CITY of San Fernando Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin on Monday, October 15, said he has decided to join the team of re-electionist Mayor Edwin Santiago for the sake of the people of San Fernando, adding that the city’s political administration needs unity now more than ever.
“The people of San Fernando will be the big losers if I do not join the team. The city needs unity and my desire towards governance that is for the sake of the people could only be achieved as of this time through unity,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin is set to seek re-election as vice-mayor under Santiago’s “I Love San Fernando” team.
Santiago said he and his team are set to file their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections office on Wednesday, October 17, the last day of filing of COCs.
Santiago described his team as “formidable” and stressed that the team will run under the principle of “love and respect.” The team is allied with the Kambilan Party.
I Love San Fernando team
His slate for the town council includes re-electionist councilors like Ato Agustin, Celestino Dizon, Rufino Dumlao, Reden Halili, Nelson Lingat, Benedict Jasper Lagman and Harvey Quiwa, and comebacking councillor lawyer Raul Macalino, plus incumbent village chiefs Ariel “Buboy” Carreon of San Felipe and Tina Lagman of Saguin.
During the press conference after the team launch at city hall, Santiago brushed off statements by rival mayoralty aspirant Vilma Caluag that the city has not been fully extending social services to its constituents.
“We have been doing our part. Social services are part of our programs and the recognition received by the city speaks of our performance,” Santiago added.
He said the city’s track record in terms of good governance was recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government as evidenced by the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards.
Santiago added that his rival should also look at the city’s performance in child protection, gender development and health care, all areas of which received recognitions from various government agencies.
“Before they ask what we did for the city, these people should first look at what they have done in their own barangay,” Santiago said.
Santiago was quick to note that his team will approach the coming election with “respect.” He said that the complete lineup of his team speaks of how well the people behind him are united in one goal.
“We are one, not two,” Santiago said gesturing at the same time making a light joke on his rival’s “V” hand gesture.
He and the “I love San Fernando” team chorused that they consider themselves “applicants” anew for the posts they are seeking, that is to serve Fernandinos and continue to protect the city’s culture of service and good governance.
Lazatin
Lazatin, for his part, had always prided himself of being an independent politician. He ran in 2016 independently as vice-mayor and won a decisive election against rivals. He said that while he prides himself of being ahead of the pack, he is also a team player when the future of the Fernandinos is at stake.
Lazatin also told Sun.Star Pampanga that the election in 2019 will be a divisive one and it will not do the people good if there are too many politicians drawing up various and confusing party lines.
A scion of the rich Lazatin clan, he also served as city councilor. Lazatin has been one of the leading names of the City Council of San Fernando. During his time as councilor, he is known to be the most visible and popular among incumbent city councilors for his environmental advocacies as well as projects on improvement of education in the city.
For his efforts in the improvement of educational standards here, Lazatin bagged the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award of the Civil Service Commission for his excellent advocacies in education and social infrastructure. Lazatin is a businessman, environmental advocate and a health buff. ( With a report from Princess Clea Arcellaz)