LAST Tuesday, the text of Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan inviting me to attend his State of the City Address (SOCA) rather came late. And not even my best effort I can make it at legislative building of the city where regular sessions are held. That was the chosen venue of Mayor Edpam instead of the usual area of nearby Marquee Mall. But nonetheless, it was a graphic illustration of what the city had become under his watch and what to expect beyond his term, according to my source. It was a well attended and met with applauses.
I remember this quote and used it too often when referring to people who served long years in government. ‘A last gift to an old warrior', said General Douglas Macarthur when after his success in defeating Japan was summoned again by his government to repel the invasion of the North Koreans on South Korea.
'This will be my last outing as your mayor.' Thus declared Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan in my many private talks with him. 'Let these young public servants to take over the rein', pare.
Mayor Pamintuan is already in his senior years, yet he still has that youthful look. He may have slowed down compared to the time when he run for the first time in 1988 as vice mayor. Dopesters are saying that he is the man to beat in case he will join the congressional race next year in a three way contest between him, incumbent Congressman Jonjon Lazatin and comebacking Yeng Guiao.
Tucked in his belt is the fact he is the only Filipino and Asian included in the top 10 Mayor category by the World City Mayors Forum. To many, he is one of the best mayors Angeles City ever had. He is responsible for the many positive changes in the city. Currently he is the president of the League of City Mayors.
*****
What’s happening in San Fernando politics? It never happened during the time of Jose Quiwa, Levi Panlilio, Baby Sanchez, Pat Guevarra, Armando Biliwang and few others who were elected via contested elections. Incumbent City Mayor Edwin Santiago aka EDSA is too damn lucky because of the possibility that he may run for re-election without an opposition for the second time.
Is everyone developing cold feet? A group of senior citizens who regularly meet each afternoon at a fastfood store at SM Pampanga asked. I ventured in saying that maybe, just maybe, former Congressman and Mayor Oscar Rodriguez may come out from semi-retirement and stage a comeback. What about former Mayor Rey Aquino? He only took a vacation maybe. He was not born to raise pigs.
However, a friend from San Fernando who one time served as a member of the city council said the two running again in the mayoral race is not far-fetched. Both, according to reports, are shopping for financiers to bankroll their campaigns. City Councilor Angie Hizon already made an open declaration of her running for vice mayor. But she needed a teammate. Who could that be? For sure incumbent Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin will team up again with EDSA for his last term. Abangan.
*****
Congratulations to Carworld on its 40th year. And of course a salute to Levy P. Laus. He is one businessman of clear vision. He is braver and sharper more than other businessmen I know. As they say success is measured from where you started. Forty years ago, it was a small dealership. Now you may want to call it an ‘empire’.