Thursday, November 08, 2007 Escudero: Tennis prexy tops barangay poll By Edcer Escudero Wit or without
YOU cannot put a good man down. This saying most probably explains the reelection of Gil de Manuel as councilman of Barangay 9-A in Davao City.
De Manuel not only retained his council seat, he also topped the election last October 29. He won a second term, a victory he richly deserves and a reward for an outstanding performance during his first three-year term. He chaired the infrastructure committee.
What makes Gil de Manila tick? What contributed to his remarkable success at the polls? The following relevant factors will give us a good look at this poll top-notcher:
1) He's a good man. He's good not in the limited sense of being just the opposite of bad. He's good in the sense of being credible and acceptable to the voters.
This was his strongest selling point as a candidate. He was not hard to "sell" or promote or campaign for. In short, he was a very "sellable" political commodity.
2) He's a genuinely sincere man. His sincerity mirrors a kind heart, a humane character and a man of conscience.
3) He's a true human being - "totoong tao." What you see is what you get, as the saying goes. He's not a "plastic" man who smiles when he faces you, but frowns when he turns his back. He's neither a "lastikman" who gives his word today, then takes it back the next day.
4) He's a principled man. "May prinsipyo." He stands by his word, by his belief, by his commitment. He doesn't compromise or decide for convenience. His simplistic philosophy is "Deal or No Deal."
Deal, if it is for the common good; no deal, if it is against public interest.
5) He's a very determined person. He takes problems as challenges that must be met head-on, and difficulties as opportunities to showcase one's talents and capabilities.
6) He's capable, approachable, amiable, but not negotiable (his principles, that is).
7) He's a true sportsman, a respected tennis player who respects the rules of the game as well as his fellow tennisters. He's president of the Davao Capitol Tennis Club.
8) He's a multifaceted man. He was once an integral part of a power company in Davao City where he spent the best years of his productive life. He's now a successful businessman.
To his family, he's a "man for all season." To his one and only wife, he's simply amazing. To his friends, he's a nice and very likeable guy who appreciates true friendship and camaraderie.
Kagawad Gil de Manuel, you are on the spot. Take a bow.
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Choice Quote: Politics is not dirty. It's the politicians who are. (WOW)
