Del Mars sad but proud of Cuenco

CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu City congressman Antonio Cuenco, who has just announced his retirement from politics, left a legacy to Cebuanos that other veteran politicians like former congressman Raul del Mar are proud of and will remember him by.

In a joint statement, Raul and his daughter, incumbent North District Representative Rachel “Cutie”del Mar, said that they are saddened by Cuenco’s announcement.

“Rep. Cutie and I are saddened to hear former congressman Tony Cuenco’s announcement ending what had been an illustri ous congressional career encompassing about 28 years, 20 in this current congress, and eight in the old,” the elder del Mar said.

Cuenco announced that he will no longer pursue reelection in Congress next year through a letter to Mayor Michael Rama that his son, James Cuenco, read before barangay officials, Team Rama members and the media last Friday.

“He has done us, Cebuanos, proud with his achievements, especially his being one of the few opposition members who bravely fought the formidable forces of the disctatorship during the dark years of martial law,” read the joint statement of former congressman Raul del Mar and Rep. Cutie.

“Congressman Tony put his life on the line for freedom and democracy as one of the reliable allies of our hero Ninoy Aquino,” the del Mars added.

Cuenco said that his decision was triggered by his health condition that he said is preventing him to join political activities and gatherings. In his letter to Rama, Cuenco said his Vertigo problem has recurred and his doctor, Dr. Manuel Lim, advised him to refrain from further exposing himself to strenuous activities.

Cuenco’s eldest son, James, said that it was a family decision a day before his father left for Jakarta where his office as Secretary General of the ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is based.

As the elder Cuenco said in his letter to Rama, he is finally giving up to the constant begging of his family for him to spend his time to them after almost three decades in public service.

Cuenco was one of those who stood against the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos during the Martial Law years. At one point in his life he was a political detainee for standing against the tyrannical rule of the Philippine’s greatest dictator.

The former congressman was one of those who started the very first resistance against the Marcos regime. He was a good friend of the slain Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.

Cuenco was first elected in the House at the age of 29.

This 77-year-old former lawmaker, according to his son, wants to go back to broadcasting in the radio and television like what he used to do during his prime years.

Also, Cuenco is offered the position of ASEAN Deputy Secretary General for next year, James said, although nothing is final yet. — (FREEMAN)