB: Hopefully, Sir, 12-0, that’s the aim of Pundok Panaghiusa. (Laughs)

LMP: Why do you say so? I heard about your campaigns, the projects of Baba, especially the Caravan which I have not witnessed yet. What happens in a Caravan?

LLB: We have our medical mission, livelihood program, we provide training to the youth, etc. It is a complete package of social services. We have a lot of sponsors and volunteers who believe in the cause of Baba’s advocacy.

LMP: How do feel as a Campaign Manager?

LLB: Mixed emotions, Sir Loy. Anxiety is there because my goal is to have a 12-0 win for the slate. I am excited at the same time, to inform the people that the tandem of Baba Yap and Kit Oppus, will definitely deliver progress for Tagbilaran, especially with our young and dynamic team. The members of the group are very dedicated towards theiradvocacies for the betterment of the City. Pundok Panaghiusa is composed of non- traditional types of politicians. We always start our rally with a prayer, asking for Divine Intervention because, above all, He will make the anointment on the day of judgment. We are hoping that Tagbilaranons will vote according to their conscience, and to the one who has the heart to lead the City. We need to choose somebody who listens to the people. That is one characteristic Baba Yap has, compared with the others.

Morphing into a Campaign Manager of Pundok Panaghiusa was a decision that was appreciatively welcomed by the group of Baba Yap and Kit Oppus, the three of them being incumbent Councilors at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. It would mean they know the issues, the perks, and the strategies needed to win votes. A pivotal trait of Edi is his genius when it comes to eliciting laughter from an audience, which comes in handy especially after midnight in the campaign trail.

Rumors have it that Edi Borja may be the next City Administrator of Tagbilaran City when the tandem he sides will make it in the May 13 election. After 20 years of exposure to the rudiments of government service, he is a great choice. But, many are convinced that as a public servant this is not his ultimate destination; three years from now, he would be vying for an elective position, perhaps a notch higher than what he already has. This corner believes that whatever job is assigned to him, Edi Borja can always deliver.

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