Help from old friends! Sec. Dureza Lends Support As Senior Campaign Adviser

Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, former Press Secretary and Peace Adviser to three Presidents, my former editor in the Mindanao Times and a friend for 50 years now, has joined my quest for a seat in the Philippine Senate as my Senior Campaign Adviser.

Sec. Dureza’s presence in my campaign team, composed mostly of young farmers led by Gabriel Hebron Francisco, Outstanding OFWs led by Bagong Bayani Awardee Arnel Corpuz, leading Cebu City doctor Rowena Burden and journalist Salven Lagumbay, brothers, nephews, nieces and friends, will surely boost our campaign which is operating on a shoestring budget.

I was a 17-year-old aspiring writer when I met Jess Dureza, who was then editor of the Mindanao Times, a publication of the University of Mindanao with Chuck Nuñez as publisher.

Jess had just passed the Bar that year placing 9th, one of the topnotchers and publisher Chuck Nuñez asked him to handle the community newspaper.

At that time, I had just learned the rudiments of newswriting from veteran Davao City journalist Antonio Ajero and I was desperately looking for a job to pay for my boarding house and buy food.

He took me in as a cub reporter but I also helped in the delivery of the weekly newspaper along with Sir Jess’ younger brother, Bobot.

Jess Dureza guided me in my young journalistic career and when I entered politics in 1995, he was one of the key people in the inner circle of President Fidel V. Ramos who helped me.

He also served as Peace Adviser to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and President Rody Duterte, who later appointed him as Special Envoy to the European Union after he resigned as OPAPP Secretary.

If by God’s grace, I would win a seat in the Philippine Senate, I would be greatly assisted by Sec. Dureza in supporting the efforts to sustain the peace gains achieved by the Duterte Administration in Mindanao.

Madamo gid nga salamat, Sir Jess.

#FriendsForever!

#SustainingGainsOfPeace!