Shimura still uncertain on political plans

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Fourth District Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura is set to fly to Japan to visit and ask for his biological father’s opinion on his political plans.

Shimura said his dad’s view would help shape his decision to whether or not run anew for mayor of Daanbantayan town in northern Cebu, the territory of the board member’s stepdad, incumbent Mayor Vicente Loot.

Shimura served as the town mayor from 2007 to 2010 before he was elected as a board member. He is serving his last term as a provincial legislator.

“The final decision will also depend on my father in Japan,” he said.

Shimura opted not to disclose his exact travel schedule for various reasons, including security.  But he said it would be this year.

The mid-term elections are slated for May 2019.

Aside from his real dad’s opinion, Shimura said he would also consider the views of his own family, his mother, former Daanbantayan mayor  Maria Luisa Loot, and stepdad, and his political party, the National Unity Party.

Shimura said his stepdad may no longer seek re-election next year due to security threats.

Vicente is serving his first term as the town mayor.

Vicente and his family survived an ambush last May at the town’s port.

However, two drivers, a nanny and a porter were wounded after five unidentified armed men opened fire at Loot and his family.

The mayor, a retired police general, believed that the attack was related to the issue of illegal drugs being linked to him by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte tagged Vicente as a “narco general.”

Following the ambush and other threats, Shimura said it would also be possible that none of their family members would run for the mayoral seat.

"We only have one life. Ang public service puwede man na mabalikan," he said. — KBQ  (FREEMAN)