An icon of decency and dignity

Today, at 4pm, in the historic Casino Español, Cebu City, Vice Governor Hilario Davide III will take his oath of office in the loving presence of his proud father, retired chief justice Hilario Davide Jr., and his dignified mother, former UP academician Virginia Perez Davide, as well as his wife and children and all his family members, friends, relatives, and admirers. He is an honest and decent man.

Born on August 25, 1964, the vice governor came to this world on a Wednesday. His zodiac sign is Virgo, which explains why he is very cautious in analyzing events, circumstances, and personalities. He is very prudent in the use of public funds and weighs carefully his options before he makes decisions. That is why he is misunderstood as quite slow and too deliberative. But he just wants to make sure that all the facts are in before he acts. This makes him fit for the judiciary if and when he decides to leave politics to people like the governor, who is very fast, dynamic, and aggressive. Yet the two are a perfect team. The vice governor is contemplative and discerning which is good because he presides over the legislative body. Let the governor be action driven because that is her job, to execute policies and plans. The vice governor is the thinker, contemplative and reflective.

Vice Governor Junjun, as he is fondly called by the people who love and admire him, this writer included, was born in the year of the Monkey. As such, he is someone who would never hurt people out of spite. But with a quick caveat; he would never allow people to escape unpunished whenever they betray his trust. People under this sign are serene, contented, and poised. They are never rattled and they manifest a certain degree of confidence and inner strength. They are highly principled and could even be stubborn in their beliefs. But they have a silent charm and charisma. But people born under this sign are trustworthy and honest. I know the governor as one who always keeps his word. When he says yes, it is yes. When he just smiles and doesn’t respond, it is a no.

The vice governor has been a solid member of the Liberal Party since 2004 and is affiliated with the local BAKUD political aggrupation since 2019. Although belonging to another party, the governor observed that in the last three years, the vice governor has been supportive of her advocacies and legislative agenda. During the COVID-19 crisis, the vice governor never blocked measures sponsored by the majority in the Provincial Board. He worked harmoniously with all officials, always respectful and decent in his interactions with all political leaders. That is why even his political rivals respect and admire him. He was elected governor twice, defeating two brothers of the governor; Pablo John Garcia, now representing the 3rd District, and former GSIS head Winston. But Vice Governor Junjun never brags about his accomplishments. His words speak for themselves.

One character that endears him to people is his humility. He is always polite and courteous to all, even the lowly and unknown. His character is not only determined by his zodiac sign. He was brought up by his parents well, he was sent to the best schools and exposed to the most appropriate environment. He is an alumnus of both the University of San Carlos and his dad's alma mater and his mom's working home, University of the Philippines in Diliman and in Lahug, Cebu City, respectively. A lawyer with the highest standards of ethics and decorum, an honest and hardworking public servant, a devoted husband and loving father, and a very worthy son of very appreciative and proud parents. I treat him as a brother and a friend.

Vice Governor Junjun has the perfect combination of the traits of other famous people born under the sign of Monkey; former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, singer Rod Stewart, actress Jennifer Aniston, former British prime minister Theresa May, actor Will Smith, and multi-awarded actor Tom Hanks. It is an honor to have been invited to his special occasion. I should have been 18 hours and 43 minutes away in Orlando, Florida. But he is truly my best friend and his dad is my original idol. I wish the vice governor all the best, and I am praying for his happiness and good health. So help him, God.