Rep. Joson not seeking re-election

MANILA, Philippines - This congressman must be a rare breed of politician. Unlike many of his colleagues, he is not dying to stay in power.

Maverick Rep. Edno Joson of Nueva Ecija’s first district told a Quezon City news forum yesterday that he is “90-percent sure” that he won’t seek a second term in the May 2010 elections.

“I am inclined not to seek re-election to set an example to political dynasties. Public office should not be the monopoly of these dynasties,” he said.

Joson said he made the decision after his relatives, who have dominated Nueva Ecija politics since the Marcos regime, chose former congresswoman Josefina Joson as their candidate against Gov. Aurelio Umali.

He said the former congresswoman, who is his sister-in-law, would team up with incumbent Vice Gov. Edward Joson, who is his nephew.

“There would be too many Josons running. So I am giving way,” he added.

This was not the first time Joson decided not to run after serving for only one term of three years. He was a member of the 8th Congress in the late ’80s and did not seek re-election because his relatives were candidates for local posts in their province.