CLARK FREEPORT -- A former city councilor and prominent businessman who is being groomed to seek Angeles City's top post said Thursday, September 20, that he will no longer run.
"I am not running [for mayor} but I will not be running away," said Dr. Irineo Alvaro Jr., president of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corporation, which operates the luxurious five-star hotel, Midori and the newest, most modern and among the largest water theme parks in Asia, the Aqua Planet.
Over the past few months, Alvaro said that friends, colleagues, newsmen and others were asking him if will pursue his plan to run for city mayor.
"I am beyond flattered to even be considered as a possible option for the job. I am grateful and humbled that the decade of service I have rendered in my stint as a councilor and as a city administrator, have been remembered with such regard," he said.
Alvaro said he never separated himself from public service.
"My family and I have established the 'Apung Neung Foundation' named after my late father. Through it, 30 students have been given the opportunity of tuition-free education. In my managerial capacity, we have also founded the Bridges of Benevolent Initiatives Foundation (BBIF) assisting about a hundred students in both their financial and material necessities," he said.
Alvaro said he has "considerable responsibilities" at Midori, Aqua Planet, MIREJ Hotel all in Clark and others endeavors.
Even without running for public office, Alvaro said his heart can still belong to public service.
"I am utterly passionate in my advocacy towards 'alternative politics' with the core being the 'anti-trapo' movement 'Plataporma, hindi Pera at Porma.' Expect that I will work tirelessly and unapologetically for this cause, converting the race into a race of credentials, capability, integrity and platforms," Alvaro said.
He also vowed to continuously join the crusade and tirelessly carry the banner of being an educated electorate and that public service is the most noble profession.