Just as in 1995 when I ran for Mayor of my hometown, Mlang, my last minute run for the Governorship of Cotabato now seems like a deja vu.
I did not have any plan to enter politics in1995 but my father, Bernardo, fell ill with 25 days to go before the election for Mayor.
With a very slim margin of 247 votes, I won but 5 weeks after I assumed the Mayorship, my father died from brain cancer.
Today, I face the same situation again as I was forced by circumstance to return to politics.
Nobody was willing to step up the plate and offer a governance option because the incumbent Governor has all the financial resources.
Honestly, I do not have the wherewithal to run a well-organized campaign.
Besides, at my age, I wanted to enjoy farm life as I face the sunset years.
But allowing her to run unopposed would mean a continuation of an oppressive leadership which deprives non-supporters of the basic services, including the “Ayuda” and in rice distribution.
The tyrannical leadership goes to as far as requiring employees and those seeking help from the provincial government to show the number of their “Like” and “Share” of the Facebook Posts of here official and even family activities.
So, just as in 1995, I am taking up the challenge again believing that circumstances which led me to this decision are providential.
I am willing to serve my people again and it is all up to God if He wants me to take that task again.
