Sergio Apostol to run anew as 2nd district rep
Apostol
By Eden Benusa-Reyes and Ronald Reyes
At 72, there is no retiring for former representative Sergio Apostol in the political arena in 2nd congressional district of Leyte.
In an exclusive interview, Apostol confirmed his plan after Lakas-Kampi-CMD, the ruling administration party, threw support into his bid.
He had also decided after getting much of the “pulse” from his leaders during his visits around the barangays (villages) in the district.
“I have received convincing support from my leaders and constituents in my dialogues with them. I know they will not fail me.”
Being the party choice, Apostol is confident that he will easily make it again this 2010 election.
He also expressed this enthusiasm especially that he is also earning support from major incumbent leaders in the district, like the Petillas.
When asked for comment about his rumored opponent, Engr. Ashley Alvero, Apostol said that he is not worried because Alvero has been a “no show” in the 2nd district for quite some time.
“Maybe Ashley realized that his supposed leaders only made him a “milking cow,” Apostol added.
PRIORITIZING LIVELIHOOD
Meanwhile, Apostol declared that his return to be the district’s representative would focus on livelihood.
“I am now more concerned on livelihood considering that bridges and road constructions in the district are in place. This development will pave the way for more trades and investments in our area so our constituents would not leave our district and their families to get jobs somewhere else.”
With this on his mind, Apostol said that he is serious in pushing for the completion of the already declared Economic Zone located in Barugo.
He added that having an economic zone on its place investments surely follow.
He however lamented that this development should have been operational already only that other politicians prevented it for their own vested interest.
Apostol confided that he has already started asking some businessmen to invest in the said area.
“The towns of Carigara and Barugo will be the center for commerce. On the other hand, Burauen and Dagami will be for mining.”
On “Erap”
When asked for his comment on former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada’ s intention to run again for the presidency, he said that he also had some reservations for him.
“His running is controversial, not only because of the “pardon” granted to him, but also because of the Constitution itself.”
He said that as far as the Philippine Constitution is concerned he is prohibited, though his lawyers believed that he can run again.
He is also assured that by the time Estarada file his candidacy people will also file disqualification case against him.
On the hindsight, Apostol said that he is willing to welcome Estrada in case he will visit his district.
“I will meet him at the airport, but I will not go with him,” he said.
To recall, Apostol stood as lead prosecutor in the impeachment proceedings against Estrada for bribery cases in Nov. 2000-January 2001. Estrada was eventually convicted and was put into house-arrest. However Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted him pardon soon thereafter.
Maturity and Experience
Without a doubt, Apostol’s political comeback is banked on his maturity and experience with regards to leadership and governance.
Prior to his current post as a consultant of the Social Securty System (SSS), he had served as Pres. Arroyo’s presidential chief legal council.
He is also the former Chairman and President/CEO of Philippine National Oil Company -Energy Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC) in April 2001.
He served as Rep. of Leyte’s 2nd district in 1992-2001.
He had also held position as professor of Law and Pre-bar reviewer at UP, Ateneo, UST, FEU, and Leyte Colleges.
He had authored numerous law books. He had been cited many times as Most Outstanding Congressman.
He started his political career as municipal councilor in the town of Barugo, Leyte in 1959 until he became a member in Provincial board in Leyte, then as an executive judge, district judge, and city fiscal in Quezon City.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
It was learned that his wife, Hon. Trinidad “Ebbie” Apostol who is now on her last term in Congress would run as mayor of Carigara.
While their daughter, Anlie Apostol, the incumbent Carigara mayor, amy run as board member in the 2nd district of Leyte.
