IT is not by pure coincidence that the vice mayoralty seat is up for grab by two Romeos, it is with absolute certainty that both are vying for one hotly contested prize, not for the love of Juliet but for the love of public service
For Romeo “Tata” Pulmones, he has already considered seriously his dream of finishing his term as the council’s presiding officer under Lakas-Kampi.
“My focus is only to help Mayor Sammy Co in all his programs for the city,” was his message to this paper.
“Dili na ko pwede moatras kay ania na man ta sa politika. Nabasa na man ta, maligo na lang ta,” he added, describing his motivation.
Pulmones, a second-termed vice mayor, is not new to politics indeed, being a scion of the well-known Mayor Warlito Pulmones who propelled Pagadian’s dent in the history books with his short stint as this city’s chief executive.
Although Pulmones admits having difficulty in going after his father’s image, he said he makes up for the differences through his determination, youthfulness and honed discipline.
“Usa ra ang akong ipanghambog, ang akong pagkamatinud-anon,” he quips.
No doubt and no fear, as he is running against a well-taken fight of another titan in politics, in the person of his first councilor.
He adds his experience may be a “second best” compared to his opponent but he knows he will have an edge and believes he’s “halfway until the finish line.”
“Siguro, ang katawhan na lang ang mohusga namo giunsa namo pagdala ang siyudad sa Pagadian sa pag-abag sa konseho,” he said.
Challenging Pulmones is Romeo “Romy” Tan, a busybody who has kept above fray all these years. Like Pulmones, he knows he isn’t destined to remain in the backseat forever.
He said he has been waiting for years to take his turn as vice mayor as many believe his long experience indicate good leadership.
It will be now or never, as he disclosed his running as an independent has the backing of the same people he calls a “structured organization” that trust his leadership and experience.
“If I won’t run, there will be no election,” he curtly said.
The first councilor then declared that he is facing the crossroads of his life when the choices he makes determine his future. For while his recent optimism suggest favorable meaning, it has never been tougher.
Tan added that he is running without money. “When I serve, I serve with dignity. I have the backing of the people so that whatever I do, I always have their support,” he said.
Tan knows where the competitive edge is and the pitfalls but he has to be innovative too. Ask if why he is running at this time, he replied there’s much more to do, more projects that need to be implemented and more social legislations to be made.
“Pagadian needs people who are development-oriented. I want to help propel Pagadian not just as a regional center but as a highly urbanized city,” he added.
“All my life I’ve been serving the public by holding key positions. Kung mosugot ang katawhan moserbisyo ko at this age, why not? I know my capability and limitation. Public service is like and imong kaugalingon ang imong i-offer,” Tan said.
Will Pulmones stand back at this one eager mortal?
“Taas akong respeto sa iya. Di pod nako hilig manglabay og lapok. Kung unsa man ang mg sulti gikan sa uban, wala koy labot ana,” was Pulmones’ straightforward reply.
Arguably, Tan is unperturbed with facing Pulmones head on. “I am ready to accept defeat. Duha na lang gud ang akong gihuna-huna—God and the people of Pagadian City,” he said.
“Ma-zero gani ko, dili na ko mopuyo sa Pagadian,” he quipped.
REPORT BY JONG CADION & MICHAEL MEDINA
For Romeo “Tata” Pulmones, he has already considered seriously his dream of finishing his term as the council’s presiding officer under Lakas-Kampi.
“My focus is only to help Mayor Sammy Co in all his programs for the city,” was his message to this paper.
“Dili na ko pwede moatras kay ania na man ta sa politika. Nabasa na man ta, maligo na lang ta,” he added, describing his motivation.
Pulmones, a second-termed vice mayor, is not new to politics indeed, being a scion of the well-known Mayor Warlito Pulmones who propelled Pagadian’s dent in the history books with his short stint as this city’s chief executive.
Although Pulmones admits having difficulty in going after his father’s image, he said he makes up for the differences through his determination, youthfulness and honed discipline.
“Usa ra ang akong ipanghambog, ang akong pagkamatinud-anon,” he quips.
No doubt and no fear, as he is running against a well-taken fight of another titan in politics, in the person of his first councilor.
He adds his experience may be a “second best” compared to his opponent but he knows he will have an edge and believes he’s “halfway until the finish line.”
“Siguro, ang katawhan na lang ang mohusga namo giunsa namo pagdala ang siyudad sa Pagadian sa pag-abag sa konseho,” he said.
Challenging Pulmones is Romeo “Romy” Tan, a busybody who has kept above fray all these years. Like Pulmones, he knows he isn’t destined to remain in the backseat forever.
He said he has been waiting for years to take his turn as vice mayor as many believe his long experience indicate good leadership.
It will be now or never, as he disclosed his running as an independent has the backing of the same people he calls a “structured organization” that trust his leadership and experience.
“If I won’t run, there will be no election,” he curtly said.
The first councilor then declared that he is facing the crossroads of his life when the choices he makes determine his future. For while his recent optimism suggest favorable meaning, it has never been tougher.
Tan added that he is running without money. “When I serve, I serve with dignity. I have the backing of the people so that whatever I do, I always have their support,” he said.
Tan knows where the competitive edge is and the pitfalls but he has to be innovative too. Ask if why he is running at this time, he replied there’s much more to do, more projects that need to be implemented and more social legislations to be made.
“Pagadian needs people who are development-oriented. I want to help propel Pagadian not just as a regional center but as a highly urbanized city,” he added.
“All my life I’ve been serving the public by holding key positions. Kung mosugot ang katawhan moserbisyo ko at this age, why not? I know my capability and limitation. Public service is like and imong kaugalingon ang imong i-offer,” Tan said.
Will Pulmones stand back at this one eager mortal?
“Taas akong respeto sa iya. Di pod nako hilig manglabay og lapok. Kung unsa man ang mg sulti gikan sa uban, wala koy labot ana,” was Pulmones’ straightforward reply.
Arguably, Tan is unperturbed with facing Pulmones head on. “I am ready to accept defeat. Duha na lang gud ang akong gihuna-huna—God and the people of Pagadian City,” he said.
“Ma-zero gani ko, dili na ko mopuyo sa Pagadian,” he quipped.
REPORT BY JONG CADION & MICHAEL MEDINA