I won't drag my father’s name in campaign – Arles

PHILIP Arles, son of the late Judge Henry Arles of the Kabankalan Regional Trial Court (RTC), said Friday that he will not drag his father’s name in his campaign in the province.

Arles filed his candidacy paper Friday for congressman of the sixth district.

“Actually the decision was made last night in consultation with the family to join the elections in 2013. For the past five months, the threats have been there from breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” Arles said.

When asked if he is going to wear vest and helmet that he presented in one of the press conferences held pertaining to the killing of his father, Arles said he may wear the protective bulletproof gears in some areas.

He added there are people who will also provide security when going around the district because they could not afford to hold political rallies.

Arles said that among the sectors that pushed him to run are the barangay officials, groups from cause-oriented groups, religious, and planters, as well as the Alvarez’s.

“I will be an active participant in Congress. I will not be a member of the Committee on Silence or the PPP (Pungko, Pamati, Pauli) Committee,” he said.

He also bared his six-point Legislative Action Agenda for the sixth district like the agricultural and industrial development, including the promotion of development of inland, coastal, and off-shore fisheries, employment generation, environment protection and development, eco-tourism, education, advancement of social justice and human rights.

“I will discuss the details of this agenda as the election campaign goes on,” he added. (Teresa D. Ellera)