TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Doxson Asoy of San Isidro town proved he is a man of honor after he stepped down from the Provincial Board.
The SK federation president of the province sits as an ex-officio member of the Provincial Board.
Asoy’s resignation was meant to honor an agreement between him and Jethro Imboy, his vice-president, for a 50-50 sharing of power at the Board. Imboy, son of Mayor Rosermarie Lim-Imboy and Board Member Brigido Imboy, is the SK Federation head of Loay.
The resignation is also part of a 50-50 term-sharing deal on the president’s seat of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Bohol Chapter Mayor Imboy and Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes forged before provincial officials.
Cajes earlier assumed as LMP head succeeding Mayor Imboy.
“I shall go back to my mountain hide-out and strengthens my encampments for a better and brighter future outside politics,” Asoy said during his farewell speech.
Observers, however, question if Imboy would enjoy a longer term as SK Federation President than Asoy if no election will happen next year. If this happens, the supposed 50-50 term sharing scheme would be defeated.
The Congress is in the process of deliberating a proposed bill extending the term of SK officials nationwide, apparently for economic reasons. The SK elections have been set for next year, originally.
As acknowledgment of his contribution and participation in the law-making work of the Provincial Board, Vice-Governor Concepcion Lim presented Asoy a plaque of appreciation.
Asoy expressed gratitude to his mentors who he fondly calls “formidable giants,” including Governor Edgar Chatto. He said his mentors and fellow legislators have taught him “the real meaning of political will and determination.”
His one year and three months stint at PB member reportedly made him “10 years older” in terms of experiences and perspectives. To his parents, he said, “I never heard from them that I am no good of anything” either.
Asoy said his service will continue at his hometown, as his stint as PB member has opened his eyes to stark realities and rampant inequalities, including poverty, high cost of living, poor health care, school drop-outs, drug addiction, unemployment, graft and corruption, and red tape.
Asoy dared Imboy: “You may you also have that fiery ideal, immovable enduring will that shall motivate you in confronting the crisis of our society and find the answers to the many questions that the youth are faced with.” - /JMO