Alfred eyes Bejo or Kringkring as his possible running mate in 2010 polls
TACLOBAN CITY — Former City Mayor Alfredo “Bejo” Romualdez or Councilor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez may just end up as his running mate on his reelection bid in next year’s general elections.
This was revealed by Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who said that both his father and his wife have good track records, reason why he is considering either of them as a possible running mate.
“But it is up to them (if they will decide to run as my running mate),” the city mayor said yesterday.
Romualdez said that he would seek for his possible second term under the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD of which he is the city district chairman as designated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
According to the city mayor, his father and his wife have good track records as public servants reason why he would not think twice of naming either of them as his vice mayoralty candidate.
“There are several options. It’s either the former mayor, Bejo Romualdez, or Councilor Romualdez who could be my running mate. Both have good track records. Otherwise, I will not run with either of them even if they are my relatives if they don’t have a good track record,” Romualdez said, dismissing possible issue on political dynasty that could be used against them.
“I am proud of them,” the mayor said, referring to the achievements of his father and his wife.
He, however, said that he could also pick other candidates as his running mate other than his father or wife.
Bejo Romualdez was Tacloban’s chief executive for nine years and is widely credited for several major infrastructure projects in the city like the astrodome and new bus terminal. He was the one who originally pushed for Tacloban to become a highly urbanized city.
Councilor Romualdez, meantime, made a successful political ran of her own during the 2007 elections wherein she topped the race for council seats. The councilor, a former movie actress, is active on issues affecting women and children.
The incumbent vice mayor, Arvin Antoni, is considered to be one of the mayor’s fiercest critics. He was the running mate of the failed mayoralty bid of businessman Dan Palami, who is rumored to be running again for mayor in next year’s elections.
The chief executive said that he would be putting up a complete line up in next year’s elections, adding that he and his teammates will file their certificates of candidacy at the end of the month.
The filing of certificates of candidacy is to start on November 20.
Mayor Romualdez said that he is proud of the achievements of his administration as he initiated several projects and programs that benefited the city’s more than 200,000 people.
But what he is most proud of, he said, was that he was able to do away somehow with political patronage which is also known as “palakasan system” under his administration. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
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