Lomibao backs out of fight with JDV

MANGALDAN, Pangasinan – Barely 10 days after he announced to the local media that he is "99.99 percent sure" of running for congressman in Pangasinan’s fourth district against Speaker Jose de Venecia, retired Philippine National Police chief Arturo Lomibao formally announced yesterday that he was no longer pursuing his political plan.

In a small gathering with his leaders at a restaurant here, Lomibao, who resigned as head of the National Irrigation Administration last month to prepare for the congressional race, said, "My dear townmates, I am setting aside my plan to run as representative of the fourth district of Pangasinan for the sake of unity."

He said he believes this decision is the best for everyone, admitting though that it was "not only a hard decision but a painful (one)" because there had been expressions of support for his candidacy.

He said many of his supporters would be disappointed "so it really breaks my heart."

Lomibao, who hails from this town, said he has been going around consulting the local folk in the past weeks, observing that "instead of building bridges and relationships, common friends, relatives and community leaders are being torn between me and other political camps."

With him backing out, it will be a one-on-one fight between De Venecia and Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim for fourth district congressman.

While he said he is not closing the door to any future political endeavor, he said he has realized that he should make a personal sacrifice for the sake of genuine unity in the province.

Lomibao urged his supporters to "support the candidate whom you firmly and honestly believe, can make a difference in your lives and the lives of generations to come."

Lomibao clarified that his decision not to run was not in exchange for any consideration like the top post of the Department of Transportation and Communications, contrary to rumors.

"That is not true. That is malicious. I never asked for any position," he said.

He said he and President Arroyo talked for three hours at the Mansion House in Baguio City Monday night and she asked him not to run and instead set an example for other political aspirants.

The President asked Lomibao instead to help in the nationwide campaign of the Team Unity senatorial slate, which he said "was a tall order."

Meanwhile, two days ago, Undersecretary for Local Governance Antonio Villar Jr. announced that he would no longer run for governor.

This leaves a three-cornered gubernatorial race among outgoing Vice Gov. Oscar Lambino, second district Rep. Amado Espino Jr., and Dr. Jamie Eloise Agbayani, wife of last-term Gov. Victor Agbayani.

However, Villar said up to now, he has not yet made up his mind on whom to support for governor.

"I will think about it very carefully because this involves the future of Pangasinan," he said. – With Cesar Ramirez