Rep. Yap denies report he’ll run for Bohol gov

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Representative Arthur Yap (3rd district, Bohol) said there are still a lot of work to do for his district and he intends to complete his third term as congressman, although he thanked former Carmen town mayor Conchita Toribio-De los Reyes for endorsing him for governor.

Yap, a member of the Nationalist People Coalition, said he thanked De los Reyes’ pronouncement that she would help him in the gubernatorial race in the 2016 elections, but he preferred more on serving for a third term in his district.

“I am thanking (De los Reyes) for her endorsement, thinking that I am a gubernatorial material. But I still have work to do in the 3rd district. As far as I’m concerned, that is where I belong. My job is here. I still have one term. There are many bills I want to propose. There are still many projects I have to give to the local governments. Many want my help,” he said.

Yap explained he could help other candidates and the programs of government if he stays in his district. When asked though if he would endorse De los Reyes for governor instead, the congressman said it is too early yet to deal on this matter and to make commitments at this time.

“That is difficult to answer because I don’t know about her final plan. It is a highly speculative question and very difficult to answer. When the plans are firm and when the national lineup is fixed, then political landscape clears up, the national alliances are set and there would be a final list of candidates, and then maybe that would be the time to commit,” he told The FREEMAN, adding that he would wait for any decision of the NPC national leadership. — Angeline Valencia (FREEMAN)