POLITICAL observers in Angeles City have noted the absence of re-electionist Congressman Carmelo “Jonjon” Lazatin in debates, public forums and media conferences where returning Congressman Joseller “Yeng” Guiao has appeared to address various issues and concerns.

In two forums held last week, Lazatin was not present nor did he send a representative in his behalf.

The first one was a debate at the “Talakayan 2019” organized by the University of the Philippines-Clark Student council inside the campus.

The second was at the weekly Balitaan of Capampangan in Media Inc. at Bale Balita inside Clark Freeport.

Organizers in both forums said Lazatin was informed about the events but declined the invitation.

“We are very honored and privileged that Mr. Guiao heeded our invitation. Personally, I am very glad that he (Guiao) decided to run again because he is the best candidate to represent the district,” University of the Philippines (UP) Clark Director Dr. Grace Hamon said.

Even without his opponent in the UP forum, Guiao answered questions that evolved around battling corruption in government, poverty alleviation, use of pork barrel funds. He also articulated his plans to provide more scholarship programs, solving traffic problems in the district and his proposal to create the Metro Clark Urban Development Plan.

At the Balitaan where he met with veteran Capampangan journalists, Guiao’s discussion was highlighted by his accomplishments as 1st District Congressman from 2013 to 2016. These include the approval of P2.9-billion funding for the new terminal of Clark International Airport.

Political pundits say that in Congress, a representative of any district must be able to talk, debate and eventually convince his fellow legislator.

“Hindi po yata pwede dito yung ditak a salita, dakal a gawa (less talk, more action) as practiced by Lazatin,” they said.