PDP-LABAN VP for Northern Mindanao and MRRD-NECC Interim Regional
President Alexander C. Paurom has endorsed a qualified candidate for the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary in the person of lawyer
Franklin Quijano.
Earlier, Senate President Aquilino Martin "Koko" Pimentel III
was said to recognize the former Iligan City mayor as the most qualified and
most experienced person ever to be endorsed for DILG Secretary.
To continue, Paurom shared that Quijano has been in the public service
for almost twenty-five years and known for his platform which is "If you
want to build a Nation, Build a Character". I realize I am more
comfortable with service than being public," which he considers the strong
will of Quijano for the nation.
"In good governance, it had been even greater latitude to make
monumental decisions with lasting consequences. Not infrequently, A Secretary
who lack deep knowledge of true responsive governance can make major mistakes,
as Sueno and Peter La Vina did in their most political undoings. This is why
PDP LABAN-MRRD-NECC had been unified in our position. This is the unity that
can make a valid, a very relevant and responsive local government," he
added.
Paurom added that Quijano "will use his leadership, diplomacy and
negotiating skills to advance DILG into a greater heights as “he knows every
aspect of the local government and can gauge and influence their actions. In
turn, they know him to be both tough and trustworthy – two essential qualities
for dealing with both friends and foes."
"With Quijano's long history of working with the most dedicated
public servants; I expect he will appoint a talented team of experienced
veterans combined with dedicated new faces across the political and geographic
spectrum that represents country's great diversity. This is what capable
leaders like Quijano do so well."
"For all these reasons we endorse Atty. Franklin Quijano. We humbly
urge you, Mr. President, to appoint Mayor Quijano and let him take the helm. He
is the right leader for this trying. As DILG secretary, Mayor Quijano will make
your personal quest as president more fortified and even greater, " Paurom
ended his letter.
Quijano's work experience include, among many, as former chairperson –
GRP Peace Panel for RPMM as well as RPMP-RPA-ABB, city mayor of Iligan from
1998 to 2004, college instructor for 11 years, Economics Department, University
of San Carlos and as a human rights and labor lawyer. (MICHAEL MEDINA)