Deemed as one of the “few good men” among his tribe, City Mayor-elect Baba Yap has been seen as the “last man standing” who would redeem the fallen reputation of outgoing City Mayor Dan Lim, his uncle, whose political power was obliterated during the May 13 elections. Yap has reasons why he must redeem City Hall’s broken image and that of the vanishing legacy of Mayor Lim. Mayor Lim did not fare well in a survey conducted by the Holy Name University (HNU) in which he was graded with negative 2 (-2) for his performance as the city’s chief executive officer (CEO). Mountains of social problems that plagued the lives of Tagbilaranons, particularly the ugly roads and growing crime incidents, have been blamed on the administration of Lim.

Lim’s administration has also been accused of corruption and abuse although no formal charges have been filed against him or against any of his loyal allies. But former Bohol Governor Victor Dela Serna had branded Mayor Lim’s administration as “the worst in the history of Tagbilaran.” Given the above glimpse of Mayor Lim’s 9-year stay at City Hall, inevitably, the burden to fix what has been broken falls on Yap’s shoulders, when he assumes office on July 1. It’s no easy task though. To repair something damaged requires patience, skills, wisdom, and even humility. Yes, people of Tagbilaran, humility. This is not the right time to brag about Yap’s potentials to transform the city and restore its faded glory since “it remains to be seen.” Between 2013 and 2016, so many things will transpire, some are even beyond our imagination and expectation. But one thing for sure will remain: Yap will return to the public the convincing trust and resounding confidence given to him by the city’s electorate in ways that will be remembered well in history books.

By all means, history will judge City Mayor Baba Yap. And that is the public’s utmost expectation of our time. And of Baba’s time. That our brand new city mayor would never fail us. As what he already declared several times in public rallies and in media interviews concerning his plans over perceived anomalies, corruption at City Hall, his brief but profound answer is: “No one is above the law.” Put it simply, Yap has a message to us: “There are no sacred cows during my administration.” Having that promise of transparency, accountability, honesty, equality and justice nurtured in Yap’s heart has brought a fluid sense of comfort to our people – that their new city mayor is of different breed, who will not tarnish his reputation in the next three years for some fleeting pleasures of public misdeeds, acts that have ruined many political careers. Added to the cherished hope of Yap’s new brand of public service that is anticipated to be “so different” from that of his predecessor is his realistic principle of governance: “Buhat Kontra Saad.” And who would argue, even modern demagogues and academic pundits of this generation would not dare question this timeless wisdom, that “it is better to act than to promise?” Good deeds, not promise, would be Yap’s act of redemption.