Rep. Angara eyes Senate seat in 2013

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – Representative Juan Edgardo Angara (lone district of Aurora province) wanted to follow the footsteps of his father, incumbent Senator Edgardo Angara.

In an exclusive interview right after the 158th Bohol Foundation Day celebration last Sunday (July 22), where he was the guest of honor, the young Angara said he is seeking a Senate seat in the May 2013 elections.

Asked what party he would probably belong, he said he is likely to be with the coalition party of P-Noy’s.

Angara, a Harvard educated lawyer, was even mentioned for a couple of times by some speakers in the event as the next senator.

The congressman was full of praises for Bohol’s assets such as its rich history, culture, heritage, tourism potential and the hospitality of the Boholanos even as he lauded Governor Edgar Chatto for making the province what it is today.

Angara said Bohol is not only the heart of the country geographically but the heart of its richness in culture and history, citing the blood compact and friendship forged between native chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish governor-general Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

Bohol, he said, has produced topnotch artists in Yoyoy Villame, who made waves of inspiration and revival of history via his novelty song “Magellan”; actor-director-turned-politician Cesar Montano, a native of Baclayon town; Nonito Donaire, a boxing icon and champion of four weight divisions who hails from San Jose, Talibon town; former President Carlos Polestico Garcia, also of Talibon town; and a little girl Daphne Mandin who wowed the crowd when she sang a Visayan song during the Bohol Foundation Day celebration.

Among the Boholanos that graced the event were Sonia Malazarte Roco, wife of the late senator and education secretary Raul Roco, and former UP president Dr. Jose Abueva.

President Aquino declared Monday (July 23, 2012) as special non-working holiday for all Boholanos in lieu of July 22, Sunday, as Bohol Foundation Day.

Like Siquijor, Bohol became a separate province from Cebu on July 22, 1854. - THE FREEMAN