ANGELES CITY – Vice Gov. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao has announced that he is “90 percent sure” of running against the veteran Pampanga solon in the 2013 first district congressional race.
In an interview, Guiao added that the “10 percent remaining is just unforeseen circumstances and events beyond my control.”
The three-term vice governor is set to face two-term Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, who was never defeated in politics since 1987.
Asked for his comments, Lazatin described Guiao “as a worthy opponent. He, however, stressed that “working for the welfare of his constituents is his priority right now and not early politicking.”
Guiao said he felt that there is need for a “new and young blood” in the first district composed of this city, Magalang and Mabalacat.
A native of Magalang, Guiao added that “I feel I need to serve my district where I belong.”
Guiao expressed respect and admiration to Lazatin, who breezed past his re-election bid against two rivals last year.
He said “Lazatin as congressman and former mayor doesn’t have to prove anything.”
“I am running because Lazatin has done his mark and he is a legend. But just like a good old business, Lazatin must be changed because the return of investments is getting smaller,” said Guiao, a professional basketball coach.
Lazatin, former three-term Angeles City mayor, said he is focused on creating 444 public school classrooms and “we are just some 80 rooms short.”
“I am working not to get recognitions and awards, including trying to get the praises of Guiao. Over the years, I simply work as public servant without much talk and fanfare,” said Lazatin, three-time Outstanding Solon Awardee of the Congress Magazine.
For his part, Guiao criticized the failure of Lazatin to make the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) into state university over the years as congressman.
“The PAC as a university could have served several our people, especially those from Magalang,” said Guiao. He said he will prioritize the making of the PAC in Magalang into a university if he becomes a solon.
Lazatin said “Guiao may not know what’s he is talking about the PAC.” He said he had already re-filed his bill turning the PAC into a university at the 15th Congress.
Guiao said Angeles City should have been made a lone congressional district, benefitting Magalang and Mabalacat in terms of allocations from the Priority Development Assistance Development Fund.
Lazatin said “I will work for the separation of Magalang and Mabalacat if there is an acceptable and reliable congressman for the two towns.”
