Mayor bares ‘I Love San Fernando’ team

ITY OF SAN FERNANDO— Not to be undone by his up rival in politics, incumbent Mayor Edwin Santiago yesterday bared his complete, “formidable” slate for the 2019 mayoralty elections here stressing that his team will run under the principle of “love and respect.”

Santiago said that his team, which is allied with the Kambilan Party, will be composed of incumbent ViceMayor Jimmy Lazatin who will seek reelection. His slate for the town council includes reelectionist councilor slike Ato Agustin, Celestino Dizon, Rufino Dumlao, Reden Halili, Nelson Lingat, Benedict Jasper Lagman and Harvey Quiwa, and comebacking councillor lawyer Raul Macalino, plus incumbent village chiefs Ariel “Buboy” Carreon of San Felipe and Tina Lagman of Saguin.

During the press conference after the team launch at city hall, Santiago also brushed off statements by rival mayoralty aspirant Vilma Caluag that the city has not been fully extending social services to its constituents.

“We have been doing our part. Social services are part of our programs and the recognition received by the city speaks of our performance,” Santiago added.

He said that the city’s track record in terms of good governance was recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government as evidenced by the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards.

Santiago added that his rival should also look at the city’s performance in child protection, gender development and health care, all areas of which received recognitions from various government agencies.

“Before they ask what we did for the city, these people should first look at what they have done in their own barangay,” Santiago said.

Santiago was quick to note that his team will approach the coming election with “respect.” He said that the complete lineup of his team speaks of how well the people behind him are united in one goal.

“We are one, not two,” Santiago said gesturing at the same time making a light joke on his rival’s “V” hand gest u r e.

He and the “I love San Fernando” team chorused that they consider themselves “applicants” anew for the posts they are seeking, that is to serve Fernandinos and continue to protect the city’s culture of service and good gover nance.

Santiago and his team are set to file their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections office in this city on Wednesday.

— With a report from Princess Clea Arcellaz