Third District Rep. Arthur Yap, one of the few perceived gubernatorial aspirants for the next polls, is still studying where he will be best suited when his last term as congressman expires in 2019.
Yap explained that his next political step will depend on the need of Bohol and the suitability of his programs.
As of now, Yap said he is still studying possible options, but clarified that if he ever goes for the gubernatorial race, it would be based on the suitability of his programs and not dependent on who would be his rivals in the election then.
“Well, I have option to run for gov. I have the option to run for other positions mao nga karon nag-assess ko where I will be best suited. Mao nga no final answer, but I’m already studying it. As I’m working, I’m also studying it,” Yap explained.
When asked if he would still consider the gubernatorial race if Cabinet Sec. Leoncio Evasco Jr. is running, Yap explained that the only reason he would be running for governor is when he would be sure with his programs.
“With all due respect, I don’t want to speculate. I don’t also want to pre-empt Sec. Evasco or any other local candidates nato. For me, consistent with my belief in the past hangtod karon is di ko modagan unless segurado ko sa programa nako,” according to Yap.
He pointed out that his campaigns in the past elections that he had gone through on the strength of his programs and not on the weakness of rivals.
“I always run on the strength of my programs, not on the weakness of the opponents or not to criticize my opponents. I had been consistent in last three elections I went through as congressman, I always get focus on my programs,” Yap said.
Since the gubernatorial race is one of the options that he would possibly take, Yap said he is studying the economy of Bohol and if he could contribute something through his programs.
“I’m trying to study the economy of Bohol very carefully. And if makatabang ko, it does not matter kung kinsa ang modagan, I will go for it,” Yap said
He added that he is also assessing his potentials for other plans.
“But if I think I can be more useful somewhere else, then I will do it. Rest assured, it will be program-based,” Yap said.