Atty. Levi Baligod first gained huge notice as lawyer of Benhur Luy, the principal whistle-blower in the controversial Pork Barrel Scam involving Janet Lim-Napoles and several big-name politicians.
He has since earned status as fierce anti-graft advocate.
Asked whom he would pick to portray him if and when his story is made into a movie, the lawyer was quick to mention Richard Gomez.
“Kasi si Richard, kasing itim ko,” he explained with a laugh.
He went on to profess admiration for Richard not only as an actor but also as Representative of Leyte’s 4th district.
“He is doing a great job. Sila nang asawa niya, si Lucy Torres-Gomez na mayor ngayon sa Ormoc,” he related.
Levi vied for a seat in the Senate in 2016 but lost.
He related how difficult the experience was for him.
“Ang political culture kasi dito sa atin tinitingnan nila either ‘yung sikat o ‘yung may kakayahan in terms of resources. ‘Yung kaya makapaglagay ng streamers sa buong bansa. Wala tayong ganu’n kaya mahirap.”
With several actors now sitting as lawmakers, we asked Levi if he approve of the same.
“Wala namang problema doon,” he answered. “Unang-una hindi naman bawal sa kanila ang pumasok sa politika. Pero ang public service ay isang mabigat na obligasyon, isang mabigat na responsibilidad. Kung sa tingin ng kandidato ay kaya niyang bitbitin ang responsibilidad ng isang government official ay pupuwede naman. Ang pakiusap ko lang sa mga tumatakbo, and not only actors, actresses, but everyone, dapat tayo ay maging role models, we should not just dreams to become leaders of this country, we must endeavor to become role models.”
Levi is now hoping to serve as representative of Leyte’s fifth district.
“Mahirap ang buhay doon,” he said. “Marami ang kapuspalad. I believe that I have the right tools to change that. If given the chance, makakatulong tayo na baguhin ang buhay ng mga tao doon.”
Levi promotes transparency in all government projects to ensure that public funds are used judiciously.
Baligod cited as example allegations against Ako-Bicol Representative Zaldy Co who was removed on January 13, as chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, amid controversies over budget cuts and alleged pork barrel funds.
