ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Sen. Lito Lapid has officially announced his plan to run for mayor of this city in 2016.
Lapid made the announcement during a recent gathering here attended by seven village chairmen, among others.
The senator acknowledged former mayor Carmelo Lazatin, who has retired from politics, as a major factor in his decision.
Lapid said the announcement would end speculations on whether he would run for Congress or governor of Pampanga.
He said Gov. Lilia Pineda or any member of her family is unbeatable, citing her accomplishments.
Village chairmen from Sta. Teresita, Ninoy Aquino, Cutud, Salapungan, Sto. Domingo, Santa Trinidad and San Jose expressed support for Lapid. Angeles has 33 barangays.
Lapid downplayed critics’ claims that he is not a resident of Angeles. He was reported to have bought a P16-million mansion near the Friendship Plaza in Barangay Pampang last year.
In June last year, he went to the Commission on Elections office here to declare this city as his official residence.
The move was in compliance with a law requiring a candidate to be a resident for at least a year in a city or town where he plans to seek elective post.
Unconfirmed reports said Lazatin has forged an alliance with the influential Nepomuceno clan to support Lapid.
Village chairman Cecile Nepomuceno was among the guests during the blessing of Lapid’s mansion in Friendship Plaza.
Lapid will be challenging Mayor Eduardo Pamintuan, whom local political observers described as a strong candidate.
Pamintuan, who is on his second term, has completed many infrastructure projects in time for the city’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit at Clark Freeport starting Jan. 26.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega has yet to make plans for 2016.
Vega confirmed reports that some sectors have been prodding her to run for mayor. She declined to comment on reports that she plans to run against Rep. Joseller Guiao in the congressional race.