There comes a moment in every leader’s tenure when their true character is revealed—not in the comfort of unanimous support, but in the crucible of difficult decisions.

For Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor of Oriental Mindoro, that moment has arrived with the controversial river/sea sand dredging operations that have divided the province and isolated him from nearly every voice that matters.

In a democracy, when a single leader finds himself standing alone against the united opposition of his own provincial board, two sitting congressmen, the vice governor, mayors, vice mayors, environmental groups, and the very people he was elected to serve, it should give him pause.

Yet Governor Dolor presses on, defending sand dredging operations with the fervor of a corporate lawyer rather than the wisdom of a public servant.

The governor’s justification that dredging will solve flooding in the province rings hollow when measured against the chorus of wisdom from those who understand Oriental Mindoro’s delicate ecosystem.

Environmental groups and a wide alliance of Mindoro leaders have expressed strong opposition to large-scale sand dredging operations, warning that the projects threaten coastal communities and mask black sand mining.

When veteran legislator Representative Alfonso “PA” Umali Jr. declares “Tama na, sobra na” (Enough is enough), it’s not political grandstanding – it’s the voice of experience recognizing environmental recklessness.

The most troubling aspect of this controversy is not the dredging itself, but what it reveals about Governor Dolor’s understanding of democratic leadership.

A governor is not a chief executive officer making unilateral decisions about company assets.

He is the people’s representative, elected to voice their concerns, protect their interests, and safeguard their future.

When the Sangguniang Panlalawigan orders a stoppage of sand dredging over environmental reasons, and the governor dismisses this democratic process, he fundamentally misunderstands his role.

The question that haunts this controversy is simple: Who does Governor Dolor serve?

His isolation in this issue suggests he has forgotten that public office is public trust.

When Congressman Panaligan, Congressman Umali Jr., LGU officials, and environmental advocates unite in opposition, they represent the collective wisdom and will of Mindoreños.

To dismiss their voice as mere politics while positioning himself as the sole voice of reason is not leadership – it’s hubris.

Oriental Mindoro’s natural beauty and ecological balance have been thousands of years in the making.

The decision to potentially compromise this heritage for short-term flood control solutions — solutions that many question will even be effective — cannot rest with one person, regardless of his office.

The future of Oriental Mindoro belongs to every Mindoreño, to future generations who will inherit either our stewardship or our mistakes.

Governor Dolor still has time to listen.

He still has the opportunity to step back from this lonely position and engage in genuine dialogue with the people he serves.

True leadership sometimes means admitting when you’re wrong, when the collective wisdom of your constituents outweighs your individual conviction.

The measure of a leader is not his ability to stand alone, but his capacity to bring people together toward a common vision.

The people of Oriental Mindoro deserve better than a governor who has become an advocate for projects they oppose.

They deserve a leader who listens more than he argues, who prioritizes their environmental future over dubious flood control promises, and who remembers that in a democracy, the voice of the people — not the insistence of one man — should ultimately prevail.

Governor Dolor, the choice is yours: Continue this lonely battle against your own constituents, or remember why they elected you in the first place.

Oriental Mindoro’s future is not yours alone to decide — it belongs to every Mindoreño whose voice you are sworn to represent.

It’s time to listen to the people of Mindoro.