ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Philip Samson, Chief of the Angeles City Public Cemetery, has filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for Angeles City Councilor on October 8, 2024 for the 2025 National and Local Elections.
Samson has been serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Angeles City Public Cemetery in Barangay Sapalibutad since 2020, where he witnessed the plight of the vulnerable sector when it comes to burying their deceased relatives.
“Sa limang taon ko po bilang OIC ng Angeles Public Cemetery, nakita ko po kung gaano kahirap para sa mga mahirap nating kababayan na mabigyan ng maayos at marangal na libing ang mga yumao nilang mahal sa buhay,” Samson said.
“Kaya tumatakbo po akong konsehal ngayon ay dahil gusto kong mas palawakin pa ang ating mabibigay na tulong sa ating mga kababayan sa usapin ng burial,” he added.
Currently, the City Government, under the administration of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., provides free caskets for the burial of individuals from indigent families.
If elected as City Councilor, Samson vows to institutionalize the provision of free caskets to more beneficiaries by filing an ordinance expanding its scope.
“Magfa-file po ako ng ordinansa para palawakin ang burial assistance na binibigay ng City Government para mas marami pa po sa ating mga kababayan ang matulungan,” Samson said.
Joining Samson during his filing to show their support are Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President and Sta. Trinidad Barangay Captain Danilo Nacu and Council; Sapangbato Barangay Captain Mario Manialung; Pulung Maragul Barangay Captain Edgar Avillon and Council; Sta. Teresita Barangay Captain Joel and Council; Anunas Barangay Captain Augusto Flores; Sto. Rosario Barangay Captain Renato Cosme; Councilmen’s League of Angeles City (CLAC) President and Sapalibutad Barangay Kagawad Ed Dalusung; Virgen delos Remedios Barangay Kagawad Ferdinand Sagcal; Lourdes Northwest Barangay Kagawad Percival Canlas; Pulung Cacutud Barangay Kagawad Jomel Capili and Boy Manansala; Margot Barangay Kagawad Lisa Pineda; Sto. Rosario Barangay Kagawad Delia Chan; and Salapungan Barangay Kagawad Ma. Teresa Salonga.
Also present are former Pulungbulu Barangay Kagawad Ed Torres; officers and members of Pampang Mobile Market headed by Alex Buyao; and LGBTQ One United President Juvillan Paras.
As Chief of the Angeles City Public Cemetery, Samson is one of the frontliners that served during the COVID-19 pandemic. The public cemetry was one of the main facilities handling deceased COVID-19 patients.
Prior to becoming Chief of the Angeles City Public Cemetery, Samson managed the Pangilinan Funeral Homes, owned by his family.
Samson is a graduate of BS Electronic Engineering from the University of Baguio.
