In an era where many politicians are surrounded by bodyguards, use convoluted language, and don barongs and designer brands even at barangay basketball courts, here comes Dok Eddie Dorotan—dressed in a simple collared shirt or t-shirt, smiling, prepared to get to work.

I first encountered Dok Eddie over ten years ago while interviewing him for a position paper on local governance. At the outset, I was skeptical since he had frequently been associated with Malacañang during the Galing Pook Awards, had served as a mayor, and, to quote some friends from the Left, can be considered part of the “naghaharing-uri.” I anticipated a challenging conversation and doubted he would be open about the necessary reforms to the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160). However, dressed in a T-shirt featuring the salakot insignia of Galing Pook, I was unexpectedly impressed by the wealth of insights he provided. As such, I did not hesitate when, a few years later, he invited me to co-author the book, “Issues and Critical Actions on Local Governance”, and collaborate with the Galing  Pook Foundation for some projects.

Dok Eddie is that rare kind of leader who doesn’t need to prove anything with flair. He eats with his bare hands when needed, and talks to people in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and respected—whether he’s with a tricycle driver, a barangay tanod, or a high-ranking government official. Same Dok Eddie, same sincerity.

And even though he has been meeting with high-ranking officials, including Philippine Presidents, he remains simple. No political noise. No grandstanding. Just a doctor-turned-mayor-turned-development advocate who truly believes that leadership is service, not showbiz, not business.

Adaptive, Hindi Paasa

When COVID-19 hit and everyone was confused, scared, or slow to act, Dok Eddie moved fast. He helped form the COVID-19 Action Network (CAN) — a space where leaders, health workers, and even regular citizens could come together (online, of course) to share info, ask questions, and organize action. No red tape, no bureaucracy—just real collaboration.

And when we were working on a project with UNICEF for youth governance, he didn’t just follow the manual. He flipped the script. Instead of just training the youth, he suggested that we launch the “Galing Kabataan Awards”—a campaign that identified and featured young people leading the way during the pandemic. Empowerment, not just instruction. The project was later featured in the book, “Youth Participation in Governance: Reflections on the Localized Galing Kabataan Initiatives”.

Walang Pulitika. May Paninindigan.

Due to his work in development and local governance (even outside of local government), many urged Dok Eddie to return to politics. He was adamant, of course, as Dok Eddie does not have a dynasty. He’s not backed by millions or machinery. All he possesses is a clear track record, decades of genuine public service, and a quiet confidence that maybe—just maybe—the people will choose someone based on their accomplishments, not their family ties.

And all he can boast of are his programs that turned Irosin—once a 5th-class, rebel-infested town—into a peaceful and thriving municipality. He did that not with guns or gimmicks, but with roads, access to services, and respect for people’s dignity. Now it’s a second-class town, thanks to the work he started.

So why run again?

For many political dynasts, there are always a thousand and one reasons to justify another run—dressed up in flowery speeches but often rooted in protecting business interests, expanding power, or maintaining control over public funds. They call it “public service,” but let’s be real—it’s more about self-preservation.

But Dok Eddie? He’s got no dynasty to protect, no empire to defend, and no political machinery waiting in the wings. He could have stayed comfortably retired. Instead, he’s choosing to step up again. Why? Because he sees Sorsogon slipping. From 26th poorest province in 2018, Sorsogon fell to 7th poorest in 2023. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a sign of a province backsliding, with rising poverty, stalled services, and dreams deferred.

And behind that? A heavily politicized environment where development is delayed despite the facade of infrastructure, and basic services get tangled in political loyalties. Provincial and sub-provincial LGUs are no longer partners but pawns in a game of who’s in and who’s out. Performance takes a backseat to power plays.

Dok Eddie is running not because he wants to—but because he knows he must. Real service must be brought back to the people. Dignity in governance must be restored. Progress must be untangled from politics.

But let’s be real—even if Dok Eddie runs, he can’t do it alone.

He has no millions, no big families and financiers lining up behind him, no family name plastered on every corner. What he has is a heart for service, a track record that speaks louder than tarps, and the hope that people—especially from Irosin—still believe in good, honest leadership.

He’s running not to win power, but to win back progress.

But he can only win if we walk with him. If we vote not for noise, but for substance; not for the P3000 attached in sample ballots but for the track record.

Walang pera. Walang makinarya. Walang dinastiya. Pero may laban—kung tayo ang kasama.

So let’s make this happen.

“Basta kan Dok Eddie… upod kita!”

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