On Monday, January 24, Quezon City mayoral candidate Mike Defensor during a press conference shared a story on how his daughter Mica cried just to prevent him from running for public office.
Her reason, according to the politician, is to make up for lost time with his children.
“Sabi niya, ‘Dad, ‘wag ka na pong tumakbo. Okay ka na naman sa Congress. At least you have the time. ‘Pag nag-mayor ka…’ kasi meron po akong anak na five years old eh. Sabi niya, ‘Mawawalan ka nang oras.’ So umiyak ho siya,” he shared.
Defensor explained to his daughter that he is running as mayor in order to serve the residents of QC. He made Mica realize the difference between her and other children who are not as privileged as she was.
“So sabi ko sa anak ko na ikaw lahat p’wede sa’yo pero itong mga batang ito, walang choice. Itong mga batang ito, hindi alam ang mga mangyayari. Umikot ka tignan mo rin and eventually na-realize ng anak ko na talagang may pangangailangan sa Quezon City.”
The congressman then clarified why he is running against incumbent QC Mayor Joy Belmonte in this coming election. He said it is “for the people” that need his service.
“Ang siguro sa akin na lang po is to really help out. Na kapag medyo nandoon ka na sa deathbed mo, alam mo na yung naging purpose mo in life, [and] you were able to help many people. Mahirap po, talagang it will… parang ano siya test of your physical, mental capacity. But you have to do it because by doing so you are providing better lives for people.”
This was not the first time that one of Defensor’s children opposed him to be a public servant.
In 2020, during the ABS-CBN’s franchise hearing, his daughter Mikee had a different opinion from her father. She was in favor of the Network having its franchise renewed, while her dad was against it.
