A BUSINESSMAN from Barangay Sta. Monica, San Simon town, Pampanga has officially included himself in the town's mayoral race for the coming May 2022 election.
Joel "Jojo" Gutierrez, who has been leading the We Heal San Simon" movement, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor on Friday morning, October 8, 2021.
The organization has been donating anti-Covid-19 essentials such as alcohol, face masks, face shields, thermometers and oxygen tanks to Simonian communities since the start of the pandemic.
When asked why he decided to join politics, Gutierrez said he wants to unite Simonians for the betterment of their municipality.
"Ang main goal is to unite ang bayan namin ulit dahil dito magsisimula ang maraming progreso para sa San Simon at sa mga tao," he said.
Running as an independent candidate, Gutierrez said he is leaving the decision to Simonian on who will be his partners in leadership in the Sangguniang Bayan.
"I can work with anybody as long as we have the same objective," he said.
If elected, the mayoral aspirant said his order of business is the construction of a public hospital, which will offer affordable healthcare to Simonians.
He added that he also would continue the programs of past administrations as long as they are for the greater benefit of the people.
Aside from Gutierrez, four other candidates, namely, incumbent Mayor Abundio "JP" Punsalan, acting Mayor Leonora Wong, acting Vice Mayor Honorato "Keko" Almario, and Allan "Bong" Garcia are also eyeing the mayoral post.