Leyte’s opposing candidates vow to end poverty

CARIGARA, Leyte, Feb. 17 (PNA) -- Opposing candidates in Leyte’s 2nd legislative district have offered different solutions to poverty as they woo voters in their bid to establish or maintain a political dynasty in the province.

Businessman Henry Ong, who is seeking a seat in the House of Representatives, said the construction of more roads leading to remote villages is the best solution to poverty.

“One thing I noticed in my visit to different areas, especially those located upland is the difficulty of life because of poor access from the town center,” Ong said.

The neophyte politician, a brother of Carigara town Mayor Eduardo Ong, vowed to uplift the economic conditions of poor families in Leyte through sustainable projects.

He also vowed to set up two district offices - one in Carigara town for northern area and one in Dulag town for the southern part of the district.

But veteran politician Rep. Sergio Apostol Apostol claimed that he has done a lot for the second district, which primarily include the concreting of 218 kilometers of primary highway and 455 kilometers of secondary roads.

“Our work now is road widening since we don’t have new roads to construct. I cannot stay stationary and I have to move forward, focusing on livelihood projects and agriculture,” said Apostol who is seeking a fresh three-year term on May 9.

The Leyte solon, who is the current deputy speaker for the Visayas, was a congressman of the district from 1992 to 2001. He started his political career as town councilor of Barugo, Leyte in 1959 then became a member of the Leyte provincial board.

From November 2005 until January 2007, he was the chairman of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) and in 2006 he was appointed as Secretary to the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel during the Arroyo administration.

His wife, Trinidad, a former vice governor and mayor will run as board member. His daughter, Anlie, an incumbent board member, will run as mayor of Carigara town in the bid to regain the family’s control of central Leyte town.

For Apostol, “there is forever” in public service, but Ong believes that “there is always an end to everything and everyone has the right to serve the public.” (PNA)
LAP/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA