An Interview With Monsi

WEEKS after Nuevo Zamboanga leader "Monsi" Crisanto dela Cruz conceded the 2007 local election in Zamboanga City to Mayor Celso Lobregat, the former priest sat down with this writer for an exclusive interview.

The following is a full transcript of questions and answers of Zamboanga Southwall's interview with Monsi, conducted by Hader Glang on Sunday, June 10, 2007.

Q: Are you going back to the active ministry in the archdiocese of Zamboanga?

A: Honestly, I will take my time in discernment and prayers. No need to rush. God will surely show me the way, in His time.

Q: In the meantime, what are your immediate plans?

A: Four things come to ny mind: 1) Time for intensified prayers and reflections; 2) Formation of Nuevo Zamboanga Foundation and fulfillment of pledge to give scholarship and some lands to the poor; 3) Research and study; 4) Time to look forward, to inspire and touch the lives of people thirsting for the good and love that comes from the Almighty.

Q: Do you have regrets running for public office?

A: No regrets. My decision was reached after days of retreat and intensive consultations. I am at peace with God and my conscience.

Q: Why have you conceded early? Is it true that somebody refunded all your election expenses to keep quite?

A: In a democracy, we always have a winner and a loser. I may have lost the elections, but definitely have won the hearts of many. There is honor and dignity even in defeat. I sincerely congratulate Mayor Lobregat, wish him the best of success and health. May I humbly take this opportunity to enjoin my friends and supporters to give our respect and support to the mayor for the good and progress of our city. As to the second point: I am not for sale; I have not received any refund from anyone. I believe that there's still civility in politics.

Q: How will you manage to survive without going back to the active ministry?

A: I shall travel in faith. The Lord gave me hands, feet and the necessary faculties to be able to work with dignity. Today, I open up few pages of the Bible and encountered the beautiful lines and I quote: "Look at the lilies of the field and the birds of the air..." Surely, with faith and our good works, we can move mountains.

Q: Monsi, how would you deal with the priests that maligned and attacked your good name? And those who allowed themselves to be used by your political adversaries?

A: My friend, I have only one line: They are my brothers. They deserve my love, respect and forgiveness.

Q: During the intense campaign, have you ever thought of withdrawing, considering, the betrayal of some close friends, especially, when Lakas and Kampi gave you a lukewarm treatment after initially endorsing you as the official candidate of both parties only to be withdrawn directly or indirectly?

A: Difficult question that deserves honest response! I never thought of it. I was determined to give a decent fight on issues affecting our city. I have conceded, but I sincerely believe that I won the hearts and respect of many people. My thoughts of Lakas and Kampi, though initially hurt, are one of kindness and understanding considering the expediency and signs of the time. It was a good political exercise and truly I fought hard with dignity. Without the grace of the Almighty and the wholehearted support of real friends, I may not have survived the knock out punches of the political exercise. Truly, it was very good and worthwhile experience that enriched my life. Again, no regrets.

Q: If given the chance will you seek public office again?

A: I have no immediate plans. But I am sure that God has some plans for me and in His own time, He will surely show me the way.

Q: Interestingly, towards election day, many people were saying that you would be the next mayor, what happened?

A: I have faith in the electoral process, it has to work no matter how imperfect it may be. Our democracy must have to survive. Many stories can be said and told. Our citizenry knows the real score. Without any complain or excuses I humbly bow down to such a system with the hope that someday our future generation of leaders may have the strength of character to earnestly work for reforms that would improve the present electoral system.

Q: How did you earn the trust and support of the Muslim communities? Majority of the Pastors from the different Christian Churches, sizable group from the business community, the masa and academe. More than 70,000 votes with limited resources, is not a joke. You never got a zero vote in all the precincts, what is the secret?

A: When there is love and respect for each other, nothing is difficult. For what I am worth, I represented my real self, our plans and visions for a Nuevo Zamboanga. Yes. together, in our imperfect way, we presented a message of Hope for everyone.

Q: I was at the Shrine, I saw the Archbishop pointing at you with disgust in the presence of Fr. Calvo; I too attended the Fiesta at Divisoria Parish: it seems that in many words, he is not happy about you. What are your thoughts?

A: I only have highest respect and love for the Archbishop, past and present.

Q: With begging the question: Are you happy of how the Catholic Church of Zamboanga treated you after giving your best in your years of active service to the Roman Catholic Church?

A: I love the Church so much that you would not hear from me a word of complaint. Whatever future plans I have and will make, would always depend on the will of God for me and my prayerful discernment and response. Please spare me from questions like this...please!

Q: You have defended the presidency of Erap and more, so with PGMA with so much loyalty especially in her most difficult moments. Do you feel betrayed and abandoned?

A: No hurt feelings. For me, politics come and go: but my friendship and respect towards them would remain unto my last breath. Everyday throughout my life would be the assurance of love and prayers for them. I have only my understanding towards them, no sentimiento.

Q: Win or lose, you promise to give scholarship and some 20 lots at 100 squire meters each, will you proceed with it?

A: Even years before I run as a candidate for mayor, I have silently been doing this apostolate. I shall honor my word for the poor who have less in life must have more in love.

Q:Finally Monsi, do you have any parting message for the exclusive interview?

A: Thank you for the time you have shared with me. You made me, perspire, but then I say with great joy and fulfillment that Zamboanga City is beautiful and great. It is worth the sacrifice. Someday, in God's own time, we shall all witness Nuevo Zamboanga! God bless Zamboanga and everyone.