“A leader steps forward in moments of crisis, not because they are fearless, but because their compassion compels them.” – Unknown

In times of uncertainty, true leaders often emerge—not out of ambition, but out of a deep sense of responsibility. This sentiment perfectly captures the return of Dr. Eddie Dorotan (popularly known as “Dok Eddie”) to Sorsogon’s political arena. Known for his time as the multi-termed Mayor of Irosin, where he steered the municipality to become an award-winning model of local governance, Dok Eddie had long since left the political stage. However, the mounting challenges in Sorsogon have drawn him back, not out of desire for power, but because his leadership is needed now more than ever.

Last October 7, just a day before the filing deadline for the 2025 elections, I spoke with Dok Eddie. At the time, he was adamant that his political career was behind him. “I’m past being a politician,” he told me, “it’s no longer in my blood.” He was content with the work he had done not just in Irosin but also in other parts of the country through the Galing Pook Foundation and believed his role as a leader had shifted to non-governmental efforts. Yet, the people of Irosin—and Sorsogon more broadly—felt differently. They clamored for his return, believing that he alone could restore what the province had lost.

Irosin in particular and Sorsogon province in general is not what it once was. Under his leadership, Irosin thrived, earning recognition for its progressive governance. The municipal government, under the Dorotan brand of leadership, was able to bag three Galing Pook Awards — the Golden Dove Awards of local governance. These are the “Irosin Integrated Area Development Program” in 1994; the “Irosin Agrarian Reform Program” in 1997; and, the “Irosin Inter-Barangay Environmental Development Program” in 1998. He was also able to stabilize the financial standing of the local government and left with a budget overdraft of over P13M by the previous administration  as well as raised the municipality from a 6th class status to 3rd class.

In contrast, the current political dynamics between the municipal government and the provincial leadership have hampered the efficient delivery of services. Current Irosin Mayor Pidoy Cielo has made efforts, but bureaucratic roadblocks and power struggles with the Provincial Board have slowed progress. More concerning is the growing gap between superficial development and real, meaningful change.

At the provincial level, despite access to national government resources during the Duterte administration, Sorsogon has seen a dramatic rise in poverty. From a 19.6% poverty rate in 2018, it soared to 28.4% by 2023, catapulting the province from the 26th to the 8th poorest in the country. In stark contrast, provinces like Sulu, which once held the unfortunate title of the poorest in the nation, managed to improve its standing significantly, now ranking 38th.

Frustrated with the decline of his beloved province and an almost economically stagnant municipality, Dok Eddie found himself at a crossroads. Though he had insisted that politics was no longer part of his life, his sense of duty prevailed. At the last moment, he filed his Certificate of Candidacy, stepping up once again to lead in a time of crisis.

The upcoming election will not be an easy battle. Dok Eddie is up against formidable opponents, including Grace Hamor, the sibling of Sorsogon’s Provincial Governor, who is running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition; Arze Glipo of the People’s Reform Party; and independents Bong Galban and Jayson Galido. Political observers, however, anticipate a three-cornered race primarily between Dok Eddie, Hamor, and Glipo, each representing distinct political factions.

Dok Eddie’s decision to run underscores the essence of leadership—stepping up not for personal gain, but because the people and the situation demand it. His return reflects a deep sense of compassion for Sorsogon, a province that has suffered under political infighting and stagnation. While other candidates may offer solutions, it is Dok Eddie’s track record of genuine leadership and innovative governance that makes him stand out.

In a time when the province is at a critical juncture, the people of Sorsogon are once again looking to a familiar leader, someone who has proven that he can rise above politics and deliver real results. Dok Eddie Dorotan’s return to the political stage is a reminder that in moments of crisis, leadership is not a choice, but a calling. Whether or not the people of Sorsogon will place their faith in him once again remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that his candidacy offers them a chance to choose a leader compelled by compassion in a time of great need.

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