Bishop Emeritus Pedro Arigo, former apostolic vicar of Puerto Princesa, expressed his confidence in Joaquin Ortega’s ability to continue the advocacies of his late father, Dr. Gerry Ortega.
In an interview with Palawan News, Arigo said the younger Ortega embodies the principles and values of his father, who was a staunch environmentalist and anti-corruption advocate.
“Ang kagandahan niyan eh, itong si Joaquin, kamukhang-kamukha niya ang tatay niya. At palagay ko yung mga damdamin at kaisipan ni Gerry, namana ng anak,” he said.
“Kaya kung gusto natin na mapagpatuloy yung laban ni Gerry, ay ito, tamang-tama itong anak niya, ang papalit sa kanyang sapatos,” he stressed.
Arigo returned to Palawan to commemorate the 14th anniversary of Ortega’s assasination, where he officiated a mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
“Si Gerry ang perfect example ng isang mabuting kristiyano. Makadiyos, makabayan, makatao at makakalikasan,” he described in his homily.
Dr. Gerry Ortega was a vocal critic of corruption and a defender of Palawan’s natural resources.
The retired prelate highlighted the importance of continuing these advocacies.
“Ang magandang pag-alaala kay Gerry ay ang pagpapatuloy ng kanyang mga advocacy,” said Arigo.
“Ang ginagawa ni Gerry ay di naman para sa sarili niya, para ‘yan sa tao, lalong-lalo na yung paglaban sa corruption at tsaka yung advocacy niya para sa pag-aalaga ng environment,” he added.
Arigo also expressed concern over the growing number of mining operations in Palawan, emphasizing the need for stronger political will and education for the youth.
“Siguro ang kailangan natin ay more political will na talagang yung mga theories natin tungkol sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan ay ma-put into action. Lalong-lalo na napaka-importante yung educational component… mauunawaan nila ang kahalagahan ng kalikasan, lalong-lalo na yung bearing nito sa kanilang kinabukasan,” he noted.
While Arigo believes Joaquin Ortega is well-equipped to continue his father’s fight, he also called on voters to be responsible and discerning, stressing the importance of moral integrity in leadership.
“Maging responsible, intelligent voters. Magsuring mabuti, hindi porket kaibigan, hindi porket may utang na loob, hindi porket may pera. Tingnan niyo yung qualifications—ito ba ay talagang… ang unang dapat tingnan ngayon, yung moral integrity,” he urged.
He also reminded voters of the essence of public service.
“Public servants sila eh. Servant, nagse-serve, hindi nagte-take advantage, hindi nagma-manipulate, hindi nagiging boss, kundi servant,” he said.
Now retired at 86, Bishop Arigo served as apostolic vicar of Palawan from 1996 to 2016. He is known for his advocacy for environmental protection, social justice, and good governance.
During his tenure, he partnered with organizations like the Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI) to oppose large-scale mining and sustainable stewardship. He also provided spiritual guidance to Kilusan Love Malampaya, advocating for Palawan’s rightful share in the Malampaya Gas Project revenues.
