ILOILO – Good governance won’t be enough. His administration would also focus on social justice, according to Governor-elect Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. who took his oath of office yesterday before Ilonggo Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza at the provincial capitol lobby.
Ensuring the efficient delivery basic social services is a given, he said, but “those who have less in life should have more in law, and more in the administration of the province of Iloilo.”
Defensor Jr., a lawyer, would officially succeed his father and namesake, Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr., this June 30.
One way of delivering social justice, he said, is achieving food security in the province and creating an environment conducive to the growth of businesses and other economic activities that create employment for the Ilonggos.
“We want to create opportunities for our people not only to survive but to live good, comfortable lives,” added Defensor Jr., the outgoing congressman of the 3rd District.
The governor-elect also said his administration would ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all, especially the poor.
“My work, our work is not only about good governance. It is the administration of justice, social justice that is,” stressed Defensor Jr., addressing his audience that included mayors from various districts.
Achieving social justice, however, would be difficult without everyone’s support, he said, thus he appealed for everybody’s cooperation.
“I cannot do it alone. The administration of social justice needs more than just me. It needs us all,” he stressed.
Defensor Jr. counted on the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) under Vice Gov. Christine Garin – who also took her oath of office before Jardeleza – specifically in crafting ordinances beneficial to all.
Prior to becoming congressman, Defensor Jr. was a member of the SP.
To the mayors, he said, “Please join us in implementing programs that uplift lives such as those of our farmers and fisherfolk. Please join us in improving the barangays, in sharing the wealth and resources of the province.”
The incoming governor also acknowledged the crucial role of the private sector in Iloilo’s development.
“Please join us create resources and wealth that truly improve lives, especially of our farmworkers,” said Defensor Jr.
He also stressed the importance of peace and order in achieving social justice.
“There can be no justice without peace, so please continue to help us,” he said in a broad appeal to the Philippine National Police.
Other incoming provincial government officials who also took their oath of office before Jardeleza yesterday were SP members Valentin Serag and Renee Valencia (1st District), Rolito Cajilig and June Mondejar (2nd District), Matt Palabrica and Jason Gonzales (3rd District), Rolly Distura and Domingo Oso Jr. (4th District), and Carol Espinosa and Darl Tupas (5th District).
Defensor Jr.’s ascension to capitol’s top post is a historic first in the province. He is succeeding his father as provincial chief executive – the first time such kind of succession is taking place in the provincial government of Iloilo.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. is stepping down after three consecutive terms (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019). He was also the governor from 1992 to 2001 before serving as 3rd District congressman from 2001-2010./PN
