Lagon open to run for Congress in 2022

CEBU, Philippines — Ako Bisaya Partylist Representative Sonny Lagon has opened his option to run for congressman of the Sixth District of the Province of Cebu in the 2022 elections, following calls by barangay captains of the towns of Consolacion and Cordova.

Lagon made the announcement in a meeting with all the 13 barangay captains of Cordova and 12 of 21 barangay captains of Consolacion last Saturday night.

While there is no final decision yet, Lagon said he still has to consult some personalities in the "higher ups," though he did not mention any names.

Lagon said he had talked with former Cordova mayor, now Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs, Secretary Adelino Sitoy, and former Consolacion mayor, now Vice Mayor Teresa Alegado.

Reports have it that Sitoy and Alegado are both interested to run for Congress in the Sixth District, after Mandaue City had separated as a lone legislative district.

But Lagon said Sitoy and Alegado did not categorically reply to his query if they are running so he would give way.

Lagon added Sitoy’s daughter, Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho, told him she doesn’t want her father to run for Congress due to his age.  Instead, she will give way the mayorship to her father and she will slide down to the vice mayor post.

Lagon also refuted allegations that he is not a resident of the sixth district, saying he has been residing in Mandaue City since 1998 and he also has a residential property in Consolacion.

While the filing of certificates of candidacy is still a year ahead, Lagon said he has been focusing his energies and resources in contributing to the government’s programs and policies.

“In my personal and official capacity, I have tried my best to extend support, in whatever little ways possible, to the Ako Bisaya’s constituencies nationwide,” he said, in a separate statement.

Lagon thanked the barangay captains who manifested their trust and confidence to him.

“It is a vote of confidence as well on my character which I will treasure for as long as I live. It is an honor which I will always seek to give justice in any way possible and I welcome with open arms all the challenges that come with it,” Lagon said.

Lagon promised to give vehicles to all the barangays in Consolacion and Cordova out of his personal resources within the year, saying his request in Congress will take time.

“Akong paningkamotan nga ako magpabilin nga angayan sa inyong pagsalig. Ako kining suklian og dugang mga panlimbasog aron padayon nga makahatag og serbisyong ligdong sa mas daghan pa natong mga kaigsoonan,” said Lagon. — GAN (FREEMAN)