For Eddiegul, heart to serve weighs more

CEBU, Philippines – Instead of dwelling on a candidate’s age, voters should instead look into his or her willingness and competence to serve.

This was how former congressman Eduardo Gullas reacted to calls for him to withdraw his mayoral comeback attempt in Talisay City next year, owing to alleged age and health concerns.

“Lumba diay ni sa dagan? Pero pwede ra man pud og mao na ang criteria pagka-mayor kay pwede ra man ko bisan basketball, swimming o dagan,” said the veteran politician, who is also known as “Eddiegul.”

Talisay City Mayor Johny De los Reyes, a reelectionist in 2016, earlier said voters should think twice before choosing Gullas, citing the latter’s age. Gullas is 85 years old.

De los Reyes added he is willing to get Gullas as his adviser if ever he will win again.

While thankful for the offer, the former congressman and former Talisay City mayor, however, declined.

What’s more important, he said, is to give service to the people and to satisfy them.

Gullas also denied allegations that because he was weak, he was reportedly accompanied when he filed his certificate of candidacy before the Commission on Elections two weeks ago.

“I feel stronger man gani kun buot huna-hunaon,” he said.

Gullas also said it will be up to the constituents to choose the better leader.

“Let’s admit it, building a city is no different from building a building. In order for a building to be enduring, it needs a good foundation,” he said.

He then claimed that during his term as a mayor in 2001, he was able to build 17 schools and implemented other projects in the city.

He also said the Talisay City College, which now accommodates less fortunate students, was first pushed and realized during his incumbency. (FREEMAN)