Danilo Lim eyes running for president in 2010

BAYOMBONG, Philippines – Whether aiming for national office or as mayor of Nueva Vizcaya’s premier town of Solano, the name Magdalo is believed by some quarters here to be the magic that will launch another detained military general to a new career as public servant. Supporters and relatives of Army Brig. General Danilo Lim, the national chairman of the Magdalo, have revealed that his plan to run for president might push through in next year’s elections. Married to a member of a politically influential family here, Lim has reportedly disclosed his political plans to his brother-in-law Nicanor Tiongson, who confirmed that they will be supporting him (Lim) all the way whether for the presidency or a lower elective position. Tiongson’s revelation was backed by former Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade Norberto Santiago Jr, who is a native of neighboring capital town of Bayombong and national vice president of the Samahang Magdalo, the rebel group’s civilian arm. “If General Lim is going to run for any elective position, Samahang Magdalo will definitely support him all out," said Santiago, who is now based in Nueva Vizcaya. Born to a poor family from Solano, Lim, who was close to then Colonel Gregorio Honasan, and former head of Army’s 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, co-founded the Young Officers Union which figured in a series of military uprisings during the Aquino administration. Earlier, reports of Lim eyeing a Senate seat or the mayorship of this premier town were welcomed by many residents. “The country needs change and with his integrity, we can expect General Lim to lead us to a better future," said a longtime Solano resident. “But we hope that General Lim will not suffer Senator Trillanes' fate who has yet to serve his term," he added. Lim and Trillanes are presently detained for their involvement in failed attempts to topple the Arroyo administration. After finishing high school, Lim was accepted at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and eventually to the US Military Academy at West Point, New York. His mother worked as a laundrywoman while his father was a porter at the town market. Lim graduated as high school salutatorian in 1972 while working as a house boy. Dr. Marilou Gilo-Abon, who was the class valedictorian, described Lim as a born leader and a very principled man, an adulation echoed by his batchmates at the Catholic-run Saint Louis’ School of Solano and other civic oriented individuals. Worthy opponent Meanwhile, reacting from news reports of Lim’s future political plans, Solano Mayor Philip Dacayo disclosed that Lim will be a worthy opponent once he decides to run for mayor. “He is a good fellow but I think the whole country will benefit more from him if he runs for senator or a higher position, the mayorship is too small for a man of his stature," said Dacayo. Rumors of Lim’s plan to run for public office started after streamers and calendars bearing his face alongside with Trillanes surfaced late last year. Samahang Magdalo membership forms have also started circulating around neighboring towns giving credence that the detained general is bent on pursuing his political plans. - GMANews.TV