CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for Pampanga First District Representative on October 1, 2024 at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), this city, for the 2025 National and Local Elections.
Joining Pogi Lazatin during the filing is his brother, out-going Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, who is running for Angeles City Mayor; Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting; and the entire Councilor slate of Team Lazatin — incumbent Councilors Arvin Suller, JC Parker-Aguas, Marino Bañola, Alexander Indiongco, Raco Del Rosario, Edgardo Pamintuan Jr., Michelle Bonifacio, and Crisanto Cortez; and Councilor-aspirants Ron Pineda and Alfred Sangil.
Pogi Lazatin is also joined by his long-time Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel.
Prior to filing, Pogi Lazatin and the members of Team Lazatin attended mass at Holy Rosary Parish Church to pray for their respective bids in the upcoming election.
Pogi Lazatin first announced his intent to run for Pampanga First District Representative on June 28, 2024, in front of some 1,800 guests at the Magalang Plaza, Magalang Municipality — the biggest political event in the history of the Pampanga First District in terms of logistics and preparation to date.
The event was attended by political leaders of the First District of Pampanga, including Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda.
Barangay Councils of 85 out of the total 87 barangays in the First District were also in attendance, as well as representatives from various civic sectors, were also present, including solo parents, Persons with Disability (PWD), women, LGBTQ, farmers, Indigenous People, public transport, and the Muslim community.
During his declaration, Pogi Lazatin unveiled his legislative agenda, highlighting seven main areas: Health; Economy and Livelihood; Vulnerable and Marginalized Sectors (Children, Youth, Women, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disability (PWDs), Solo Parents, and LGBTQ); Environment; Education; Transportation; and Barangays.
According to Lazatin, his legislative agenda shall follow a basic tenet – ‘ALANG MALAKWAN’ – focusing on delivering public services to all sectors from all walks of life.
“Isa lang po ang sineseguro natin. Sa ating panunungkulan, wala pong maiiwan. No one will be left behind,” Lazatin said, “Ito po ang aking bibitawang pangako — ang lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan ay mararamdaman ang ating sinserong paninilbihan.”
Also part of Lazatin’s agenda is the filing of a measure to make the fiscal incentives under the Comprehensive Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Law more competitive, in order to encourage more local and foreign investments, especially in Clark Freeport Zone.
Lazatin also intends to file a measure that will expand the coverage of the Primary Care Package, under the Universal Health Care Act, to include check-ups and laboratory tests in its coverage, which is expected to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of patients.
(Photo by Team CONG POGI)
