LLDA head replaces pa in Rizal gov race

Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) general manager Junjun Ynares officially replaced yesterday his father, incumbent Rizal Gov. Ito Ynares, as gubernatorial candidate.

Accompanied by the elder Ynares, his mother Nini, his wife Andrea, and brother-in-law, Sen. Bong Revilla, the young Ynares filed yesterday his certificate of candidacy for Rizal governor, as official replacement of his father.

"I am ready," the young Ynares told his supporters, saying that he is ready to face the challenges that the governorship brings and that he would continue what his father has started.

The young Ynares served as LLDA general manager from January 2004 to January 2005 before joining the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as an assistant secretary. He rejoined the LLDA in July 2005.

The elder Ynares said he decided to hand over the gubernatorial bid to his son after consultations with his political supporters.

He, however, said that he is not retiring from politics, adding that he would serve as a consultant to the provincial government after his term ends on June 30.