No Fear. Councilor Mike Tapang and his team: Larry Antido, Regin Clarete, Rommel Gopez and Caloy Sese.
Photo by Ric Gonzales
ANGELES CITY – “Out of respect.”
Thus said Porac Councilor Mike Tapang when asked by Punto his reasons for not pursuing his plans to run for vice mayor in 2013. He opted to seek re-election.
The top councilor was referring to Gov. Lilia Pineda and Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid, a former governor who hails from Porac, who are the common political supporters and friends of Porac Vice Mayor Dexter David and Tapang.
He also mentioned Porac Mayor Condralito De La Cruz and former three-term Mayor Exequiel Gamboa.
“Mayors De La Cruz and Gamboa are close to me as principal sponsors,” said Tapang, who also introduced his line-up for councillors under “Team Tapang.” They are Larry Antido, Regin Clarete, Rommel Gopez and Caloy Sese.
Tapang said he could “bear the fact” that he will go up against Pineda, who is the standard bearer of Kapanalig at Kambilan Ding Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan). David and De La Cruz are Kambilan bets although they are both unopposed.
Tapang expressed confidence that his team will “do well in the election.”
Asked if he could retain his top councilor finish in 2013, Tapang said “It’s up to the people and I hope they base their choice on performance.”
Tapang failed to categorically state if De La Cruz and David “had performed well.
“I am ready to challenge them if they will not perform well,” he added.
