ANGELES CITY – First District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin will not seek re-election and instead run for mayor in 2013, challenging the incumbent mayor whom he helped win by one of the largest margins in this city’s political history.
In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, Lazatin said he feared “double cross” so he decided to run against Mayor Edgardo “Ed” Pamintuan.
He and Pamintuan combined forces in 2010, helping the latter to beat then incumbent Mayor Francis “Blueboy” Nepomuceno by some 24,000 votes.
Lazatin, on the other hand, trounced his closest rival former Angeles City Councilor Ares Yabut by at least 120,000 votes.
The two-term congressman alleged that Pamintuan had “made early moves going to the direction of junking” him in favour of Pampanga Vice Gov. Joseller “Yeng”Guiao. The three-term vice governor earlier announced his plans to run for congressman.
“In the end, Pamintuan and his allies will junk me and I don’t what that to happen,” said Lazatin. He stressed that he had verified “not just twice but many times” Pamintuan’s alleged “hidden support” to Guiao.
Lazatin lamented that Pamintuan had stopped mentioning him and his projects as congressman in the mayor’s recent public speeches.
“History repeats itself,” said Lazatin, referring to an incident in 1995 when then re-electionist Mayor Pamintuan allegedly abandoned him and supported his rivals for congressman, including the late Mabalacat Mayor Catalino Domingo. Lzatin and Pamintuan both won then.
URGED BY TRADERS
Lazatin disclosed that businessmen in this city have been urging him to run for mayor because they are comfortable with him as top local chief executive.
“My policy of not asking, demanding or extorting from businesses when I was mayor is not just a press release but in deeds and actions unlike others,” said Lazatin.
“I want to make Angeles City prosperous again by simply making businesses thrive and make them comfortable,” added Lazatin.
NO VICE MAYOR
Lazatin said he will not take “any vice mayor” in his line-up but will include at least three councilors.
He said he “will welcome all support,” including from those planning to run for vice mayor as independent candidates. Those who are reportedly planning to run for vice mayor are CouncilorsAlfieBonifacio and Jesus “Jay” Sangil and Balibago Barangay Captain Rodelio “Tony” Mamac.
“I have invited to join Mamac but as a councilor,” he added.
ONE TERM ONLY
Lazatin said he had checked on the sincerity of Pamintuan who vowed to sit as mayor only for one term before the elections last 2010.
“I told Vice Mayor Vicky (Vega-Cabigting) to ask Pamintuan if he will not seek re-election in 2013 as promised.
I offered my post (as congressman) so that Pamintuan can take it and for Vicky tol run for mayor next year,” said Lazatin.
“My fears were confirmed. Pamintuan is not sincere, as he told the vice mayor he would seek a second term as mayor,” he added.
Punto Central Luzon called up Tuesday morning the City Information Office (CIO) for the reactions of Pamintuan.
The CIO said they have no statements to issue, as yet.
