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By Katrice R. Jalbuena
Reporter
CONFIRMING reports she was
considering backing out of the mayoralty race in the city of Manila,
Maria Jimenez, sister of former congressman and self-proclaimed
philanthropist Mark Jimenez, issued a statement on Thursday saying
she wanted to serve the entire Philippines and not just Manila.
“I can serve and love the
children of God without holding any position in the government,”
declared MJ in a one-paragraph statement released to the press.
“I can do it better because it
has no shade of politics. Just like my brother who did not run for
the Senate, yet he went all over the country to love the children of
God. I’ll do the sharing now with Mark. We will go hand in hand to
share the love and bring the message of truth. Not just in Manila
but the whole Philippines. Now I understand why. I want to walk with
him and together we will share the gift of God without asking for
anything in return,” reads the statement.
With Jimenez backing out, Manila
mayoral race is now between four contenders. The son and heir
apparent of the current Manila mayor—Ali Atienza; incumbent Vice
Mayor Danny Lacuna; Manila Rep. Rudy Bacani and former Manila mayor
and current Sen. Alfredo Lim.
There is as of yet no word as to
the fate of Marie Jimenez’s ticket “Hulog ng Langit.” Her
runningmate, three-time Councilor Robert Ortega, could not be
reached for comment.
--Katrice R. Jalbuena
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