Monday, October 16, 2006 Former guv eyes Oro mayor's seat
IN A sudden turn around from his previously announced political comeback plans in Misamis Oriental, former Misamis Oriental Governor Antonio Calingin said he will seek Cagayan de Oro's mayoral post next year.
The post, to be vacated by Mayor Vicente Emano -- Calingin's former ally-turned enemy -- is also being eyed by almost half a dozen hopefuls from the administration and opposition parties.
Emano was Misamis Oriental governor before he entered Cagayan de Oro politics.
Earlier, Calingin said he was choosing between running in one of Misamis Oriental's congressional seat or launching a gubernatorial bid against incumbent Governor Oscar Moreno.
Rocked by allegations of corruption and abuse of authority during his tenure, Calingin lost to Moreno in the previous race.
With Moreno currently entangled in corruption charges filed by two local media men, many believed Calingin would seize the opportunity to reclaim the position he once held.
Calingin, in a radio interview over the weekend, said he was interested in Cagayan de Oro politics, and will field his son, Andy, in the province's second congressional district.
Councilor Maryanne Enteria, a staunch Emano ally and member of the ruling Padayon Pilpino (PaDayon), said they were not surprised with Calingin's announcement, adding Calingin's right "to do whatever he feels is good for him."
But Enteria has a subtle reminder for Calingin: "I hope he has no problems with residency status, knowing he is a Misamis Oriental resident," the councilor said. The law requires one-year residency for any individual seeking elective post in a particular locality.
Calingin is a native of Claveria municipality in Misamis Oriental, where he served as mayor before winning the Capitol seat.
He reportedly maintains a residence in one of Cagayan de Oro's downtown districts.
He claimed having no problems with residency requirements, pointing out that if Emano was able to run and win the mayorship, there was no reason he could not do the same.
Reminiscent to the corrupt image to which his administration was characterized, Calingin apologized for what he said was his shortcomings while in office, and appealed he be given another chance.
"I apologize to the people for all my shortcomings and that you give me another chance to serve you)," the former governor said.
If given another chance, he said he will devout his time to public service. (Danilo V. Adorador/ Annabel Ricalde of Sun.Star Superbalita)
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