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Legazpi City: Presidential Chief of Staff Joey
Salceda filed his certificate of candidacy for Albay’s top post
and challenge the incumbent Gov. Fernando Gonzales who has opted to
seek a second mandate.
Lawyer Rodolfo “Jong” Bonafe,
Salceda’s legal counsel filed before the Commission on Election
provincial office the certificate of candidacy in behalf of the
former Albay representative shortly before midnight on Thursday.
Two powerful lawmakers are
supporting Salceda’s candidacy, Edcel Lagman and Carlos Imperial
of the first and second congressional districts of Albay,
respectively.
Salceda said in a radio interview
that his intention was to pursue his plans for the economic
development of the province, particularly the completion of Daraga
International Airport in Daraga town and phase three of Pantao Port
in Libon, as well continuing efforts toward the modernization of the
province.
“I have nothing against
governor Gonzalez. I’m running for governor because I want to put
into effect my economic plan for the province. I just felt that it
is my duty to help the Albayanos because poverty is my only enemy
and this is the basis of my candidacy,” Salceda said.”
Close friends of Rep. Salceda
told The Manila Times that the conflict between Gonzalez and Salceda
ensued when the former broke his promise not to seek reelection and
make way for the latter to be governor.
Governor Gonzalez for his part
welcomed the candidacy of the former presidential chief of staff and
said that may the best candidate win. His wife and incumbent Mayor
Linda Gonzalez of Ligao City is likewise seeking another term.
Earlier, former ambassador to
Lebanon Al Francis Bichara told The Manila Times noted how former
political allies in Albay are now set to compete with each other in
the coming mid-term elections. These candidates come from prominent
clans in the province that control political dynasties in every
district.
The first congressional district
is Rep. Edcel Lagman’s turf since the early 80s. Since his brother
in law, Mayor Alex Burce of Tabaco City is ending his term of office
this year, Lagman’s daughter, former representative Krisel
Lagman-Luistro will be running for the mayoral post.
As for Representative Lagman
who is seeking reelection, he’ll be up against former radio
broadcaster and vice governor Jesus James Calisin who bolted
Lakas-CMD after 15 years. Apparently Calisin feels betrayed after
Gov. Raul Lee, regional chairman of Lakas chose Lagman as
administration candidate following the equity of the incumbent
principle.
The second district has always
been in the hands of Rep. Carlos Imperial and his relatives,
something they’ve maintained for over five decades now. He will be
running under the ruling party while former governor Al Francis
Bichara will run under the Nationalista Party. His grandson Michael
Imperial will give the mayoralty post another shot against incumbent
Mayor Noel Rosal who is seeking reelection, which will be a repeat
of their 2004 political rivalry at the polls.
The Salceda family has maintained
its political influence over the Third District of Albay for almost
a decade. Representative Salceda’s father served as mayor of
Polangui while his brother, Jesap Salceda, was formerly provincial
board member, while a nephew, Jeciel Salceda also served as
ex-officio member for Federation of Sangguniang Kabataan in Albay
province.
In the coming congressional race,
Jesap Salceda will run as the Lakas-CMD candidate in against two
others, Reno Lim of Nationalist People’s Coalition and Reynado
Princesa of Aksyon Demokratiko.
 --Rhaydz
B. Barcia
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