Former Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim has advised his nephew, John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, to develop a comprehensive program of action if he intends to run for the position of first district congressman.
In a radio interview over DYTR hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy, Lim emphasized that Congress is not the place for sports enthusiasts, highlighting the absence of basketball courts in the plenary hall.
Lim’s remarks were a pointed reference to Yap’s well-known focus on sponsoring sports competitions across the first district.
Yap, who has declared his intent to run for congressman, is related to Lim through his mother, who is Lim’s sister. Baba Yap had served as city mayor of Tagbilaran from 2013 to 2022 before his wife, Jane, got elected into the same position in 2022.
Despite his familial connection, Lim refrained from endorsing his nephew for the upcoming elections.
Instead, he urged Yap to formulate a solid program that goes beyond sports.
“There is a significant difference between being a mayor and a congressman,” Lim stated. “Focusing solely on sports would be a huge folly.”
Lim also questioned Yap’s motivations for running against the incumbent Congressman Edgar Chatto.
He acknowledged Chatto’s health issues but praised his legislative performance, comparing him favorably to previous congressmen.
“Chatto is like a well-sharpened bolo,” Lim said, using a local metaphor to describe Chatto’s effectiveness. “He has the experience and capability to deliver for the people of the first district.”
Chatto, who has previously completed a nine-year term as congressman and served three terms as governor of Bohol, has faced numerous challenges during his tenure. These include the devastating 2013 earthquake and the Abu Sayyaf incursion in 2017. Despite these hurdles, Lim asserted that Chatto has been superb in his role as a legislator.
As the 2025 election season approaches, Lim’s comments have added a new dimension to the political landscape in Bohol’s first district.
While Yap’s focus on sports has garnered him popularity at the local level, Lim’s advice underscores the need for a broader legislative agenda to address the diverse needs of the constituency.
Baba Yap has yet to respond publicly to his uncle’s scathing remarks.