Political Prisoner Runs for Councilor in Cebu

He has been in jail for three years as a political prisoner. Now he wishes to spend the next three years as a public servant in his hometown. Behind bars since May 2004, Jigger Geverola, 30, a political prisoner detained in a prison facility in the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Cebu, is officially the first political prisoner in this province to run for public office.

By Karen Papellero
Bulatlat

He has been in jail for three years as a political prisoner. Now he wishes to spend the next three years as a public servant in his hometown. Behind bars since May 2004, Jigger Geverola, 30, a political prisoner detained in a prison facility in the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Cebu, is officially the first political prisoner in this province to run for public office. He filed last March 27 his certificate of candidacy for councilor in Argao, a municipality in the southern part of Cebu province. He is running as an independent candidate.  REACHING OUT, FROM BEHIND BARS: Jigger Geverosa is running for councilor – the first political prisoner to run for public office in Cebu – and reaches out to his fellow townsfolk from behind the bars. PHOTO BY KAREN PAPELLERO

"In my three years in prison, I have broadened my horizons,” Geverola said. “I have seen that no bars, real or otherwise, can hinder my idealism and principles. I am a prisoner, but that does not mean I cannot serve my fellowmen in public office.”

A track record of struggle and service 

As an active member of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) in a university in Cebu where he studied Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and later on, Bachelor of Arts in Socio-Anthroplogy, he was already aware of the different social issues and problems around him.  

This led him to decide to work as a community organizer in the different areas in Cebu among the farmers, workers, fisher folk and urban poor. His dedication and commitment in helping marginalized communities struggle against poverty, landlessness and other economic and political issues have made him well-known among the townspeople.

Expectedly, he also earned the ire of the people he was fighting against and was suspected of being a “rebel.”  

He was arrested on two charges of rebellion in Danao City, in the northern part of Cebu and an arson case in the southern city of Toledo in May 2004.  

Prison woes: first-hand experience  

In the congested Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) where he was first detained, he continued fighting, this time against oppressive rules and unjust conditions imposed upon his fellow prisoners – particularly against the inhuman and restrictive policies of security consultant Byron Garcia and his sister, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. 

Hunger strikes and other means of protests were being led by Geverola inside the facility to oppose policies such as limited sunning time, no-visitation rules, no meal rations and the deteriorating facilities of the prison due to congestion. He was also adept at exposing such issues to the local media. 

The prison administration then transferred him, in isolation, to be detained at the Central Command of the AFP in March 2005. From July 27, 2006 to January 24, 2007, he was only rationed one meal a day. After the said period, his food rations were stopped altogether. His daily subsistence has since been provided for by his family. 

"In the face of widespread corruption in the government especially through the local units, I realized how important it is for the local officials to speak out against such brazenness,” he said. “The silence of the local leaders against the corruption and oppression of the government, especially the Garcia administration, is deafening.” 

"I want to help the local political leaders in defeating the Garcias,” he said. (Gov. Gwen Garcia is seeking re-election. Her father and brother, Pabling Garcia and Pablo John Garcia, respectively, are vying for Congressional seats in their respective districts.) “With my firsthand experience of the way CPDRC was run by Byron Garcia and the style of governance of the Garcias, I am emboldened to do what I can to loosen their hold on the province.” 

Justice, Integrity, Good Governance, Grassroots Development, Equality, Responsibility (JIGGER)

Because he was born in Argao and worked there as a community organizer, Geverola’s alternative programs are rooted in his understanding of the needs and issues of the place.  

His programs for the municipality include improving the baranggay (village) judicial systems through the traditional settlements and dialogues among the barangay residents. Argao has the second-highest number of prisoners in CPDRC among the municipalities in Cebu.  

He also sees the importance of having municipal jail facilities and systems in order to decongest the jails and bring the prisoners closer to their families in order to help in their rehabilitation. He envisions that municipal-run jails can mean better facilities and more humane treatment of the inmates.

Other programs include improvement of the municipal treasury and taxation, bringing the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) sessions to the baranggay levels to enhance participatory governance, empowerment through scientific and relevant educational system, focused on agriculture and providing opportunities and assistance for small and medium entrepreneurs in the mechanization of agriculture.

He also emphasized balanced development of the coastal towns and mountain baranggays vis-à-vis the boom found in the urbanized areas, such as Cebu City.  

How confident is he of realizing his plans?  

"I am idealistic but I am also realistic,” he explained. “I do not expect my programs to be fully realized right then and there. It also depends on the cooperation of the other officials. One has to have creative strategies to push and assert one's programs.” 

Election campaign, prison-style

Geverola admitted that being in prison somehow works in his favor. All it takes is a dose of creativity and flexibility.

His unique circumstance can earn him the sympathy of the voters. With his being incarcerated, the local media is also keen on following his virtual campaign trail, ensuring him name recall. He was even called the Cebuano version of Gregorio Honasan and Antonio Trillanes IV, senatorial candidates who are both conducting their campaigns from jail. He is also the only candidate in their place who has a clear stand on issues and program of government and at the same time being able to air and expose it. He also utilizes the Internet in publicizing his programs and plans.

On the other hand, there is also difficulty when it comes to the traditional styles of campaigning, such as attending sorties, house-to-house visits and other means of establishing one's presence in the election race.

However, his family, friends and supporters are also doing their part in getting publicity and exposure for Geverola, aside from filing a motion to campaign in court.

Even the local officials in the area welcome his bid for election.

Argao's incumbent vice mayor, Zena Sesaldo expressed her approval of Geverola’s plans and believed him to be largely capable of helping the town. 

An Argao councilor, Mariglen Lucero, approached Geverola’s wife in a gathering and welcomed his candidacy. “Maayo kayo na nga plano nga modagan si Jigger” (It is a very good thing that Jigger will run for office), the councilor said.

For now, the young political prisoner places his hopes on his idealism, commitment and desire to be of service to the people of Argao – even with the bars before him. Bulatlat

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