ANGELES CITY -- Former Angeles City Liga ng mga Barangay President Efren Dela Cruz is eyeing one of the 10 seats in the City Council in May 2010 elections.

In an exclusive interview with Sun.Star Pampanga over the weekend, Dela Cruz, who served as Ex-Officio and City Councilor from 1997 to 2007 under the Lazatin administration, said he will be running for councilor in next year's election.

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Dela Cruz said the decision to aspire for a seat in the City Council was brought about by his desire to serve Angelenos by providing quality legislation through various programs that would uplift the livelihood of the "common tao."

"Matagal tayong nanilbihan sa konseho, bilang president ng liga, alam natin ang mga hinanaing at nilalaman ng puso ng atin mga ka siyudad, lalo na sa barangay level. Nais kung magsilbi muli sa kanila at sa pangugumbinsi ng mga kasamahan natin sa grupo ay nagpasya tayo na muling pumagitna sa larangan ng pulitika, upang maipagpatuloy natin ang mga nais natin isulong na mga batas sa kapakanan ng mga Angelenos," Dela Cruz said.

Dela Cruz, who is a well-known ally of First District congressman Carmelo "Tarzan" Lazatin, will be running under the ticket of SCADC Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan and Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting.

The former Liga President who is from Barangay Sto. Cristo is a Master of Arts in Education major from Harvardian College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Major in Accounting) degree from the Republic Central Colleges in this City.

Before entering politics, Dela Cruz was the proprietor of Cruzian Enterprises and served as a manager of Dizon Copper-Silver Mines Inc.

A family man who has five children, Dela Cruz was also the Regional Executive Officer of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Central Luzon from 1997 to 2007.

Known for his fight against the illegal drug trade and lawless elements, Dela Cruz received numerous citations, commendations and appreciations from the Acpo, DILG, Philippine Army, CIDG, NBI, Citizen Crime Watch and other law enforcement group in Central Luzon.