CURIOUSLY, AND sadly too, they call him “Senate race loser.” Some critics have branded him as “bayaran.” Others describe him as “insane.” Of late, he has been labeled as “pakawala” (“‘Pakawala’ pushing Poe closer to running?” Opinion, 8/24/15). I presume that they know little about the true Rizalito David. I know because he is a friend and a brother in faith.
During a recent executive committee meeting of Kapatiran Party (KP), Brother Lito apologized for not informing us, KP members, of his intention to file a disqualification case against Sen. Grace Poe. During the meeting, he was bombarded with tough questions even after he admitted his misdemeanor. He said that he preferred to “bear his cross” alone and didn’t like to drag the name of the party into the controversy, that he did not have any regrets for his actions, that he did not do it for any pecuniary gain or for image-building, that he did it to uphold the rule of law. At the end of the day, his apology was kindly accepted.
Admittedly, he is a Senate race loser. But, just like me, during the campaign he worked his heart out convincing people to vote for him and the other KP candidates. His consolation from that campaign is that he made people aware of crucial issues like the Reproductive Health bill, political dynasty, freedom of information, and the need for platform- and principles-based politics in the country.
Naturally, he wanted to win, but though he failed, he says he feels gratified at the thought that he was instrumental in the conversion of people and in bringing back God to the center of politics. Being a loser is not a barrier for him in his mission to evangelize the Philippine political realm.
I wish Brother Lito all the best as I share his prayer to establish a government led by God-fearing people with unimpeachable integrity.
—REGINALD B. TAMAYO, vice president, North Luzon, Kapatiran Party