ALLOW me to put this rejoinder to Mr. Jay Valleser’s “Table Talk” column, GSD, dated July 27, 2012, in order to clarify some misimpression and inaccurate perceptions, and so that the public would know.
Firstly, as to being the “anointed” of Gov. Oca Moreno, I wish to thank him for the trust and confidence. But “anointed” or not, as the Vice Governor and belonging to the same political party, I really intend to run as governor in the 2013 election under the Liberal Party. I have come to this decision after consulting my family, the members of the party in the province, and the party leadership in Manila.
Secondly, the misimpression held by many for a long period of time now––that my family was a “built up” by the Emanos because of our long association with them in my hometown––must be corrected in earnest, in fairness to myself and my family, especially my departed mother. We come from a poor family and everybody in Tagoloan knows that. We all grew up clothed and educated through the honest labor and hard work of our widowed mother who was a market vendor. If I was able to bring my family to achieve a modest success that we are now, this is through the principles our parent taught us: work hard and work honestly. Be a God-fearing person and be humble and always live a simple life.
Thirdly, I am always in the belief that a political career is a choice in life and that political positions are earned and not bestowed by anyone else except by the sovereign people. The claim that I have been politically created or someone has “given me political face” is a farce and is quite unfair and inappropriate, to say the least. My running for the highest position of the province is purely based on my sincere desire to serve and is never meant as “a sinister design,” as Mr. Valleser stated, to divide the votes in Tagoloan knowing that Tagoloanons are intelligent and discerning voters.
As to running in the 2nd congressional district, this is self-serving and quite a departure from my long-held principle in public service that is: people first before self. Besides, the Liberal Party in the province has already chosen a highly qualified candidate for that position who will be officially endorsed by the party leadership in the coming days.
Finally, the LP advocates liberalism and democratic principles and strongly abhors political expediency. Anyone who wishes to join and run under the party for governor or for any other position is welcome provided he passes the criteria set forth for party membership and must take the basic orientation-seminar on liberal democracy.
Thank you very much.
Vice Gov. Norris C. Babiera
Misamis Oriental
