THERE'S a saying in Filipino: 'Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda'. Carmelo Lazatin aka Tarzan is one of a kind. In his youth he was a hunk of a man, enjoyed himself all what wealth can afford. He is the only son of a revered public servant, the well loved Rafael Lazatin who was former governor of Pampanga and mayor of Angeles City. He had a charmed life. Loved his horses and women. Politics was farther from his mind until in 1980 when pushed inside the political arena by his father. He lost that mayoral race won by Francisco G. Nepomuceno.
Time flew so swiftly. Tarzan now is in his early eighties, being born June 28, 1934, and apparently retiring is not an item in his agenda. He had a successful political career spanning almost 30 years, won so many battles. In last year elections, he hanged his political gloves but won't allow that no Lazatin will ever enter the ring. He has Pogi Lazatin, one of his juniors who made a good account of himself as a member of the Angeles City Council. He took over the chore of being the minority head, and I concede he proved himself worthy.
The other son, Jonjon ran for a seat in the first congressional district and thrashed the incumbent Yeng Guiao, the son of the late Governor Bren Z. Guiao. Jonjon was first elected as a councilor in 1995 local elections. He temporarily placed on hold his political ambitions and concentrated on co-managing the family business concerns, but again politics beckons.
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The history of politics in Pampanga and Angeles City cannot be complete without mentioning the many families who are determined to have their sons inherit what they started. Senator Lito Lapid quarterbacked the campaign of his son Mark in the latter's quest for the capitol. Mark was at the capitol for one term but lost a senatorial seat in the last elections. The much respected and well loved Governor Lilia 'Nanay' Pineda will have her son Vice Governor Dennis as heir, observers are saying. Dennis aka Delta may face in a showdown Congressman Rimpy Bondoc in the forthcoming gubernatorial race in 2019.
Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has son Edu. Councilor Edu may either run for mayor or riding in tandem with CIAC President Alexander Caugiran in case the latter will be drafted. The late Governor Jose B. Lingad had Emy who served as congressman in the second congressional district. Of course the late President Diosdado P. Macapagal who was first became a congressman before becoming president had daughter Gloria, who became president and became congresswoman later. Another daughter, Ceilo also served as vice governor. The late Congressman Igmidio Bondoc's siblings both served the Philippine congress, Rimpy who is still an incumbent and daughter Anna York. Former Mabalacat City Mayor Marino 'Boking' Morales had son Dwight. The late Macabebe Mayor Domingo Flores had son Bobong and daughter Annette who both occupied the municipio. There are still more but will occupy so much space.
Even in the earlier period of our country's political history, sons and daughters followed footsteps of their fathers, some chalked success and some failed.
Tweets:
- Happy birthday to my Kumpareng Tarzan Lazatin. All your friends are wishing you more healthy years ahead.
- Don't easily believe rumors about terrorists are in Pampanga now.
- Mayor Ed Pamintuan and the Angeles City Council should not allow Puregold store to be in Pandan road without the necessary parking area. It is situated along the road and if allowed it will create monstrous traffic jam in that area. Please place it on hold.