ANGELES CITY — “If it’s for the poor, do not touch it.”
Thus said mayoralty candidate 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin when asked about his “secret” in his successful political career spanning 25 years.
Lazatin, who first won as congressman in 1987, said “I and my people make sure the people’s taxes should go to them up to the single centavo.”
The two-term solon, who surprised many when he decided not to run for re-election and instead challenge his political ally-turned-rival Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan for the 2013 elections, said “my public service record speaks for itself.”
He said “I was not perfect but I want to be remembered for not being involved in any form of graft and corruption.”
“There was an instance when I was charged before the Ombudsman and later it was found out I even had to be commended for using my own funds to make the project,” said Lazatin in jest.
The 78-year-old congressman said the camp of Pamintuan had earlier told residents “that I am too old and could not come out anymore.”
“Now that I am going out to work and check on my constituents, they say I am campaigning too early,” he added.
Lazatin refused to speak about the issues raised against Pamintuan but mentioned the job orders of the mayor reportedly numbering more than 2,500.
“I had about 600 JOs then but I could not imagine having more than a thousand,” said Lazatin.
He stressed that the “very unfriendly taxing scheme” of Pamintuan had made him decide to run against the lawyer-mayor.
“The glory days of businessmen must thrive in Angeles. They should be assisted and must feel comfortable.
Under Pamintuan, they are agitated,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin said businessmen “under good working conditions” generate jobs and income for the city and people.
“Choose your leaders based on record. It’s the safest. Team Lazatin is an open book and they can check on it,” he added.
