A PHILANTHROPIST and respected political leader in Sulu province, Dr. Sakur Tan – also known as Datu Shahbandar – has returned from a hiatus to run as governor in the midterm elections.
Tan, who served as governor several times and vice governor of Sulu, after winning elections impressively, now takes on a new role to lead the province into a more progressive and peaceful place for his constituents.
The Tan patriarch, a strong ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, filed his certificate of candidacy on October 17 along with his sons – incumbent governor Toto Tan who is running for vice governor, and Samier Tan, who is seeking a congressional seat and be able – if he wins – to craft laws that would be beneficial to both Muslims and Christians, and other indigenous groups in the country as well.
A large crowd of supporters gathered outside the Commission on Elections in Patikul town just to see Tan and his group – his official line up for the elections – and wished them the best in the polls. Team Tan and his slate are expected – like in previous elections – to win because of their untarnished records, dedication to serve the public and the respect and strong support they get from the locals.
Tan vowed to continue the programs and projects and many accomplishments of the incumbent governor. “I will continue the many provincial government programs and projects such as in the field of education, health and livelihood, infrastructure, fisheries and agriculture and more support structures to ensure the success of all these,” he said.
Under the present administration of his son, peace and order has further improved as compared to the last two decades and business activities have drastically increased and hasten the flow of trade between Sulu and other provinces resulting to better economy.
The Tan patriarch had set a strong foundation of good governance and “true public service” during his time compared to the past administrations of Benjamin Loong and Yusop Jikiri. And both politicians had tried to make a comeback in previous elections, but had been rejected by the people many times over, and so with other politicians who have only personal and vested interests.
In Davao City, incumbent Mayor Sara Duterte is also seeking re-election with brother Sebastian as her vice mayor, and another sibling, Paolo, running for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Governor Mujiv Hataman, of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is running for Congress to represent his province, Basilan; and his wife, Djalia, who was former Anak Mindanao party-list representative, is also seeking the mayoralty post in Isabela City, also in Basilan.
In Zamboanga City, Mayor Beng Climaco, is also seeking re-election with Council member Rommel Agan as her vice mayor. Agan’s father, Vitaliano, also served as mayor of Zamboanga. (Mindanao Examiner)
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